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The Impact of Early Adversity on Lifelong Addiction Vulnerability

Creator

• Grayce Hightshoe-Quick
• Maggie Harmeier
• Gabriell Weber
• Danessa Carter

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Creation Date

2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Description

Substance use is the consumption of substances such as alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs that alter a persons mind and/or behavior (Center on Addiction, 2019). Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by the inability to control the use of these substances despite harmful consequences (Center on Addiction, 2019). If left untreated, substance use may contribute to a variety of severe health conditions. Substance use often co-occurs with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conduct disorders (Center on Addiction, 2019). Substance use accounts for a substantial burden of disease globally through SUDs, as well as associated unintentional injuries, chronic diseases, and suicide (Degenhardt et al., 2018). Substance use during early and late adulthood has been linked to environmental factors such as stress and exposure to ACEs (Hughes et al., 2019). Exposure to ACEs has been consistently and often associated with drug and alcohol use (Hughes et al., 2017).