University of Queensland researchers have uncovered a significant link between childhood maltreatment and adult substance abuse, shedding light on the importance of addressing early trauma to prevent alcohol and substance use disorders later in life.

The study, led by Dr. Claudia Bull from UQ’s Faculty of Medicine, examined data from over 6,000 individuals born at Brisbane’s Mater Mother’s Hospital between 1981 and 1983. By tracking this cohort from infancy to 40 years of age and cross-referencing it with information from the Queensland Department of Families, Youth and Community Care, the researchers identified around 600 individuals who had experienced childhood maltreatment.

The findings revealed that individuals who had been maltreated as children were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for alcohol use disorder as adults, with a 2.86 times higher risk compared to those who did not experience maltreatment. Moreover, the same group was 3.34 times more likely to be admitted for a substance use disorder.

While previous research primarily focused on physical and sexual abuse, this study delved into the impact of emotional abuse and neglect on the development of alcohol and substance use disorders. The results indicated that all forms of childhood abuse and neglect, whether physical, sexual, or emotional, were associated with a threefold increase in the likelihood of later alcohol and substance use disorders.

Co-author Professor Steve Kisely emphasized that addressing the root causes of child maltreatment could potentially prevent numerous cases of alcohol and substance use disorders in adulthood. By understanding and intervening in childhood trauma, there is a significant opportunity to mitigate the risk of these disorders later in life.

The research, funded by the Metro South Research Support Scheme and supported by the ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation, was published in the journal Addiction.