Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) have been shown to have a link with substance misuse later in life. ACEs are classified as occurring before 18, causing severe stress and disrupting typical development. There are already many theories that researchers have come up with to explain the correlation between ACE and substance misuse. One is that substance misuse is used as a coping strategy to deal with the trauma and effects ACEs leave. This study explores if the distinct patterns of ACE co-occurrence are associated with substance misuse through a unique set of variables.
This study focused on current anxiety symptoms and punishment-sensitive behaviors, as well as reward-sensitive behaviors and Executive function (EF) capacity. The sample consisted of 124 young adults ages 18 – 25 and at risk for the development of outcomes associated with ACEs. The participants completed online questionnaires. ACEs were assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire, substance misuse was assessed via The Cannabis Abuse Screening, and Anxiety via the anxiety subscale of the Depression and Anxiety Scale. EF was measured by the CANTAB which is a spatial working memory task, and lastly, reward and punishment sensitivity were measured using Carver and White’s behavioral inhibition and activation scale. Among this sample, the most common type of substance misuse was cannabis.
This study is one of the first to include Community adversity outcomes and found that specific types of ACEs, such as Childhood Maltreatment, Household Dysfunction, and Community Adversity had a direct increase in the likelihood of substance misuse. Many more analyses were concluded from this article but overall, this article showed that the unique characteristics of different ACEs will all shape development in a very distinct and clinically significant way. More research is needed to understand these differences and could help shape prevention and intervention efforts. The key to prevention and intervention is for it to be individualized on what that person may need.
Takeaway: ACEs such as Childhood Maltreatment, Household Dysfunction, and Community Adversity have a direct increase in the likelihood of substance misuse. The unique characteristics of different ACEs will all shape development in a very distinct and clinically significant way.