Women, Trauma Histories, and Co‐occurring Disorders: Assessing the Scope of the Problem

Findings are presented from one site in a federal study of services for women who have co‐occurring mental health and substance use problems and histories of physical or sexual abuse. Among sampled women with two or more publicly funded substance abuse or mental health treatment episodes in 1998, one‐third reported co‐occurring mental health and substance use problems. Compared to other sample members, these women reported greater numbers of abuse experiences and other adverse life circumstances and had more complex diagnostic and treatment histories. They also show a greater tendency to suicidal ideation and are more likely to use prescription medications.