Recently we learned that in the first half of 2016 Maine saw a record number of deaths resulting from drug overdoses and is on track to surpass last year’s record. This is particularly troubling when coupled with the ongoing closures of drug treatment programs throughout the state. While we believe that law enforcement plays an important role in addressing this crisis, treatment programs help people maintain sobriety while treating the underlying reasons for addiction.
Drugs significantly figure into the aftermath of trauma and, in particular, sexual violence victimization. Effective response to trauma is an important means of substance abuse prevention, which becomes more and more important as overdose death rates rise.
As a culture, we don’t have a narrative for what happens in the aftermath of a sexual assault. What we do hear tends to focus on the criminal justice process: A report is made, an investigation is conducted, someone may or may not be charged, a trial may or may not move forward.
Sexual assault advocates see the impact of trauma each day — victims and survivors suffering from long-term effects brought on by their trauma, such as anxiety, depression, physical health issues and substance abuse.
Sexual assault victims are more likely than the general population to use drugs and alcohol. Best available research indicates that survivors of sexual assault are three to 10 times more likely to use marijuana, cocaine and other harder drugs than those who have not been victimized. Women who were sexually abused as children are three times more likely to suffer from substance abuse as adults than women who were not abused. One study found that 80 percent of male survivors of child sexual abuse reported a history of substance abuse.
Research also indicates a strong connection between human trafficking and drugs. According to the Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Coalition, a majority of clients working with the coalition identified substance abuse as an issue prior to their trafficking victimization. Additionally, supplying or withholding drugs is a common tactic used by traffickers to coerce and control victims.
Even if a victim escapes trafficking, drugs often remain an issue. Resources to address addiction are scarce, and they may search for alternative ways to access drugs, which could make them vulnerable to revictimization.
In essence, trauma — particularly, unaddressed trauma — is a huge risk factor for drug abuse. So what does Maine need to do to address these issues?
We need to recognize that sexual victimization, substance abuse and trauma are connected and cannot be addressed in silos. Effective treatment for sexual violence is part of substance abuse prevention.
We must start from the premise that substance abuse often is the result of underlying trauma and fund effective, evidence-based treatment that addresses past and current trauma. Additionally, funding must support the enforcement of existing drug laws, as well as also support treatment options that address drug addiction.
Recovery experts and substance abuse counselors need to screen their patients for prior sexual violence victimization. Maine’s sexual assault support advocates are trained to recognize warning signs of substance abuse and provide connections to community resources to help aid people with addictions in their recovery. Comprehensive support that couples sexual assault response and drug and substance abuse treatment options is possible, but only as resources allow, which is why funding is crucial.
The drug crisis in Maine — especially in the face of funding issues across the state — can seem bleak. But we see hope every day.
We see it in the providers who, against all odds, continue to show up, work hard to find creative ways to partner with other community agencies addressing addiction and underlying trauma. We see it in the many faces of individuals who fight their addiction every day, continue to maintain their sobriety and, in turn, advocate for some of Maine’s most vulnerable citizens.
Ensuring quality, ongoing support, treatment and resources our fellow Mainers who have experienced significant trauma is an important step in preventing drug overdose related deaths and in helping victims of sexual assault in their healing process.
Cara Courchesne is the communications director at the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. She may be reached at cara@mecasa.org.