The Startling Connection Between Childhood Trauma And Addiction

The link between childhood trauma and substance abuse in adulthood is shocking. In an extensive study of 17,000 people, researchers showed that childhood trauma significantly correlates with addiction. This study compares exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) to substance use. 

Exposure to any of the following stressful or traumatic childhood events was scored as one point.

These adverse childhood experiences include:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Substance use within household

• Incarcerated household member

• Biological parents not present

• Intimate partner violence

• Household mental illness

As you can see in the following graphs, as people report more adverse childhood experiences, the likelihood of people engaging in substance use increases linearly. This suggests that addiction is a response to suffering, rather than the result of simple exposure to substances themselves. The degree of this effect can be quite dramatic.

It was found that there was a 250% increase in the likelihood of someone being a current smoker if they had a score of 6 or higher compared to a score of 0.

There was a 500% increase in the likelihood of adult alcoholism if they had a score of 6 or higher compared to a score of 0.

 There was a 4,600% increase in the likelihood of intravenous drug use if they had a score of 6 or higher compared to a score of 0.

Neuroscientist Marc Lewis says that "the traumatized amygdala keeps signaling the likelihood of threat or rejection even when there is nothing of immediate concern in the environment." This constant vigilance is exhausting, and people look to escape from it by using drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex or food. In a way, it is taking back control from what seems like an unruly brain. But what feels like an immediate solution to the problem ends up contributing to it once an addiction is developed.

By switching from short term quick fixes to long term healthy ways of reducing stress and connecting with others; you can escape being in a perpetual state of fight or flight.

According to Lewis, each addiction is driven by emotional starvation. Uncovering why we chose to start using or drinking in the first place helps us reconnect with what makes us feel safe, secure, and ultimately happy.

If you are interested in taking the next step for your mental health, please contact me, or book an appointment here for in-person counselling in Victoria, BC, and online counselling anywhere in British Columbia.