According to RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), authorities respond to a report of child sexual abuse every eight minutes. Sexual abuse isn’t limited to what we typically think of as sexual activity but can include things like exposing oneself and taking or sharing pornographic images. As is the case with other traumatic events, substance abuse is common later in life as these children try to cope with the memories and lingering effects on their lives. Abused children are one and a half times more likely to use drugs, and on average they tend to start using at age 14.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, approximately 15 million girls age 15 to 19 have experienced forced sex. Although boys are also at risk, there are no numbers available as to how many have actually been victims. Generally, males are exposed to violence simply by witnessing it, while females are more likely to be victims. One study found that female victims of childhood abuse were 73 percent more likely to be arrested for property damage, substance abuse, and misdemeanor offenses.
Mental health problems are not uncommon in people who suffered abuse. Anxiety is common, as survivors fear that they might be assaulted again. They may fear to go in public, or just being around certain groups of people. Similarly, PTSD can follow abuse, even appearing years later. For example, a woman who was repeatedly assaulted as a child by a man with red hair might be triggered at the sight of redheads. Panic attacks are also common when someone is reminded of or even thinks about the events in their past. Avoidance and denial might occur when they want to forget what happened to them, even to the point of disassociation.
Depression is another frequent byproduct of abuse. It’s an unfortunate fact that many of these children will grow up wondering what they did wrong or if the abuse was their fault, particularly if they never receive any counseling. They may also be too ashamed to forge close relationships in the future. Depression can make it difficult to focus on school, and later work, which can have lasting effects on the survivor’s life.
Drugs and alcohol might appear to be a solution to all these problems because it numbs the feelings. Unfortunately, this is only a temporary fix. If someone uses a drug frequently enough, they will develop a dependence. It will start to take more and more of the substance to achieve the desired effect, and the periods in between using will become more mentally and physically painful.
If someone is already addicted to a drug or alcohol, it’s imperative that treatment for any underlying mental health concerns happens concurrently with the substance abuse treatment.
If you or a loved one need help quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504.