Sexual assaults regularly occur against women, men and children, and these traumatic events can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s emotional and psychological health. Drug addiction can increase the risk of being a victim, and extreme scenarios may find addicts trading sex for drugs. Likewise, the risk of substance abuse is significantly higher for sexual assault victims, who often turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with the traumatic aftermath.
Sexual Assault Statistics
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides alarming US statistics on sexual assaults, including the following:
- 44 percent of assault victims are under the age of 18
- More than 200,000 sexual assaults occur in the US each year
- 54 percent of the victims do not report the assault to the police
- Nearly 15 percent of women have been victims of a completed rape
- One in 33 men were victims of an attempted or completed rape
- Rape victims are 26 times more likely to abuse drugs
Sexual assault is also a major problem in the military. A 2012 study in the Traumatology journal suggests very high rates of assault, including the following:
- 20 percent to 43 percent of servicewomen and veterans experienced sexual trauma in the military
- 1 percent to 3 percent of servicemen and veterans experienced sexual trauma in the military
In 2008, the Trauma, Violence & Abuse journal studied the effects of sexual trauma on military personnel. Mirroring the civilian population, military victims typically experienced higher rates of substance abuse, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Childhood Sexual Trauma
Children who were sexually abused have an especially high risk for addiction as adults. Published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, the 1995 study “Childhood Sexual Trauma of Chemically Dependent Women” noted several findings regarding sexually abused women, including the following:
- More likely to have family members suffering from addiction
- Higher rates of rape at other times in their life
- Began drug use at an earlier age and for a long duration
Using data from the massive Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine argued in 1998 that adults with multiple childhood traumatic exposures had a four- to 12-fold increase in risk for alcoholism, drug abuse and depression.
Health Consequences of Sexual Assault
In addition to physical injuries, sexual assault can cause psychological and emotional damage. The assault can initiate mental health disorders like depression, anxiety and panic attacks, and victims in general struggle with a variety of potential issues, including the following:
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia and night terrors
- Mood swings toward anger, irritability and sadness
- Chronic sense of emotional disconnect and distance
- Issues with concentration, focus and memory lapses
- Struggles establishing healthy relationships and bonds
- Situations that trigger memories of the assault
If a mental health disorder develops, the above symptoms often grow much worse.
Sexual Trauma and Addiction
Many sexual assault victims turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate their problems. There are numerous examples of self-medication, including the following:
- Anti-anxiety medications like Valium to suppress anxiety, fear and panic attacks
- Depressants like alcohol, sleeping pills and marijuana to reduce insomnia and stress
- Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines to feel empowered and in control
- Opiates like heroin and prescription painkillers to dull painful emotions and memories
Substance abuse is an unhealthy way to self-medicate mood disorders and numb emotional pain. The drug effects are temporary, and as the internal struggle intensifies, more drugs are often required to quell the tide. When an addiction or dependence develops, the symptoms of past trauma tend to become worse.
Addiction and Trauma Treatment
In 2002, a Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs article found that sexually abused addicts struggled with treatment outcomes, but specialized care with more frequent treatment contacts made a difference. Whether the sexual assault occurred recently or many years ago, the most effective care incorporates trauma therapies into its treatment. Rehabilitation centers typically offer this service and other options, including the following:
- Drug or alcohol detoxification with regular medical supervision
- Tapered withdrawal for benzodiazepine-class drugs like Valium and Xanax
- Extensive screenings and diagnosis to identify mental health disorders
- Integrated treatment to address past trauma and mental health issues
- Strategies to tackle cues that trigger traumatic memories and drug cravings
- Behavioral therapies that foster healthier thought patterns and conduct
- Group therapy to discuss trauma, substance abuse and coping mechanisms
Professional treatment begins the process, but trauma and addiction patients should participate in aftercare counseling, local recovery groups and other services that promote further healing.
Confidential Help
Please call our toll-free helpline now. Our admissions coordinators are available 24 hours a day to provide confidential help. We can answer questions, explain Valium treatment options and recommend facilities. Many health insurance companies cover addiction and trauma rehabilitation, and we can check your policy for benefits.
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