Childhood sexual abuse is a major risk factor in a wide variety of psychiatric problems and is clearly evident in the generation of excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence.

Childhood Sexual Abuse Increases Alcohol Problems, Illicit Drug Use and Depression

Data from 1099 women interviewed in 1991 National Survey. Childhood sexual abuse was any unwanted intrafamilial sexual activity before age 18 or extrafamilial unwanted sexual activity before 18 or occurred before 13 if other person was more than 5 years older (Constructed from data in Wilsnack, S.C. et al. J Stud Alcohol, 58: 264, 1997) ©2008 NBEP
In both rhesus monkeys and humans adverse early life experience in a susceptible genotype increases alcohol consumption. In humans maltreated children report more use of alcohol and tit is also increased in those with a specific genotype resulting in reduced serotonin uptake by the serotonin uptake transporter

Both genetic Factors and Adverse Early Life Experience Increase Alcohol Consumption Later in Life.

A genetic variation in serotonin transporter gene that reduces function, produces increased alcohol drinking which is most evident in both monkeys and humans who have had adverse early life experience. Compared to the I/I (long/long genotype), the s/s (short-short) and l/s genotypes of the serotonin transporter gene demonstrate less serotonin reuptake activity. A. From a study of 32 adolescent female rhesus monkeys, 18 had the mother present in a social group with other adults, 14 never had the mother or an adult present (raised first 32 days in isolation, then placed with 3 other age mates with no adult present). (Constructed from data in Barr, C.S. et al. Arch Gen Psych, 61: 1146, 2004) B. From a study of 127 children (mean age 12.5 years), 76 with maltreatment resulting in the child being removed from parental care and having 96 hour temporary custody by the state, and 51 community controls. Interviewed 2 years after entering the study. (Constructed from data in Kaufman, J. et al. Biol Psych, 61: 1228, 2007) ©2007 NBEP
Adolescents with bipolar disorder have an increased prevalence of drug abuse including alcohol. Overall, adverse experiences such as childhood sexual abuse or other maltreatment increases later alcohol consumption and this is especially evident in individuals with a mood disorder or a genetic vulnerability.

Higher Risk of Substance Abuse for Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder

A study of 105 with bipolar disorder, mean age 13.6 years, 70% male and 98 without bipolar disorder, mean age 13.7, 60% male showed statistically significant higher incidence of substance abuse among those with bipolar disorder.(Constructed from data in Wilens, T.E. et al. Drug Alcohol Depend, 95: 188 - 198, 2008) ©2008 NBEP