Drug and alcohol addictions are often complex, deeply-rooted conditions. Many factors can contribute to developing an addiction, including genetics, environment, and behaviors. 

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) can also impact your risk of substance abuse and addiction. Adverse experiences during childhood can leave lasting psychological effects that can put you at risk of serious complications, including substance use disorder (SUD). 

This article will explore the link between adverse childhood experiences and addiction. You will learn:

• What adverse childhood experiences are
• The connection between ACEs and addiction
• How to identify the need for trauma-informed addiction treatment
• Where to find comprehensive treatment and support

If you or someone you love has experienced traumatic events as a child and live with addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to explore our holistic treatment programs or schedule an intake assessment. 

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences?

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are childhood events that have the potential to cause trauma. ACEs occur between the ages of birth and 17 years old.[1] 

There are several types of ACEs, including:

• Being the victim of abuse (physical or sexual)
• Experiencing neglect
• Having a family member die by suicide
• Witnessing violence in the home or in the community

Other forms of adverse childhood experiences can make children feel unsafe or insecure. These include:

• Living with a parent who abuses drugs or alcohol
• Having a parent or guardian with mental health conditions
• Parental separation during early childhood
• Having a parent who is incarcerated

Experiencing abuse, neglect, and other ACEs puts people at higher risk for mental and physical health problems, including substance use disorder (SUD). 

The Link Between ACEs and Addiction

An ACE study found that about 64% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one adverse childhood event. Over 17% of adults reported experiencing four or more ACEs before turning 18.[1] 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), preventing ACEs could significantly reduce heart disease and depression rates in the United States, as well as other negative impacts. Research also shows a strong connection between adverse childhood experiences and substance use. When a person’s “ACE score” (a measure of childhood trauma) is higher, their risk of substance abuse increases.[2] 

But what is behind this connection?

There are several ways experiencing ACEs can be a risk factor for substance abuse. Here are some of the ways ACEs can put people at higher risk of developing addiction. 

Early exposure

Children and adolescents who experience may be more likely to use drugs and alcohol at a younger age. They may be more likely to live in environments with substance use and may use drugs and alcohol to cope with toxic stress. 

Mental health conditions

Children with a history of ACEs may be more likely to develop mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. People with untreated mental health problems are at high risk of developing substance use disorder. 

Brain changes

Exposure to chronic stress during early life can “rewire” the brain. Adverse childhood experiences can damage the pleasure and reward centers of the brain, making people more prone to substance abuse and addiction.[3] 

Adverse childhood experiences are a public health problem. Preventing ACEs can keep people from living with the long-term effects of trauma later on. 

Preventing future ACEs cannot help people who have already lived through traumatic childhood experiences. People with a history of trauma and substance abuse need specialized, trauma-informed treatment programs. 

Recognizing Trauma and Substance Use Disorder

If you or someone you love has a history of adverse childhood experiences, you must watch for signs of substance abuse and addiction. Recognizing SUD can help you find the treatment you need to recover.

Some effects of trauma include:[4]

• Feeling hyper-aware of your surroundings or “on guard” all the time
• Experiencing anxiety, fear, or agitation
• Chronic stress
• Low self-esteem
• Insomnia or other sleep problems
• Avoiding things that remind you of the traumatic events

Some common signs of substance abuse and addiction include:

• Using more drugs and alcohol
• Lying, hiding, or covering up your substance use
• Doing dangerous or illegal things while using drugs and alcohol, like driving while intoxicated
• Neglecting your responsibilities, relationships, and hobbies because of your substance use
• New legal or financial trouble related to your substance abuse
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (shaking, nausea, headache, anxiety, etc.) if you stop using drugs
• Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects
• Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
• Being unable to stop using substances, even when they cause significant harm

Trauma-informed addiction treatment can help you overcome the complex underlying causes of your substance use. 

Reach out to the specialists at The Living Room for the compassionate, holistic treatment you need. Contact us now to learn about our programs, schedule an intake, or ask questions. 

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Adverse Childhood Experiences
2. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Consequences on Neurobiological, Psychosocial, and Somatic Conditions Across the Lifespan
4. National Institute of Health (NIH): Understanding the Impact of Trauma