Muntadher Ahmed Ghanim
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Department College of Nursing, University of Kerbala, Karbala, Iraq
Ali Kareem Al-Juboori, Ph.D
Professor, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior, impaired control over substance use, and negative emotional states such as agitation, anxiety, and stress. Early childhood trauma is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of SUD in adulthood. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of early childhood trauma on the development of substance use disorder in adulthood. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from August 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024, involving 142 patients with SUD admitted to psychiatric units or attending psychiatric consultations. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising three sections: (1) sociodemographic information, (2) the Early Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and (3) the Simple Screening Instrument for Alcohol and Other Drugs (SSI-AOD). Convenient sampling was employed, and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The findings revealed a significant association between exposure to early childhood trauma and the development of substance use disorder in adulthood. The study population exhibited a moderate level of early childhood trauma and a moderate severity of alcohol and drug use. Conclusion: Early childhood trauma significantly influences the likelihood of developing substance use disorder in adulthood. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed care strategies to mitigate the long-term impacts of childhood adversity on substance use behaviors.
Keywords: Early Childhood Trauma, Substance Use Disorders..
