Is exposure to childhood maltreatment associated with adult psychological distress among adult intravenous drug user?

Abstract

The paper allows a better understanding of the role of childhood maltreatment among patients with severe opiate addiction and explores its association with current psychological distress. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on a purposive sample (n = 87) of adult intravenous opiate users participating in the North American Opiate Medication Initiative study – the first of its kind in North America, who responded affirmatively to a question on childhood maltreatment. Each participant was assessed in the areas of childhood maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Short Form), current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist, civilian version; PCL-C), and current psychological distress (Symptom Checklist; SCL-90). 87/125 individuals responded (response rate of 69.6%). Within this subsample, the mean age was 38 years, with women making up 41.4% of the participants of the sample. The prevalence of childhood maltreatment (both abuse and neglect) was 72.9%; of these, 45.9%, 41.2%, and 40% of the participants reported moderate-to-extreme emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, respectively. Those with self-reported exposure to childhood maltreatment, abuse, or neglect had significantly more severe current reported symptoms related to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and paranoid ideation compared to participants who reported little (or no childhood) maltreatment. A childhood history of maltreatment, both abuse and neglect, is associated with a complex psychological state among chronic intravenous drug users and must be kept in mind when addressing anyone receiving treatment in a comprehensive addiction treatment program.

Keywords:

• dual diagnosis
• mental health
• community
• comorbidity