Lifetime physical and sexual abuse and substance use treatment outcomes in men

Although lifetime physical and Sexual abuse are common among substance use disorder (SUD) patients, few studies have examined the impact of abuse on treatment outcomes, particularly for men. Men with lifetime physical (n = 49), sexual (n = 49), or no abuse (n = 117) history were assessed at entry to outpatient SUD treatment and at 6 and 12 months postintake. Men with it history of physical or sexual abuse had more severe drug, problems at intake, but by 6 months, there were no group differences ill drug use. However. relative to men without all abuse history. men with a sexual abuse history had more severe psychiatric problems at all three time points and were more likely to report significant suicidality at intake and 6 months. Findings suggest that men with a history of Sexual abuse benefit from SUD treatment, but additional intervention may be warranted to remedy persisting psychiatric distress. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc.