Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Addiction - Abstract
Individuals who have endured childhood sexual abuse (CSA) often struggle with long-term consequences throughout their lives. Research examining consequences of CSA, such as somatic, mental, and emotional distress are reviewed. Using archival data, the current study (a) explored prevalence of CSA among adults in addiction treatment, (b) examined if diagnoses and addictive behaviors differ for those who report CSA, and (c) examined potential differences in chemical and process addictions and diagnoses for those who report CSA. Eighty-eight participants reported CSA (25.8%; N = 246). Chi-square analysis found the most significant differences between those who reported CSA and those who did not report CSA was in compulsive behaviors, specifically related to hypersexual behavior, disordered eating, and gambling. Statically significant results were also found in the use of sedative hypnotic drugs c2 (1, N = 246) = 0.046, p< .001. Increasing awareness of the possible addictive behaviors that correlate with CSA could improve assessment of trauma’s impact on addiction and increase an understanding of how interventions can be focused for addiction recovery in populations with CSA. Future research might examine the impact of targeted early interventions around compulsive sexual, food, and gambling behaviors for survivors of CSA.