NCJ Number
205007
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 39 Issue: 2 Dated: January 2004 Pages: 277-305
Date Published
January 2004
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between maltreatment in childhood and adult alcohol dependency among a sample of recently incarcerated female inmates.
Abstract
A total of 1,377 women admitted to Texas correctional facilities from May 1998 to March 1999 were interviewed. The face-to-face interview focused on six areas: the prevalence of licit and illicit substance use, criminal history, physical and mental health, high-risk sexual behaviors, prior neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and demographics. The dependent variable, alcohol dependence, was measured with seven scale items that corresponded with DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence. Independent variables pertained to parental drinking characteristics and childhood maltreatment. The study found that being neglected as a child was predictive of adult alcohol-related problems, but having been sexually or physically abused as a child was not a significant predictor of alcohol abuse as an adult. Bivariate findings indicated that women who were alcohol dependent were also more likely to have grown up in disorganized family situations, including parental drug and alcohol abuse problems. As adults, these women were far more likely to have used mental health services and substance abuse treatment programs. Among the alcohol-dependent group, 62 percent indicated a willingness to participate in substance abuse treatment programs. Overall, the findings show the need for improved screening, assessment procedures, and programming for female inmates. 3 tables and 82 references