Exploring Holistic Interventions: An Approach to Addressing Problematic Substance Use Among Adverse Childhood Experience and Early Life Stress Survivors Through the Lens of Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Model

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE), and early life stress (ELS) impact neurodevelopment and heighten susceptibility to mental health disorders, including substance use disorder (SUD). This study explored how religiosity and/or spirituality (R/S), framed through Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Model, supports holistic recovery options for ACE and ELS survivors. Neurobiological changes, such as hippocampal atrophy, can be common among trauma survivors and have been found to contribute to maladaptive behaviors. Emotional maltreatment, beyond physical or sexual trauma, has been found to have a strong link to addiction. Despite existing literature, standard treatments have been known to overlook the unique needs of trauma-impacted individuals, highlighting the importance of holistic approaches. This qualitative transcendental phenomenological research study involved five participants between the ages of 18 and 22 years old with a history of childhood maltreatment and SUD. Data were collected remotely, through semi-structured interviews, and triangulated through researcher reflection and literature review. Coding was completed manually and arrived at three key themes: the role of spirituality in sobriety, spiritual awareness in recovery, and challenges in applying spirituality during treatment. Sub-themes emerged, including inner strength, personal spiritual recognition, and conflict between belief systems and religious practices. Findings suggest that integrating R/S into survivors’ recovery will foster resilience and offer deeper healing for ACE and ELS survivors. Although there were limitations, this study supports the need for holistic, individualized treatment models and encourages further research to enhance recovery outcomes.