Results revealed that 46 percent of the women had experienced child sexual abuse and linked it with their addiction and recovery experiences. This subgroup described unbounded difficulties that pervaded their lives well into recovery. They reported multiple addictions, self-harm, isolation, sexual problems, depression, self-loathing, physical illness, and inability to work more often than did the other study participants. In contrast, those not reporting childhood sexual abuse were more socially and occupationally stable, self-satisfied, and physically well in recovery. In addition, their alcohol problems seemed circumscribed and responsive to conventional intervention. Findings indicate that a history of child sexual abuse may promote health risks that complicate alcohol recovery and that require more comprehensive clinical attention. Tables, author photograph and biography, and 58 references (Author abstract modified)