Correlates of sexual abuse among boys in treatment for chemical dependency

Abstract

Chemical dependency in adolescence is compounded frequently by environmental and developmental difficulties. Victims of child sexual abuse are believed to be at increased risk of psychological and behavioral problems, including alcohol and drug abuse. However, empirically derived evidence of correlates of sexual abuse victimization among boys is scarce. In a sample of 1,227 boys in adolescent chemical dependency treatment centers, only a small proportion (6.6%) disclosed a history of intrafamilial or extra‐familial sexual abuse. However, these boys can be distinguished from their counterparts by more serious psychopathology, behavior problems and environmental risk. Specifically they report more family violence and substance abuse, more agitation and suicidal behavior and earlier legal troubles. Even their histories of substance abuse set them apart: they started drinking and drug use earlier, were involved with more drugs and used drugs more frequently. Their symptoms patterns were more indicative of self‐medication than those of nonvictims. Underdetection and lack of therapeutic response to sexual abuse of boys may be an impediment to their recovery from chemical dependency.