This study examined the adverse effect of childhood sexual/physical abuse among 171 substance-abusing women with infants or young children, who were admitted to the Family Rehabilitation Program in New York City. Approximately one half of the women (51%) self-reported ever having been sexually (24%) or physically abused (45%) in their childhood. Having a history of childhood abuse experiences, particularly sexual abuse, was associated with various areas of adult life functioning. Approximately 13 months after program admission, 82% of the sample was recontacted for follow-up. No significant associations were found between childhood abuse experiences and length of retention in services. However, several significant differences in service outcomes between sexually or physically abused women and nonabused women were found. The abused women had significantly more problems relating to drug use and psychiatric/psychological adjustment at follow-up. The findings support a need for substance dependency treatment programs tailored for women who have experienced serious childhood abuse.
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