Adults with high childhood adversity are more likely to engage in problem drinking. Image Credit: The columns
Many people turn to alcohol as a way to alleviate stress. Research in child development shows that much of adult behaviour is strongly influenced by early childhood experiences, particularly the level of attention and care children receive (or do not receive).
Studies suggest that children who experience neglect or other forms of childhood adversity and do not receive consistent emotional support during their development are at an increased risk of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms, including problem drinking in adulthood.
Often, these behaviours serve as self-soothing or stress-management strategies when early emotional needs were not consistently met.
This association between early childhood and the behaviours of adults is an important consideration for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to prevent future negative psychological and behavioural effects.
From infancy through early childhood, consistent nurturing support is critical in establishing secure attachment and developing effective stress response systems. Without it, children may develop an insecure attachment patterns that can make them more susceptible to emotional dysregulation in childhood and adulthood. (CDC, 2026)
In a 2026 study published in Social Science & Medicine, Zhang and Lippert used recent U.S. national survey data (BRFSS) and an improved measurement of early-life adversity with item response theory modelling. They found that adults who reported higher levels of childhood adversity were significantly more likely to engage in problem drinking compared to adults with lower level of adversity.
The study identified a double disadvantage pattern: adults who had both a high level of childhood adversity and low perceived social support showed the greatest predicted probabilities of experiencing significant problems with alcohol use.
These findings underscore the significance of early interventions so that caregivers and communities can help to foster secure attachments, develop and provide support for at-risk children and teach effective coping skills.
By addressing early unmet needs of children, society can help to decrease the chances of developing substance-use problems in adulthood and build their emotional resiliency. Not all individuals who experience childhood adversity develop substance-use problems; protective factors such as supportive relationships can foster resilience and reduce this risk (CDC, 2026).
References:
Zhang, S., & Lippert, A. M. (2026). Early-life adversity and problem drinking in adulthood: Improving on the measurement of adverse childhood experiences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119056
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About adverse childhood experiences. https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
