A recent study published in Addiction found that individuals who experienced emotional abuse or neglect during childhood are nearly three times more likely to be hospitalized for alcohol and substance use disorders by the age of 40, compared to those who did not experience childhood adversity. Lead author Claudia Bull from the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research explained that while previous research has focused on physical and sexual abuse, this study aimed to understand the impact of emotional abuse and neglect on alcohol and substance use disorders. The researchers analyzed data from over 6000 children born in Brisbane, Australia, from 1981 to 1983 and found that those who had childhood maltreatment notifications were significantly more likely to require inpatient treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders.
The study categorized childhood maltreatment into four types: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Results showed that individuals who experienced sexual abuse before the age of 16 had the highest risk of being hospitalized for alcohol use disorder, while those who experienced emotional abuse had a higher likelihood of needing treatment for substance use disorders. This highlights the significant impact of childhood maltreatment on the development of alcohol and substance use disorders later in life.
According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 40 million Americans aged 12 or older reported having a substance use disorder in the past year, equating to one in seven individuals in this age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in six adults in the U.S. engage in binge drinking either weekly or occasionally, underscoring the prevalence of substance use disorders in the country. Additionally, a 2020 study published in Addictive Behaviors found that individuals who experienced child maltreatment are more likely to face negative consequences related to substance use and engage in higher levels of alcohol and substance use compared to those from healthy environments.
The World Health Organization defines child maltreatment as any form of physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm to a child’s health, survival, development, or dignity within a relationship of responsibility, trust, or power. It is clear from these studies that childhood maltreatment, including emotional abuse and neglect, can have lasting consequences on an individual’s risk for alcohol and substance use disorders in adulthood. As the data suggests, addressing and preventing childhood maltreatment is crucial in reducing the prevalence of alcohol and substance use disorders in society and improving the overall well-being of individuals.
The findings from this study shed light on the importance of early intervention and support for individuals who have experienced childhood adversity. By recognizing the impact of emotional abuse and neglect on the development of alcohol and substance use disorders, healthcare professionals can better tailor prevention and treatment strategies to address the specific needs of these individuals. This research underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing childhood maltreatment and its long-term consequences on mental health and substance use. By raising awareness and providing resources for those who have experienced childhood trauma, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of alcohol and substance use disorders in our communities.
