Linking adverse childhood experiences to future health: Abuse, neglect, and young adult substance use

Citation

Hussey, Jon; M; Hallfors, Denise; & Dion (2008). Linking adverse childhood experiences to future health: Abuse, neglect, and young adult substance use. 2008 Add Health Users Conference. Bethesda, MD.

Abstract

Past research suggests that maltreated children are more likely to engage in health threatening behaviors during adolescence and into adulthood, with important implications for their health across the life course. However, evidence from national general population samples is limited. This paper utilizes data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) Wave I and Wave III In-Home interviews to model the relationship between self reported childhood (i.e., prior to the 6th grade) physical assault, contact sexual abuse, and neglect and young adult substance use. Using logistic regression and controlling for socio demographic characteristics, we estimate the association between child maltreatment and Wave III cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and non medical prescription drug use. Childhood maltreatment is consistently associated with young adult substance use, with particularly strong relationships observed for illicit and prescription drugs.

URL

https://addhealth.cpc.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/docs/news/users-conference/2008%20Add%20Health%20Users%20Conference%20Abstracts.pdf

Reference Type

Conference proceeding

Book Title

2008 Add Health Users Conference

Author(s)

Hussey, Jon
M
Hallfors, Denise
Dion

Year Published

2008

City of Publication

Bethesda, MD

Reference ID

6325