The Unique Contributions of Adverse Childhood Experiences to Increases in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Problematic Substance Use After Trauma Exposure
Maor Daniel Levitin, Dvora Shmulewitz, Einav Levine, Vera Skvirsky,
Shaul Lev-Ran, Ariel Kor & Mario Mikulincer
Scientific Reports, February 1, 2026
This study provides new evidence suggesting that early adversity confers a distinct, independent risk for SUD that is not solely mediated by post-traumatic stress. These findings underscore the profound and multifaceted impact of childhood experiences on long-term well-being and highlight the need for trauma-informed interventions that address both immediate stress reactions and the enduring consequences of early adversity.
