Detecting a history of childhood sexual experiences among women substance abusers

This article examines a means of detecting a history of childhood sexual experience (CSE) to improve substance abuse treatment outcomes. The symptom profile of women with a history of CSE is discussed in relation to the difficulties it presents in detection of a history of CSE, especially in women who also have a past or current history of substance abuse. A symptom checklist is described, and its validity and reliability are reported as satisfactory. The use of the checklist in client assessment and treatment planning is discussed.