MULTIPLE SUBSTANCE USE AMONG ADOLESCENT PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the relationship betwee n substance use patterns among adolescents and their histories of phys ical and/or sexual abuse. Method: The Minnesota Student Survey was adm inistered in 1995 to 122,824 public school students in Grades 6, 9, an d 12. Substance user groups were created based on frequency of use and the number of substances used. Use of individual substances, use of m ultiple substances, age of first use, and reasons for use were examine d with respect to histories of physical and/or sexual abuse. Results: 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 subst ances was highly elevated among victims of abuse, with the highest rat es seen among students who reported both physical and sexual abuse. Ab use 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. Conclusion: Becaus e of their increased vulnerability, young victims of physical and sexu al abuse need improved prevention, early intervention, and treatment s ervices related to substance use. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd,.