Abstract
Purpose: Substance use disorders (SUD) are frequently preceded and accompanied by traumatic experiences. Individuals suffering from both SUD and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience more severe symptoms and greater challenges during treatment. This phenomenon is particularly relevant for women, as they are disproportionately exposed to adverse events. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the prevalence of adverse experiences during SUD among women. This study aimed to measure adverse experiences endured during addiction, to assess gender differences.
Design Methods: Participants were recruited from a treatment clinic as part of a patient registry. Starting in December 2021, patients were enrolled within the 7irst 90 days of their initial appointment. The survey included sociodemographic questions, the 10-item Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) measure, and the 20-item Adverse Addiction Experiences (AAE) measure. Descriptive statistics were calculated for sociodemographic characteristics, adverse childhood experiences, and adverse addiction events.
Results: The analytic sample included 80 participants (mean age = 37.15), primarily White (n=57, 71.3%), with 50% being female (n=40). The most frequently experienced ACE was parent separation or divorce (N=55, 68.8%). The most frequently endorsed adverse experiences were living with someone who had an alcohol or drug use disorder (53.8%) and experiencing emotional abuse, such as being sworn at, insulted, put down, or humiliated (50%).
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated a significant gender disparity, with women being more likely to experience adverse addiction experiences across nearly every adverse addiction event assessed. While these findings need to be replicated in larger, more diverse samples, it is likely that women experience a disproportionate burden of addiction-specific trauma, underscoring the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges encountered by women in the context of addiction. Tailored interventions and support services that consider these gender-specific vulnerabilities are crucial in providing effective and comprehensive treatment.
Design Methods: Participants were recruited from a treatment clinic as part of a patient registry. Starting in December 2021, patients were enrolled within the 7irst 90 days of their initial appointment. The survey included sociodemographic questions, the 10-item Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) measure, and the 20-item Adverse Addiction Experiences (AAE) measure. Descriptive statistics were calculated for sociodemographic characteristics, adverse childhood experiences, and adverse addiction events.
Results: The analytic sample included 80 participants (mean age = 37.15), primarily White (n=57, 71.3%), with 50% being female (n=40). The most frequently experienced ACE was parent separation or divorce (N=55, 68.8%). The most frequently endorsed adverse experiences were living with someone who had an alcohol or drug use disorder (53.8%) and experiencing emotional abuse, such as being sworn at, insulted, put down, or humiliated (50%).
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated a significant gender disparity, with women being more likely to experience adverse addiction experiences across nearly every adverse addiction event assessed. While these findings need to be replicated in larger, more diverse samples, it is likely that women experience a disproportionate burden of addiction-specific trauma, underscoring the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges encountered by women in the context of addiction. Tailored interventions and support services that consider these gender-specific vulnerabilities are crucial in providing effective and comprehensive treatment.
| Original language | American English |
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| Pages | 36 |
| State | Published - 13 Sep 2024 |
| Event | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States Duration: 13 Sep 2024 → 13 Sep 2024 |
Conference
| Conference | 2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | STRIDE 2024 |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Tahlequah |
| Period | 13/09/24 → 13/09/24 |