Abstract

It has been suggested that there is a relationship between past trauma and an individual’s likelihood of using unhealthy substances. Love and Torgerson (2019) studied individuals who have experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how that correlated with a history of abusing substances. Twelve-step recovery programs for alcoholism have examined the relationship between childhood trauma and an individual’s success in recovery. In addition, Martin, Eljdupovic, McKenzie, and Colman (2007) studied trauma, mental health, substance abuse, and crimes resulting in youth criminal charges as they interacted with later behavior. This project utilized the CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Family/Friends, Trouble) questionnaire, a scale of 10 questions regarding what role alcohol and other drugs play in an individuals’ life, and the Life Events Checklist (LEC) questionnaire. This scale was used to assess the stressful and traumatic life events that one may experience throughout life. It was predicted that a Pearson correlation would reveal that the greater the number of traumatic events one has experienced, as measured by the LEC, the more likely one is to use unhealthy substances, including cigarettes and opioids. The hypothesis was shown to be correct. Those who are in the top 10 percentile on the LEC, who report a greater number of stressful and traumatic life experiences, do tend to use addictive substances at a high rate. Among the most interesting findings, was that those who reported sexual assault such as rape, attempted rape, or those made to perform any type of sexual act through force or threat of harm, were significantly more likely to have a family member or friend who noticed their drug or alcohol use and asked them to cut down.