Sexual assault comes in different forms, but any of them can be a significant source of trauma for the person who experiences them. Sexual assault refers to any unwanted sexual activity, including rape, molestation, or other non-consensual acts, that is perpetrated against a person without their consent.
Can Sexual Assault Lead to Addiction?
While there isn’t a direct 1:1 correlative relationship, there is no question that people who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to develop substance use disorders.
People who experience sexual assault are:
- 3.4 times more likely to use marijuana
- 5.3 times more likely to misuse prescription drugs
- 6.4 times more likely to use cocaine
- 10 times more likely to use ‘hard drugs’ other than cocaine
The Effects of Sexual Assault and Resulting Behaviors
Sexual assault can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors, impacting their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Physical effects:
Sexual assault can result in immediate physical injuries. Survivors may also experience chronic pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems.
Emotional effects:
Survivors often experience a range of intense emotions, including fear, anger, guilt, shame, and sadness.
Psychological effects:
Survivors may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Behavioral changes:
Survivors may exhibit changes in their behavior, such as withdrawing from social activities, engaging in self-harm, or developing substance abuse problems.
Why Does Sexual Assault Increase the Chance of Addiction?
The psychological mechanisms that can lead to addiction after experiencing sexual assault involve the brain’s stress response system and reward pathways. When someone experiences trauma, their body releases stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, chronic activation of the stress response system can lead to dysregulation of the brain’s reward pathway, making the individual more susceptible to developing addiction.
Reconnect Offers Hope for Sexual Assault and Addiction
At Reconnect, specialized mental health programs address trauma and mental health treatment for a wide range of conditions, including sexual assault and substance use disorders. If you or someone you love could use help, give us a call at (310) 903-8349 today.
