Adverse Childhood Experiences and Addiction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widely recognized as predictors of early onset of alcohol and other drug use, problematic substance use, and addiction (Anda et al., Eur Arch Psych Clin Neurosci 256(3):174–186, 2006; Campbell et al., Am J Prev Med 50(3):344–352, 2016; Merrick et al., J Am Med Assoc Pediat 172:1038–1044, 2018). ACEs can have profound and enduring effects on neurological development, and immune and metabolic systems, resulting in behavioral and epigenetic changes that can persist across generations. Research with animal models and humans indicates that early exposure to abuse, neglect, and other stressors alters brain development, decreasing the individual’s ability and capacity to manage stress and emotions and increasing the likelihood of dependence on mood-altering substances (Kirsch et al., Adver Resil Sci, 1–19, 2020). There are growing bodies of evidence that environments enriched in nurturing relationships and resources can buffer the effects of early adversity (Blaze and Roth ; Morris et al. ). Interventions such as Attachment Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) that promote secure attachment show promise for interrupting the intergenerational cycle of adversity and addiction. Policies and programs that ensure access to Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs) may also promote resilience in families who have experienced ACEs and addiction (Hays-Grudo and Morris, Adverse and protective childhood experiences: A developmental perspective. American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, 2020).