Objectives

We sought to study the association between adverse events occurring in childhood and adolescence and lifetime alcohol dependence in a representative sample of American adults.

Methods

With data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, we conducted logistic regression multivariate analyses to examine the impact of adverse events occurring in childhood (aged < 18 years) on the lifetime prevalence of alcohol dependence. We controlled for age at drinking onset, binge drinking, alcoholism in parents and grandparents of respondents, and demographic characteristics.

Results

Adverse childhood events were associated with familial alcoholism and with early and binge drinking, and therefore, we controlled for these potential confounders. Experiencing 2 or more adverse childhood events, compared with none, significantly increased the risk for alcohol dependence, even after we controlled for sociodemographic variables and disorder-specific potential confounders not considered in the extant literature (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37; 95% confidence interval = 1.06, 1.77).

Conclusions

Individuals who experienced 2 or more adverse childhood events are at increased risk for lifetime alcohol dependence. A better understanding of the factors underlying the risk for alcohol dependence is important for developing better prevention and early intervention measures.