Adult alcohol abuse has been linked to childhood abuse and family dysfunction. However, little information is available about the contribution of multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to the risk of later alcohol abuse independent of parental alcohol abuse. A questionnaire about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including childhood abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction was completed by 17,337 adult HMO members from 1995-1997. The 8 ACEs include emotional, physical or sexual abuse; exposure to parental separation, a mentally ill household member, or household substance abuse; witnessing domestic violence or reporting an incarcerated household member. The number of ACEs was used in stratified logistic regression models to assess their impact on several adult alcohol problems in the presence or absence of parental alcoholism. At least 1 ACE was reported by 61% of respondents and 21% reported a history of parental alcoholism. Adult alcoholism was self-reported by 6%. Each of the 8 ACEs increased the risk for each adult alcohol outcome (P < 0.05). The ACE score showed a strong, graded relationship to each alcohol outcome (P<0.05). Among persons with no parental history of alcoholism, the risk of alcohol outcomes for those with at least 4 ACEs compared to no ACEs increased for ever heavy drinking (odds ratio (OR)=2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.6-3.0), self-reported alcohol problems (OR=3.6, 95% CI=2.9-4.5), self-reported alcoholism (OR=4.4, 95% CI=3.3-5.4), and marrying an alcoholic (OR=3.0, 95%CI=2.5-3.6). Prevention of ACEs and treatment of persons affected by them may reduce the occurrence of adult alcohol problems.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will: 1) Acquire information on the frequency and interrelatedness of adverse childhood experiences. 2) Understand why adult alcohol problems may result from early traumatic experiences.
Keywords: Alcohol Problems,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.