Does Typography of Substance Abuse and Dependence Differ as a Function of Exposure to Child Maltreatment?

Abstract

We investigated the link between child maltreatment, including child sexual assault (CSA) and child physical assault (CPA), and addiction-related symptomatology in a subsample of adolescents from the National Survey of Adolescents, all of whom met DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse or dependence (N = 281). More than 60% of the sample reported a history of CSA and/or CPA. Results indicated significant differences in typography of substance abuse and dependence symptoms and rates of comorbid lifetime PTSD based on assault history, specific assault incident characteristics, and sex. Clinical implications for substance-abusing youths with maltreatment histories are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• child maltreatment
• physical assault
• sexual assault
• substance abuse

Portions of this research have been previously presented. The research was supported by Grant 93-IJ-CX-0023 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, NIJ. The preparation of this article was supported by Grant K23DA018686 from NIDA and a Young Investigator Research Grant from NARSAD awarded to the first author and Grant T32 AA007474 from NIAAA. Views contained in this article do not necessarily represent those of NIDA, NARSAD, NIAAA, or the U.S. Department of Justice or its associated agencies.

Notes

∗p < .01. ∗∗p < .001.

Note. Alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and substance abuse symptoms refer to symptom counts.