William & Mary Study Links Childhood Trauma to College Drinking

National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, running from October 19-25, emphasizes the challenges students face on campuses throughout the United States, particularly regarding alcohol consumption. At the College of William & Mary, Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences Adrian Bravo is leading research that explores the impact of adverse childhood experiences on alcohol use disorders among college students. Collaborating with an international team, Bravo’s work aims to uncover patterns that may explain why certain individuals are more susceptible to problematic drinking behaviors.

A recent study published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse, with William & Mary alumna Isabela Ortiz Caso as the lead author, highlights the significant role of adverse childhood experiences in shaping students’ drinking habits. “Adverse childhood experiences aren’t restricted to the horrible extremes of physical and emotional abuse,” Bravo notes. “Even witnessing family arguments or growing up with a loved one struggling with alcohol use can profoundly affect a person’s identity and worldview.”

The research indicates a correlation between childhood adversity, ruminative thinking, and alcohol-related consequences, though it does not establish direct causality. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 students across 12 universities in seven countries, including Argentina, England, the United States, and South Africa. Ortiz Caso emphasizes that while most psychological studies focus on singular populations, their findings demonstrate that the factors influencing problematic drinking are consistent across diverse geographical and cultural contexts.

Insights from the Cross-Cultural Addictions Study Team

Bravo’s interest in cross-cultural differences in substance use stems from his background as a Cuban immigrant. He initiated the Cross-Cultural Addictions Study Team (CAST) to collaborate with international researchers on issues related to alcohol and drug misuse. Today, the team comprises 18 researchers from various nations. “The primary goal of CAST is to understand how prior experiences or individual personality differences place some individuals at higher risk for substance use and mental health problems,” Bravo explains.

Through multiple studies, the team has identified three key factors associated with increased risk for problematic drinking: impulsivity, poor mental health, and adverse childhood experiences. Impulsivity often manifests as a sense of urgency to act when emotions are heightened, which can lead to drinking as a way to celebrate or cope. Poor mental health, particularly among students who fixate on negative feelings, can drive individuals to seek relief through substances.

Adverse childhood experiences, the focus of Ortiz Caso’s recent paper, encompass a range of factors from physical abuse to neglect and a tumultuous home environment. “Risky family environments correlate significantly with negative alcohol-related consequences,” Ortiz Caso states. This widespread pattern is crucial for developing interventions aimed at addressing alcohol misuse among college students.

Implications for Interventions and Support

Both Ortiz Caso and Bravo stress the importance of understanding the motivations behind drinking behaviors. When individuals drink to manage negative emotions, often rooted in their early experiences, it signifies a different motivation than social drinking. “Identifying these motivations can guide policymakers and educational institutions in creating effective strategies to combat alcohol use disorders,” Ortiz Caso asserts.

William & Mary offers various resources for students struggling with alcohol use, including health and wellness programs such as the Counseling Center and the Student Health Center. Faculty and staff can also access the Employee Assistance Program for support. Bravo advocates for universities to provide students with substance-free alternatives to cope with stress, such as meditation and exercise, rather than merely advising them to reduce their alcohol consumption.

“When trying to help students, universities shouldn’t just tell them to drink less or drink safer,” Bravo emphasizes. “They need to offer accessible resources that can help break the cycle of maladaptive coping and support the development of healthier habits.” Through this research, Bravo and Ortiz Caso hope to contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between childhood experiences and alcohol use, ultimately guiding effective interventions for college students worldwide.