Citation

Elwyn L, Smith C. J. Soc. Work Pract. Addict. 2013; 13(3): ePub.

Affiliation

Senior Research Associate/Analyst Advocates for Human Potential, Kerhonkson, New York USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1533256X.2013.814483

PMID

24319347

PMCID

PMC3852601

Abstract

Child maltreatment is a risk factor for substance abuse in adulthood. This study examines whether memory of maltreatment is a necessary link in the path leading from prospectively measured childhood maltreatment to adult substance use problems. Official Child Protective Services reports and adult retrospective recall of childhood maltreatment were used to predict illegal drug use and alcohol problems in adulthood controlling for covariates. Memory was a necessary link in the path between prospective reports of maltreatment and alcohol problems, and an important link in the path between prospective reports and illegal drug use. Implications for prevention and treatment are discussed.

Language: en