Substance Use: Links with Sensory Sensitivity, Attachment Insecurity, and Distress in Young Adults

Background: Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of increased substance use, with insecurely attached individuals at greater risk of abusing substances. With recent evidence linking insecure attachment with sensory sensitivity, and evidence that both are linked with higher levels of distress, there is a need to consider these variables in relation to substance use in a sample of young adults. Methods: A convenience sample of 223 young adults (18-24 years) completed self-report measures of attachment, sensory sensitivity, use of various substances (e.g. alcohol, legal and illegal drugs, cigarettes, energy drinks), and distress. Correlation, t-test, and regression/mediation analyses were conducted. Results: Sensory sensitivity was positively correlated with insecure attachment. Anxious attachment was related to problematic substance use, frequent cigarette use, and misuse of prescribed medications. Avoidant attachment was associated with frequent use of cigarettes and energy drinks. Sensory sensitivity, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance each had significant indirect effects on problematic substance use, mediated by increased levels of distress. Conclusions: Sensory sensitivity and attachment insecurity both appear to impact problematic substance use in young adults through elevated levels of distress. Findings support consideration of sensory- and attachment-informed interventions with this population.