STUDY OF ADVERSE EXPERIENCES AND OTHER INDICATORS OF CURENT FUNCTIONING IN RECEIVING TREATMENT FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

The literature on childhood and adolescence adversity becomes relevant due to the impact it can have throughout an individual's development. High exposure to adverse situations can increase the likelihood of developing dual pathology, psychopathological symptoms, and relationship problems such as domestic violence. The use of coping strategies to face adversity is crucial for biopsychosocial integration and a better quality of life.

This research aimed to characterize and understand the association between a history of adversity in childhood-adolescence, psychopathological symptoms, dual pathology, legitimization of marital violence, coping styles, and alcohol consumption. This was done through the simultaneous analysis of these variables along with other sociodemographic characteristics associated with alcohol use disorder, as indicated in the literature.

The clinical sample consists of 100 subjects divided into two groups: a study group of 50 subjects with alcohol use disorder in treatment and a comparison group without psychoactive substance consumption selected from the general population. The evaluation instruments include a semi-structured interview, AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), Childhood History Questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Brief Cope.

The method corresponds to a cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design. Results indicated that the group with alcohol use disorder had higher exposure to adverse experiences. Adverse history was also associated with psychopathological symptoms, particularly anxiety and depression. There is a strong relationship between adversity and passive/avoidant coping strategies, the greater the adversity, the fewer coping strategies. Regarding the legitimization of violence, the study demonstrated that the most legitimized belief was the trivialization of minor violence.

These findings lead to the conclusion that individuals with alcohol use disorder in treatment experienced a range of adverse situations during childhood and, in adulthood, exhibit symptoms of psychopathology, passive/avoidant coping strategies, and marital violence. This contributes to individual vulnerability, leading to dual pathology and compromising physical and emotional health. The study discusses the importance of assessing and integrating these factors to facilitate comprehensive treatment.

This study makes a fundamental contribution to the treatment field by addressing adverse experiences, psychopathological symptoms, and dual pathology. It also provides insights into marital violence and addiction, emphasizing the importance of preventing the intergenerational transmission of adverse experiences and domestic violence to children, as well as the consequences of alcohol consumption for the entire family.