Misusing Drugs and Alcohol/Substance Misuse
Many survivors will develop issues with substance misuse either as children during/after their experience of sexual abuse and others might develop them during adulthood.
What has been universally recognised is that the use of drugs and/or alcohol can be a coping strategy – which can often then become a problem in itself.
Many of the women who access CIS’ters report that they have had, or still have, issues with substance misuse. For those seeking to reduce the rate of misuse or to let go of this coping strategy, it is important that such work is able to explore the links between substance misuse and the individual specific history of being a victim of childhood sexual abuse.
The first step is often to recognise the issue with substance misuse and then seek appropriate help via your GP who can refer you to the appropriate services.
MIND have created a list of organisations who offer support for recreational drug and alcohol addiction, including organisations who can help if you are supporting someone else.