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The relationship of sexual abuse, early initiation of substance use, and adolescent trauma to PTSD
Author(s) -
Kingston Sharon,
Raghavan Chitra
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20381
Subject(s) - psychology , posttraumatic stress , substance use , substance abuse , sexual abuse , clinical psychology , injury prevention , poison control , psychiatry , human factors and ergonomics , medicine , medical emergency
This study explores relationships among childhood sexual abuse (CSA), age of substance use initiation, additional traumatic events, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of adolescents. A history of CSA that preceded substance use was not related to an earlier age of substance use initiation. Early initiation of substance use predicted exposure to additional traumatic experiences. This relationship was partially mediated by engagement in risky behavior while under the influence of substances. Posttraumatic stress disorder was related to CSA, additional traumatic experiences and engagement in risky behavior while under the influence of substances.