Gender Differences in Trauma History and Symptoms as Predictors of Relapse to Alcohol and Drug Use

The objective of this study was to determine whether there are gender‐specific associations between trauma exposure and alcohol or drug relapse in alcohol‐dependent adults. Participants were 51 men (n = 24) and women (n = 27) with alcohol dependence, 22 (43.1%) of whom relapsed during study particip...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal on addictions 2011-07, Vol.20 (4), p.307-311
Main Authors: Heffner, Jaimee L., Blom, Thomas J., Anthenelli, Robert M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse - psychology
Age Factors
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Female
Humans
Life Change Events
Male
Middle Aged
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Risk Factors
Secondary Prevention
Severity of Illness Index
Sex Characteristics
Sex Factors
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - complications
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - diagnosis
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - psychology
Substance-Related Disorders - diagnosis
Substance-Related Disorders - etiology
Substance-Related Disorders - prevention & control
Substance-Related Disorders - psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:The objective of this study was to determine whether there are gender‐specific associations between trauma exposure and alcohol or drug relapse in alcohol‐dependent adults. Participants were 51 men (n = 24) and women (n = 27) with alcohol dependence, 22 (43.1%) of whom relapsed during study participation. Severity of childhood trauma; number of lifetime events evoking fear, helplessness, or horror; and current trauma symptoms all predicted relapse in women, but not in men. These findings highlight the importance of assessing trauma history and providing treatment of trauma‐related symptoms for individuals with alcohol and drug dependence, and for women in particular. (Am J Addict 2011;00:1–5)
ISSN:1055-0496
1521-0391
DOI:10.1111/j.1521-0391.2011.00141.x