Depression Treatment

One of the saddest things that can accompany addiction is having a history of physical and sexual abuse. Many people begin using drugs and alcohol in order to cope with these problems from the past, or even while the abuse is still going on.

This issue is especially prevalent among women. According to research, as many as 70 percent of women who deal with drug abuse have sexual and physical abuse in their past. Men also deal with the same problems, but the rates are lower. Women are also less likely than men are to report that they have a history of being abused by a parent, which keeps them from getting the help that they need for it.Physical and sexual abuse leads to lower confidence. It causes many people to feel powerless in their own lives, and makes it more likely that the individual will become involved with toxic people later in life. These things often contribute to developing a substance abuse problem.

Drug and alcohol addiction treatment creates certain challenges for individuals who have a past history of physical or sexual abuse. When they stop using these substances, they will need to learn new methods for coping with their pain. The memories and hurt won’t go away, but they will no longer be able to avoid feeling it by using drugs and alcohol. It is necessary to address these issues in order be successful in addiction recovery and maintain abstinence. Otherwise, a relapse will occur as soon as they come up again, because prior abuse is almost definitely one of the things that lead to the individual’s addiction in the first place. People who must deal with these things should choose a treatment center than is skilled in helping patients with them and has a strong psychological component.