Multiple substance use among adolescent physical and sexual abuse victims

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between substance use patterns among adolescents and their histories of physical and/or sexual abuse.

The Minnesota Student Survey was administered in 1995 to 122,824 public school students in Grades 6, 9, and 12. Substance user groups were created based on frequency of use and the number of substances used. Use of individual substances, use of multiple substances, age of first use, and reasons for use were examined with respect to histories of physical and/or sexual abuse.

Physical and sexual abuse were associated with an increased likelihood of the use of alcohol, marijuana, and almost all other drugs for both males and females in the three grades surveyed. Use of multiple substances was highly elevated among victims of abuse, with the highest rates seen among students who reported both physical and sexual abuse. Abuse victims also reported initiating substance use earlier than their nonabused peers and gave more reasons for using, including use to cope with painful emotions and to escape from problems.

Because of their increased vulnerability, young victims of physical and sexual abuse need improved prevention, early intervention, and treatment services related to substance use.