Citation

Ullman SE, Lorenz K, Kirkner A, O'Callaghan E. Alcohol Treat. Q. 2018; 36(3): 330-353.

Affiliation

Department of Criminology, Law, and Justice, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07347324.2018.1465807

PMID

30555208

PMCID

PMC6290351

Abstract

This qualitative interview study examined 45 informal support dyads where a sexual assault was disclosed. Data from matched pairs of survivors and their primary informal support provider (e.g., friend, family, significant other), were used to explore the survivor-support provider (SP) perspectives of coping with assault-related distress via substance use and the effects of survivor substance use on the survivor-SP relationship.

RESULTS revealed that survivors' use of drinking and/or drugs to cope had both positive and negative effects on survivor-SP relationships.

FINDINGS also showed that SPs play various roles in providing support to survivors who cope via substance use, including engaging in substance use with the survivor and efforts to help get help in their recovery from the assault and substance abuse. Suggestions are made for how safe spaces can be provided where survivors and supporters can get information and treatment, whether formal or informal, that addresses sexual assault, PTSD and substance abuse issues in an integrated way.

Language: en

Keywords

coping; qualitative dyad; sexual assault; substance use; support provider