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Abuse and Drug Use

In “Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Women Participating in Outpatient Drug Abuse Treatment” Ms. Gil-Rivas, Mr. Fiorentine, and Mr. Anglin discuss the role played by abuse in the success or failure of treatment of drug abuse. There is indication that sexual and physical abuse results in an increased level of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Sexual abuse has been defined as being, “Forced or pressured to perform, or being involved in, any sexual act against the individual’s will” (Gil-Rivas, et al). Physical abuse defined as, “being hit or beaten so hard that the individual suffered from cuts or bruises” (Gil-Rivas, et al). These definitions included family members, acquaintances, and strangers and were used for assessment.
Women in outpatient treatment programs for alcohol and substance abuse are more often to be victims of sexual abuse from family, acquaintances, and strangers than are men. Women are m...

Posted by: Rebecca Wyant

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