Addiction: Childhood Trauma, Stress and the Biology of Addiction

Abstract

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), it is estimated that 22.6 million Americans have a substance dependency or abuse problem. Alcohol is reported to be the most widely used intoxicant in the United States, with increased rates seen during teenage years. Marijuana is the most abused drug in the United States, followed by prescription painkillers, with other drugs used to a lesser extent. Substance dependence or abuse reportedly peaks in adults aged 18 to 25. Various stressors experienced in early childhood have been shown to alter the development and functioning of different areas of the brain. The present review summarizes the impact of early environmental stress and trauma as risk factors for addiction.