Childhood Abuse and Drug Addiction Among Israeli Male Inmates

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate types of childhood abuse in a sample of 60 inmates and to explore the relationships between childhood abuse, criminality, and drug addiction. Overall, the sample inmates came from risky families with a high prevalence of crime, drug addiction, and mental health problems. The results showed that a history of child abuse was common, and emotional neglect was more prevalent than physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. The odds for childhood abuse were higher among inmates whose fathers had been addicted to drugs and involved in crime, and whose siblings suffered from mental health problems.