Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among individuals in treatment for substance use disorder: are ACE associated differently across type of abuse and quantity of consumption?

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to 1) describe the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in relation to the type of substance used (alcohol or cannabis) among adults seeking treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Greenland, and 2) examine whether an association exists between ACE and the type of substance used (alcohol and/or cannabis). The analysis was conducted using register data from individuals receiving SUD treatment in Greenland between 1 June 2020 to 31 December 2022 ( N = 1037). The results showed a higher prevalence and a greater variety of ACE among women compared to men. Among men, no significant associations were found between ACE and the substance categories. However, among women, unstable conditions in the childhood home were associated with high use of either alcohol or cannabis. Additionally, high cannabis use was significantly associated with parent(s) with cannabis abuse and physical abuse for women. No cumulative effect of the number of ACE, and any type of substance abuse was found. Growing up with parents with alcohol problems emerged as the most frequently reported ACE for both sexes (reported by 74.6% of women and 62.7% of men).