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Relationship Between Sexual Abuse and Substance Abuse Among Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adolescents

NCJ Number
119529
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: (1989) Pages: 319-334
Author(s)
M Singer; M Petchers
Date Published
1989
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A comparative study using matched samples was conducted to investigate the relationship between sexual abuse and substance abuse.
Abstract
The sample included 48 sexually abused, adolescent, psychiatric inpatients and 48 nonabused, psychiatric inpatients. These two groups were matched by age, race, sex, and primary psychiatric diagnosis. Statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups. Abuse group adolescents showed a more regular use of cocaine and stimulants, greater frequencies of alcohol and drug use, and more reported drunkenness and times high on drugs than their control group counterparts. Explanations for the association between substance abuse and delivery are offered. 24 references, 4 tables. (Author abstract modified)