An exploration of sexually abused men in treatment for substance abuse

A retrospective chart review was performed of 222 men admitted to an outpatient-chemical dependency treatment program. Ninety-eight (44%) of these men reported histories of sexual abuse and 39% of those also suffered physical abuse. Six dependent variables were examined and compared among the four groups of men: frequency and quantity of use of alcohol, cocaine and heroin; age of first use of alcohol and other drugs; multiple substance abuse; psychiatric comorbidity; and number of prior treatments. Men who reported histories of sexual abuse used cocaine more frequently, started drinking earlier, used multiple substances and had greater psychiatric comorbidity than the control group. The physically abused men used cocaine more frequently, used multiple substances, reported a higher number of prior treatment attempts, and had greater psychiatric comorbidity than the non-physically abused group. These findings confirm a link between sexual abuse, physical abuse and substance abuse.