The use of plants and chemicals to induce an altered state of consciousness has been documented and observed across time and culture in history. For example, attempts to transcend into the spirit world. Only in the past century or so do we see concrete evidence of misuse and abuse of these substances, enough to warrant a DSM-IV diagnosis. This is classified as impaired functioning as far as occupational, social and community issues are concerned and when treatment or intervention in some form or another becomes necessary. With research, gender differences have become obvious in the way addiction is formed, what behaviours and incidences precipitate an addiction and what treatment measures and combinations may be necessary. There are several common factors preceding an addiction that have been researched extensively. Namely, a possible genetic connection, which has received much attention from the medical community as information from the biological paradigm is easier for most to believe. Modelling behaviour of family members is evident in many cases as well. Also, the impact that both physical and sexual abuse has on an individual, affecting their coping strategies, a

Studies have been conducted on whether or not childhood sexual abuse also predisposes an individual to higher severity of addiction and earlier experimentation with drugs. This was shown to be true in one study. It was demonstrated that the earlier the age of onset of first time intoxication, the higher the likelihood of an earlier age of consensual sex, a greater frequency in traumas and higher rates of parental abuse. (Weinberg, 2001) This also can affect the type of drug being abused. For instance, Jarvis et al. (1998) found that women who had been sexually molested when they were children more often described stimulants, such as amphetamines, MDMA and MDA as their drug of choice and problem. These women could actually be interpreted as using for self-medicating purposes, perhaps to avoid depression or excess anxiety due to the trauma of abuse.

The role of physical abuse during childhood has unfortunately become a women's issue as well. Numerous publications and reports conclude that childhood physical abuse is positively correlated with substance abuse. And since the majority of children and adolescents that are abused are female, it is easy to conclude that there is a high probability that this is a causal link. Through a retrospective study, Westermeyer et al. (2001) found that women who were abused as children were at least 2.9 times more likely to engage in substance use and dependence. This includes overindulgence of alcohol as well. Being abused as a child has a negative effect on the morbidity of the disorder. Patients are more likely to be in treatment for longer, relapse more often, pay more for treatment, and are basically less successful when seeking help.

Some topics in this essay:
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