The associations between traumatic experiences and subsequent onset of a substance use disorder: Findings from the World Health Organization World Mental Health surveys

Original research
by
Degenhardt, Louisa et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We used cross-national data to examine associations of diverse traumatic events (TEs) with SUD onset, and variation in associations over time.

Findings/Key points

Most TE categories (except organised violence) were associated with increased odds of SUD. Sexual and interpersonal violence have the most consistent associations with progression to SUD; increased risk remains for many years post-exposure. These need to be considered when working with people exposed to such traumas.

Design/methods

World Mental Health surveys across 22 countries (n=65,165)

Keywords

About PWUD
Illegal drugs
Mental health