The relationship between childhood trauma and patterns of alcohol and psychoactive substance use

Millions of people lose their lives each year due to the effects of addiction, yet the role of childhood traumas in the roots of this problem is often overlooked. This study aims to examine the relationship between childhood traumas and the types of substances individuals are addicted to, specifically focusing on alcohol and psychoactive substances. The research was conducted with 173 addicted individuals receiving treatment at one of Turkey’s largest addiction treatment centers, the Bakırköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital Adult Detoxification Center. Data were collected using a Socio-demographic Information Form and the Childhood Trauma Scale. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and ANOVA, were employed to examine the data. The findings revealed demographic differences between individuals using alcohol, sedatives, and methamphetamines. Physical abuse rates were found to be higher among those using sedatives and methamphetamines compared to individuals using alcohol (p < .05). No significant differences were found between the substance types in terms of other childhood traumas (emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and sexual abuse). The study demonstrates that exposure to physical abuse during childhood is associated with psychoactive substance addiction. It underscores the importance of considering childhood traumas in addiction treatment and tailoring interventions accordingly.