Occurrence and pattern of traumatic experiences among the patients with substance abuse

Abstract

Background: Traumatic experiences such as neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse are very common in the society and like in United States it has alarming rates in India and Kashmir valley as well. On the other hand, studies have shown relationship between traumatic experiences and drug addiction. Aim: To study was conducted to assess the relationship of childhood trauma and recent traumatic experiences. Method: Purposive sampling was used to assess the role of traumatic experiences in drug addiction. Asample of 60 patients between the age group of 15-45 was taken both from IPD and OPD at drug de-addiction center IMHANS-K GMC Srinagar. They were interviewed by using the scales of childhood traumatic questioner and recent traumatic scale. Results: Findings showed that victim of violence was predominant (68.7%) and trauma has changed the life of most of the patients (78%). This has mostly resulted in substance abuse in such patients. Demographic variables i.e. Gender, Age and Marital status had significant association with Childhood Trauma and Recent Trauma at 0.01level.