Title:Trauma, Resilience, and Substance Use in Adolescents: A Review Article
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Author(s): Kenechukwu Anona*, Edore Onigu-Otite, Cynthia Conner and Kirti Saxena
Affiliation:
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Keywords:
Adolescents, trauma, resilience, substance use, coping mechanisms, risk factors, protective factors, developmental trauma.
Abstract: Adolescence is a sensitive phase of human life featuring changes in
physical, emotional, and social characteristics. Many teens experience stressful
events and trauma, which can affect their mental health and increase their risk of
initiating and continuing substance use. Genetic vulnerabilities impact this
relationship. In the face of trauma, while some adolescents are vulnerable, others
navigate similar experiences differently, show resilience, and generally fare better
without developing substance use problems. Understanding the multiple
contributory factors that impact this relationship is critical in informing clinical
approaches and program development. To describe the intricate dynamics
between trauma, resilience, and substance abuse among adolescents. This review
attempts to offer a synopsis that clarifies existing perspectives on trauma and
substance use in adolescents while indicating areas for future research, clinical,
and intervention programs in this critical area of adolescent well-being. A
literature review was conducted to reveal available studies related to trauma,
adolescent substance use, and resilience. Synthesis of findings from empirical
studies, a detailed discussion on trauma and developmental factors while also
addressing resilience elements alongside patterns of substance use is presented. The
review highlights the bidirectional connections between trauma and substance use
in adolescents. We include the consideration of resilience in adolescent responses
to trauma. Resilience may reduce the risk of substance use, improve treatmentseeking
and engagement in the treatment of SUD in adolescents, and reduce the
risk of relapse, thereby suggesting it is a third dimension in the relationship
between trauma and substance use. This review also provides evidence-based
interventions and policies that are tailored to the specific needs of a diverse
population of adolescents. We uncover the gaps in research, especially regarding
cultural specifics and intersectionality among marginalized identities. Trauma,
resilience, and substance use are linked in a tri-directional relationship, which is
complex and dynamic. Adolescents with trauma are at higher risk of initiating
and continuing substance. Resilience impacts treatment-seeking and engagement
and may reduce relapse risk. Future research recommendations include improving
the cultural sensitivity of interventions, studying the effects of marginalized
identities, and ensuring rigorous evaluation of and progressive development of
intervention programs.