Substance abuse treatment: Critical issues and challenges in the treatmentof Latina women

This article presents data on the profile and history of childhood abuse fr om a study of 66 Latinas enrolled in a residential substance abuse treatmen t program. Data were gathered through interviews conducted at program entry . A significant majority reported a childhood history of abuse (80%) and pa st year diagnosis of mental health problems (76%) and health (68%)problems. Compared to those with no reported history of childhood abuse, women with a history of abuse were more likely to be predominantly Spanish speakers (p = .01), report significantly higher levels of health problems (p = .01), h ave had children removed from their custody (p = .008), and drop out in the early stages of treatment (p = .01). These findings have important implica tions for the course of treatment, how history of abuse is handled in resid ential treatment, and support services needed by clients. The authors discu ss challenges and approaches to providing needed services.