Mental Health issue from Adverse Childhood Experiences – SUBSTANCE ABUSE

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1. Introduction:

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic incidents that happen before the age of 18, like abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or being a witness to it (Hulme et al., 2023). The impacts of ACEs on physical and mental health, including a higher risk of substance dependence, have been proven to continue for a long time (Rakovski et al., 2023). Substance abuse is a major global public health concern that has a number of medical and social repercussions, such as mental and physical health issues, criminal activity, and financial hardship (Hulme et al., 2023). In especially for patients with a history of ACEs, nurses are crucial in spotting and treating substance usage. To effectively care for patients, it is crucial to comprehend the connection between ACEs and substance misuse (Rakovski et al., 2023).

2. Background:

Alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs are only a few examples of psychoactive substances that can be used in a hazardous way and cause addiction as well as other health and societal issues (Henningfield et al., 2022). Everywhere in the world, substance misuse is a problem that affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there are 35 million drug use disorders globally, with opioid use disorders being the most common (MacManus et al., 2022). Abuse of substances can result in a variety of physical and psychological conditions, including cancer, liver disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety (Henningfield et al., 2022).

ACEs are childhood traumatic experiences that can significantly affect both mental and physical health. ACEs might include neglect, abuse on a physical, emotional, or sexual level, problems in the home, or seeing violence (MacManus et al., 2022). According to studies, ACEs are common and can influence up to two thirds of the world’s population. Substance misuse, which has been discovered to be a coping technique for those who have suffered trauma, is one of the many mental and physical health issues that ACEs can cause (Henningfield et al., 2022).

2.1 Operational Definitions:

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Traumatic experiences that occur in childhood, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, or witnessing violence (MacManus et al., 2022).

Substance Abuse: The harmful use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, leading to addiction and