[00:00:00] Can the type of childhood trouble someone experiences affect their use of alcohol years later? US researchers examined how different patterns of ACEs, or adverse childhood experiences relate to heavy drinking from adolescence through adulthood. They used data from over 3,000Americans monitored and followed from ages 12 to 42. Researchers identified patterns of childhood experiences including physical and sexual abuse, family alcohol use, divorce, and exposure to violence. They examined how each pattern related to heavy, episodic drinking at different ages.
[00:00:31] People exposed to parental alcohol use, divorce, violence, physical abuse, or sexual abuse showed higher odds of heavy drinking at certain ages. These risks were highest during adolescence and again in their 30s. In contrast, those with few or no ACEs showed a temporary increase in heavy drinking during young adulthood that later subsided. Aces are often seen as a whole, but this study shows that the type and combination of experiences matter. Different childhood experiences may create different risks at different stages of life.
[00:01:02] Childhood adversity does not determine someone's future, but understanding a person's adverse experiences may help professionals provide more targeted support before unhealthy drinking patterns develop.
