EXPLORING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

Abstract

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been implicated in the development of alcohol dependence, yet the specific relationship between childhood trauma and alcohol-related outcomes remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between ACEs and alcohol dependence severity among individuals seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Mental Health, Madras Medical College, Chennai, involving 100 participants aged 20-60 years with alcohol dependence. Participants completed measures of childhood trauma (ACE questionnaire) and alcohol dependence severity (Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, SADQ). Results: The study revealed a significant positive correlation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and alcohol dependence severity, as measured by the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) (r = 0.490, p < 0.001). Participants who reported higher levels of childhood trauma exhibited greater severity of alcohol dependence. Additionally, significant positive correlations were observed between ACEs and aggression subscales, including physical aggression (r = 0.490, p < 0.001), verbal aggression (r = 0.435, p < 0.001), anger (r = 0.409, p < 0.001), and hostility (r = 0.256, p = 0.010). Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of addressing childhood trauma within addiction treatment settings and implementing trauma-informed approaches to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the burden of alcohol dependence. Targeted interventions aimed at preventing and mitigating the impact of ACEs on alcohol-related outcomes are needed to promote the health and well-being of individuals affected by childhood trauma.