Childhood abuse and harmful substance use among criminal offenders

Childhood abuse is a serious problem that has been linked to harmful alcohol and drug use in non-offender samples. In a sample of 219 criminal offenders, we examined the associations between childhood physical and sexual abuse and three indices of harmful substance use. Results indicate that physical abuse was associated with symptoms of alcohol use disorder and sexual abuse was associated with symptoms of drug use disorder among offenders. Both forms of childhood abuse were associated with substance use consequences, even after taking into account substance type and frequency of use. No gender by childhood abuse interactions were found. Symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety partially mediated relationships between childhood abuse and substance use consequences. Findings underscore the importance of assessing childhood abuse and treating anxiety and depression among offenders who exhibit harmful substance use.

► We examined the relationship of childhood abuse to later harmful substance use among offenders.
► Physical abuse was related to alcohol use and sexual abuse was related to drug use.
► Both forms of abuse were related to substance use consequences.
► Mood and anxiety symptoms partially mediated several of these relationships.