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Examining the pathways from adverse childhood experiences to substance use
Sunday Azagba1, Todd Ebling1, Alperen Korkmaz1
1Penn State College of Nursing, 210 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|October 25, 2024
Summary
Childhood adversity (ACEs) increases adult substance use, with depression acting as a key mediator. Young adults show the most pronounced effects, highlighting depression
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to long-term health issues.
- Previous research suggests a connection between ACEs and adult substance use.
- The mediating mechanisms of this relationship require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of depression in the relationship between ACEs and current substance use.
- To examine this association among a diverse sample of U.S. adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n=30,978).
- Employed Generalized Structural Equation Modeling to analyze the links between ACEs and substance use (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana).
- Adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Over 70% of participants reported at least one ACE.
- Depressive disorders significantly mediate the association between ACEs and current cigarette, e-cigarette, and marijuana use.
- The indirect effects were most pronounced in young adults aged 18-24, particularly for marijuana use.
Conclusions:
- Depression serves as a critical pathway linking childhood adversity to adult substance use.
- Interventions targeting depression may mitigate substance use risks associated with ACEs.
- Young adults experiencing ACEs are particularly vulnerable to developing substance use disorders.
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