Rehabilitation from substance abuse in individuals with a history of sexual abuse.

Twenty subjects were randomly selected from 200 intake files in a substance abuse rehabilitation facility. Each subject provided information regarding whether or not any history of sexual abuse existed. Treatment records were compared on seven categories of treatment taken from Daughters and Sons United criteria for successful recovery from sexual abuse. A higher rate of relative success across categories of treatment was demonstrated for those who dealt with issues of sexual abuse. Conversely, greater rates of recidivism and lower progress in recovery from substance abuse was noted in those who failed to address issues of sexual abuse. This study demonstrates that concentrating on substance abuse and failing to address issues of sexual abuse increases the likelihood of lower rates of rehabilitation. It is suggested that information regarding sexual abuse should be obtained during the assessment and intake procedures conducted by addiction rehabilitation programs and should form an important part of treatment itself.