The relationship between negative childhood experiences and later appearance of drug addiction

Child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect are significant problems that are experienced universally regardless of culture, ethnicity, and social class. Similarly, drug addiction is also identified as a problem, globally. Previous research documents the relationship between the experiences of abuse in childhood with addiction later in life. Thus, the current study attempts to understand the influence of stressful or adverse childhood experiences on the development of drug addiction in the Sri Lankan context. Qualitative data was gathered to explore this relationship. A purposive sample of six male participants was selected from among 20 individuals identified as being addicted to drugs in the Welikada prison. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview and analyzed through thematic analysis. The analysis found that adverse childhood experiences were reported by the participants and that these experiences were described as being triggers for the addiction. It was also found that these adverse childhood experiences have negatively affected their family life, education, and future aspirations. The study hopes to impact interventions in the case of negative childhood experiences and drug addiction.