Swedo, Elizabeth A. et al. (2020). Adolescent Opioid Misuse Attributable to Adverse Childhood Experiences. 224
This paper explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, or household substance abuse, are linked to opioid misuse among adolescents. A study conducted in Ohio found that adolescents who had experienced multiple ACEs were significantly more likely to misuse opioids, with those reporting five or more ACEs being 15 times more likely to engage in opioid misuse. The research concludes that over 70% of recent adolescent opioid misuse can be attributed to ACEs, highlighting the need for early intervention programs to prevent childhood trauma and reduce the risk of substance abuse.