Childhood Adversity, Substance Abuse, and Violence: Implications for Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult substance abuse and violence in a sample of offenders (n = 180). Higher ACE scores were significantly correlated with substance abuse scores and violence scores. Substance abuse and violence were also significantly correlated with each other. The violent offenders had significantly higher ACE and substance abuse scores than the nonviolent offenders. In a hierarchical logistic regression model, the ACE score and substance score both emerged as significant predictors of violence. Better understanding of the links between early adversity and adult criminal and addictive behavior will help improve social work practice in forensic and correctional settings. Implications for trauma-informed social work practice and policy are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• adverse childhood experiences
• offender
• substance abuse
• trauma
• violence