Early Childhood Trauma and Substance Misuse and Addiction

This chapter examines the complex relationship between childhood trauma and substance use. Not all children who experience childhood trauma will go on to use substances, and persons with no childhood trauma may develop substance use disorders. However, trauma has been found to greatly increase the risk of later substance use. Further, research suggests that individuals with histories of childhood trauma are more likely to report chronic pain symptoms that interfere with daily activities and are also more likely to be prescribed multiple prescription medications. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been directly associated with substance misuse and substance use disorders in adulthood, including illicit drug use, with a dose–response relationship such that the more ACEs children experience, the more likely they are to have such substance use problems as adults. Implications for prevention of opioid use disorder in particular, and substance misuse and addiction more generally, are discussed.