Pathways From Childhood Maltreatment to Adult Drug Use: The Distinct Roles of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms

These new findings suggest that efforts should be directed at reducing internalizing symptoms of anxiety and depression and externalizing symptoms in maltreated children to reduce the risk for drug use later in life. The unique mediating effects of internalizing versus externalizing symptoms on prescription drug and illicit drug use, respectively, suggest the need for tailored interventions for different kinds of drug use.