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 Kerbala, Karbala, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic relapsing condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior, impaired control over substance consumption, and persistent negative emotional states such as anxiety, stress, and agitation. Emerging evidence suggests that early childhood trauma may contribute to the development of SUD by altering neurobiological pathways and stress-related biomarkers, including cortisol dysregulation, dopamine imbalances, and inflammatory responses Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of early childhood trauma on the development of substance use disorder in adulthood and explore potential associations with laboratory biomarkers of stress and addiction. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted from August 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024. A total of 142 individuals diagnosed with SUD were recruited using a convenience sampling method from psychiatric inpatient units and outpatient consultation clinics. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of three sections: (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and (3) the Simple Screening Instrument for Alcohol and Other Drugs (SSI-AOD). In addition to self-reported measures, laboratory assessments of key biomarkers, including serum cortisol, dopamine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serotonin levels, were analyzed to evaluate physiological stress responses in relation to early trauma exposure. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The findings indicated that the majority of participants had a moderate level of early childhood trauma, as well as moderate severity of alcohol and drug use. A significant correlation was observed between early trauma exposure and increased severity of substance use in adulthood (p < 0.05). Biomarker analysis revealed elevated serum cortisol and CRP levels in individuals with high early trauma scores, suggesting heightened physiological stress responses. Additionally, alterations in dopamine and serotonin levels were identified, further supporting the neurobiological impact of early trauma on addiction vulnerability. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant role of early childhood trauma in predisposing individuals to substance use disorder later in life. The observed associations between trauma exposure, substance use severity, and stress-related biomarkers suggest that laboratory-based assessments may serve as valuable tools for understanding addiction risk and tailoring early intervention strategies. Further research is warranted to explore targeted therapeutic approaches that address both psychological and physiological aspects of addiction.
Keywords: Early Childhood Trauma, Substance Use Disorders.
