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1 in 4 U.S. children and adolescents experience at least one potentially traumatic event before age 16.

Long-term effects of abuse A wrinkle in trauma-substance abuse research is the notion that, though the childhood trauma is the ultimate source, the subsequent adult experience of the memory of the trauma may be the more immediate correlation in resorting to substance abuse. Though they call for more research on this particular subset of trauma and substance abuse,

More research is needed While conclusive correlations between childhood abuse and substance abuse have been determined, experts call for more research and a more nuanced approach to treating trauma victims in the throes of addiction.

“Improved understanding of the influence of stressful or traumatic childhood experiences on initiation and development of drug abuse is needed,” say the Centers for Disease and Prevention researchers in Atlanta. “Progress in meeting the national goals for reducing drug use will necessitate serious attention to these types of common, stressful, and disturbing childhood experiences.”

University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand researchers found in a 2010 study the actual maltreatment, not just the memory, “is associated with subsequent psychopathology.” According to a 2002 study by Duke University Medical

Each adverse childhood experience increased the likelihood for victims to try drugs earlier by 2-4 times

Center researchers, one in four U.S. children and adolescents experience at least one potentially traumatic event before age 16. Up to 59 percent of people with resulting post-traumatic stress disorder, the survey finds, develop substance abuse problems. NIDA researchers say there is a peak time when young people use drugs, just before turning 20, after which most tend to slow down or cease substance abuse altogether.

One first step is in educating more treatment professionals in the effects of childhood trauma on substance abuse, experts say. “There is a need for both targeted, mental health interventions with the present and past clients of child welfare agencies and for concerted, population-level strategies to meet the needs of the many other children who experience maltreatment,” say University of Otago Wellington researchers. 

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