The Role of Child Maltreatment and Revictimization on Substance Use Trajectories Among Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System.

Abstract

We explored the mechanisms underlying the relationship between trauma in childhood and adulthood and substance use initiation and recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). We triangulated the perspectives of 20 women with current/previous OUD and 22 criminal legal and drug treatment professionals. Themes centered around the long-term effects of unaddressed childhood trauma, family- and partner-based trauma across the life course, sexual trauma, and traumatic events due to opioid use. Findings highlighted the unique trauma-related needs of women involved in the criminal legal system who also use drugs. Approaches to care that are gender-specific, person-centered, and trauma-informed would facilitate retention in drug treatment programs.