health information
Is there a correlation between child abuse and later drug/alcohol abuse?
Question : Is there a correlation between child abuse and later drug/alcohol abuse?
In other words- Are alcohol/drug abusers (past and present) more likely to have been abused as kids?
If so, what is the likelihood and what is the source of this information?
Thank you!
drug and alcohol abuse
Best answer:
Answer by AnimalFilter
Most definately. Although it’s not always the case. Some people are just genetically predisposed to addiction because their body feels so much ‘better’ than an average person when they take certain drugs or alcohol.
On the abuse side, however, people will often neglect to actually deal with the issues in their past through therapy and a support system, and instead they basically “self-medicate” using illegal drugs or alcohol.
-
-
#2 written by Ding Dang Ya'll! 1 year ago
Well I don’t really have a source of information other then my personal experience. But I do believe that abuse has a part in the reason some people use drugs and alcohol, drugs and alcohol help to numb the emotional or physical pain. I started smoking and drinking younger because of my abusive home. I’m sober now, but I still smoke, it just helps to deal, so many SOME of the drug abusers and alcohol abusers were abused as children, but not all.
- Comment Feed for this Post
Yes. Alcohol is a great escape tool.
Growing up in the circumstance you specify is so hard on a kid, who does not quite know how to interpret the truth so they come up with an interpretation that is all their own, and usually has to do with self worth. As adults, they frequently suffer from depression, anxiety, all kinds of mental health issues. Takes a lot of hard work to undo the damage inflicted upon themselves or from someone else, and its doubtful one ever really is ‘cured’, just learn coping mechanisms and different ways of thinking.
Because alcohol/drugs provide immediate escape, a habit has developed. Compound that with a genetic predisposition for alcoholism/addiction, the disease is off and running.
An alcoholic will often tell you tales of low self esteem issues when they were young, and usually connected with early family interactions. Parenting styles have changed dramatically so shudder to think what is around the corner with the upcoming generation.