Violence, trauma, and post‐traumatic stress disorder among women drug users

Abstract In order to examine the association between the experience of violent events, trauma, and post‐traumatic stress disorder among women drug users, 105 women in treatment for addictive disorders were interviewed. One hundred four of the study participants reported trauma in 1 or more of 14 categories of traumatic events, 59% of whom reported symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder. Among those with PTSD, 97% reported one or more violent traumas as compared with 73% of those without PTSD. The likelihood of PTSD was strongly associated with the number of violent traumas reported by a woman. Women in recovery from drug addiction are likely to have a history of violent trauma and are at high risk for post‐traumatic stress disorder. Screening for PTSD among women with an addictive disorder should become part of the diagnostic and treatment routine.