SEXUAL ABUSE IN CHILDHOOD AND ADULT DRUG ADDICTION

Abstract

This article reviews several studies on the relationship between having been sexually abused in childhood (CSA) and adult drug addiction. In this approach to the subject, seventeen studies and three books that relate the two variables are discussed. It is concluded that there is proof of higher incidence of sexual abuse during childhood among women with addiction problems, and the importance of approaching sexuality and affectiveness in the evaluation of treatment of drug addiction patients is stressed.

Keywords

• Sexual abuse in childhood
• sexuality
• drug addiction.