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Is Adversity in Childhood Linked to Marijuana Use in Adulthood?: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor
Ellen T Kurtzman1, Jessica Greene2
1School of Nursing, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Substance Use & Misuse
|November 23, 2021
Summary
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to increased marijuana use in adults. Depression and poor mental health act as key pathways in this relationship, highlighting the long-term impact of early adversity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to long-term negative health outcomes.
- Research on the association between ACEs and marijuana use is limited.
- Understanding these connections is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between ACEs and past-month marijuana use in adults.
- To investigate the mediating roles of depression, poor mental health, and poor physical health in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 22,991 adults across five states from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System.
- Prevalence estimation of ACEs and marijuana use.
- Generalized structural equation modeling to assess mediation pathways.
Main Results:
- 65.0% of participants reported at least one ACE.
- Past-month marijuana use was reported by 5.0% of the population.
- ACEs were significantly associated with increased odds of marijuana use, mediated by depression and poor mental health, but not poor physical health.
Conclusions:
- Childhood adversity, measured by ACEs, is positively associated with adult marijuana use.
- Depression and poor mental health are significant mediators in the relationship between ACEs and marijuana use.
- Findings underscore the importance of addressing childhood adversity to mitigate risks of substance use.
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