Early childhood adversity can have lasting health effects, including increased substance use risk. This study analyzed data from 4,582 children (born 1984–2000) in the National Longitudinal Study of Youth-1979 cohort. Results showed that exposure to high parental conflict or maternal substance use (“threat-related adversity”) predicted more frequent alcohol and cannabis use in adolescence and early adulthood (ages 22–32). In contrast, deprivation-related adversity (low cognitive stimulation, emotional support, or household poverty) had no significant or negative associations with later substance use. While racial and ethnic minorities faced more adversity, its impact on substance use did not vary by race or ethnicity..
Key Takeaways
- Experiencing threat-related adversity (e.g., parental conflict, maternal substance use) before age 5 increases the risk of frequent alcohol and cannabis use later in life.
- Deprivation-related adversity (e.g. poverty, low cognitive stimulation) did not show a consistent link to later substance use.
- Racial and ethnic minorities were more likely to experience early life adversity, but its impact on later substance use was similar across groups.
- Intervening early in childhood may help prevent future substance use, particularly for children exposed to high-stress family environments.
- This study underscores the importance of early childhood intervention programs aimed at reducing family stress, supporting parental well-being, and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in early life conditions.
- By identifying key risk factors in early development, public health strategies can better prevent long-term substance use issues before they emerge in adolescence and adulthood.
Why This Matters
Understanding the long-term effects of childhood adversity is critical to preventing substance use before it begins. This study highlights that not all early hardships carry equal weight—children exposed to high-conflict or substance-using family environments face a significantly higher risk of frequent alcohol and cannabis use in later life. These early experiences shape developmental pathways in ways that may not surface until adolescence or adulthood.
The findings also underscore a key equity issue: while racial and ethnic minority children are more likely to experience early life adversity, the risk it poses is universal. This points to the urgent need for early, family-centered interventions that reduce household stress, support caregivers, and promote healthy childhood environments.
By targeting the root causes of risk in early development, we have a powerful opportunity to disrupt cycles of substance use and create more equitable, health-promoting conditions for all children.
–Nina Mulia, DrPH, lead author and senior scientist
Reference: Mulia, N., Li, L., Williams, E., Guo, Z., Witbrodt, J., Tam, C., & Lui, C. K. (2024). Is Childhood Adversity Before Age 5 Associated with Adolescent and Young Adult Substance Use? Findings from a U.S. Prospective Cohort Study. Substance Use & Misuse, 60(1), 64–73.
