Adverse Childhood Experiences and Illegal Drug Use Among College Students: Findings from a French Sample.
Int J Behav Med
; 2024 Jan 02.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38169052
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
While studies have demonstrated the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on lifelong health, less is known about the relationship between ACEs and illegal drug use. Thus, the objective of the study was to examine the relationship between ACEs and illegal drug use among college students.METHODS:
French college students between 18 and 30 years enrolled in a university cohort study were eligible for inclusion. Multivariate logistic regression models were conducted for each drug.RESULTS:
Among the sample (n = 1,157), 30.6% had no ACE exposure, 29.6%, 19.2%, and 20.7% had 1, 2 and ≥ 3 ACEs, respectively. Students with ACEs had a higher likelihood of using illegal drugs (p = 0.0067). After controlling for potential confounders, having ≥ 3 ACEs increased the risk of lifetime use of multiple drugs (aOR10.9; 95% CI 4.6-26.0), stimulants (aOR 3.6; 95% CI1.7-7.7), hallucinogens (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1-3.5), cannabis (aOR 4.7; 95% CI 2.7-8.0), and risky illegal drugs (e.g., higher lifetime frequency drug use) (aOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5-5.8). Estimates for illegal drug use were highest with parental substance use (aOR 2.6; 95% CI; 1.5-4.4), sexual abuse (aOR 2.3; 95% CI; 1.4-3.8), and divorce (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3-2.7).CONCLUSIONS:
ACEs increase the risk for lifetime illegal drug use and risky drug use in a dose-respondent fashion. These findings suggest that university students with higher levels of ACEs may benefit from additional support and services from clinical practitioners and university administrators.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Behav Med
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DO COMPORTAMENTO
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
France
Publication country:
ENGLAND
/
ESCOCIA
/
GB
/
GREAT BRITAIN
/
INGLATERRA
/
REINO UNIDO
/
SCOTLAND
/
UK
/
UNITED KINGDOM