Childhood Trauma’s Role in Men’s Substance Use Disorders

A boy who grows up in silence, shame, and survival mode may become a man who turns to substances just to feel normal. For millions of men, this is more than a story. It’s a neurological script written by trauma.

A growing body of research reveals a troubling link between childhood trauma and substance use disorders (SUDs) in men, with emotional and physical abuse, neglect, and other adverse experiences emerging as key contributors.

Meta-analyses highlight the prevalence of trauma among individuals with SUDs, with emotional abuse present in 38% of cases, physical abuse in 36%, and neglect, both emotional and physical, affecting over 30%.(1) Some studies report even more alarming figures, with emotional neglect seen in up to 67.9% of those struggling with addiction.(2). 

Recent research published in Scientific Reports emphasizes that specific types of childhood maltreatment not only contribute to substance misuse but are also associated with structural brain changes in affected individuals. This suggests that the repercussions of childhood trauma may be both psychological and neurological, potentially predisposing individuals to addiction.

The data show a clear pattern in how early life experiences shape adult addiction behaviors. Men with childhood trauma histories are more likely to develop substance use disorders involving illicit drugs compared to women, who more commonly develop alcohol use disorders following trauma.(3) Physical abuse in childhood emerges as a powerful predictor of later substance abuse in men, while the severity and number of trauma types experienced directly correlate with increased addiction risk.(4)

Childhood trauma fundamentally alters brain development, particularly the stress response system, creating increased vulnerability to addiction. When trauma occurs during critical developmental periods, it rewires how the brain processes stress and emotions. This neurobiological change makes substances particularly appealing as a way to manage overwhelming feelings that the damaged stress system cannot handle naturally.(3)

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study has established a clear link between traumatic experiences in childhood (abuse, neglect, and violence) and the development of substance use disorders later in life. This landmark research suggests that the effects of early trauma can manifest as a compulsion to use substances as a coping mechanism.

These struggles often show up differently across genders. Men are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders yet frequently face greater barriers to seeking help, such as stigma, emotional suppression, and limited social support. Societal expectations can discourage men from processing trauma in healthy ways, increasing the likelihood that they’ll turn to substances to cope. Research suggests that men with childhood trauma are especially prone to heavy marijuana and drug use, while women with similar experiences may be more likely to misuse alcohol. (7)(8)

A comprehensive study available on PubMed Central reinforces this connection between ACEs and the development of SUD, uncovering a gender-specific pattern indicating that men may be differently affected by the types and severity of childhood trauma. The findings underscore the importance of addressing ACEs in preventative strategies for substance use.

Matthew Snyder, LMFT, C-DBT, CAMS II, Clinical Director of Journey Hillside Tarzana, explains how this psychological process unfolds in men: “Childhood trauma rewires the brain to stay on high alert while suppressing emotional awareness. For many men, having strong emotions as a child without knowing how to deal with them leads to using drugs as a way to calm down. What seems like addiction is often an attempt to control a neurological system that has been formed by years of fear and shame that haven’t been dealt with.”

Men with trauma histories don’t choose drugs or alcohol because they enjoy them initially. Instead, their brains have been conditioned to seek anything that can quiet the constant state of hyperarousal and emotional dysregulation that trauma creates. The substance becomes a psychological tool that fills a gap left by disrupted emotional development.

The progression typically follows a predictable pattern. Early trauma disrupts the brain’s natural ability to self-soothe and regulate emotions. As these men encounter stress in adulthood, their compromised stress response system quickly becomes overwhelmed. Substances provide immediate relief from this psychological distress, which reinforces their use and eventually leads to dependency. (5)(6)

Psychologists play a vital role in promoting treatment programs that directly address the effects of childhood trauma on substance use. Many individuals with substance use disorders miss out on effective care because clinicians often focus only on mental health symptoms and do not consistently screen for substance-related issues.

The research shows that men with childhood trauma face additional psychological barriers to recovery. Their brains have essentially learned that emotional expression equals danger, making traditional therapy approaches challenging. This explains why men have higher rates of substance use disorders and face greater difficulty accessing treatment.

A study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma discusses self-reported childhood maltreatment and its effects on mental health and life satisfaction in patients with SUD. It illustrates that men with a history of childhood trauma often struggle with not only addiction but also significant mental health challenges, reaffirming the need for targeted therapeutic approaches.

Kosta Condous, MA, LMFT, Co-Founder of Higher Purpose Recovery, notes: “For many men, weakness feels dangerous, so recovery becomes a process of learning how to feel safe while expressing emotion. Reintegrating emotional connection is the main goal of effective treatment, which goes beyond symptom relief. As that integration takes place, the need to rely on substances for regulation naturally decreases.”

Understanding the psychological roots of trauma-induced addiction is essential for creating effective treatment. Childhood trauma alters the brain’s ability to manage stress and emotion, especially in men. Recovery must go beyond treating addiction to also address the emotional dysregulation beneath it. Recognizing trauma’s lasting impact is key to building more compassionate and targeted paths to healing.

As Matthew Snyder and Kosta Condous illustrate, effective recovery integrates understanding of neurobiological patterns with relearning emotional safety, showing that healing is as much about reconnecting with oneself as it is about sobriety. Recognizing trauma’s lasting impact is key to building more compassionate and targeted paths to healing.

For men struggling with substance use disorders rooted in childhood trauma, evidence-based approaches like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness interventions offer promising paths forward. These treatments address both addiction symptoms and their underlying neurobiological causes, helping to rewire trauma responses while building healthier emotional regulation skills. Family support that creates safe spaces for emotional expression without judgment can significantly enhance recovery outcomes.

The journey from trauma-induced addiction to recovery requires acknowledging that what appears as substance dependence often begins as an adaptive response to overwhelming childhood experiences. By addressing both the visible symptoms of addiction and the invisible neurological imprints of trauma, we open the door for men to not just achieve sobriety, but to reclaim their capacity for emotional connection, resilience, and authentic living.

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This analysis was compiled using data from multiple peer-reviewed studies, including research published in PMC, Frontiers in Psychiatry, and various addiction medicine journals, representing comprehensive meta-analyses and clinical studies across diverse populations.

About Experts:

Kosta Condous is a Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist and Co-Founder of Higher Purpose Recovery who has worked with various populations in a range of inpatient and outpatient treatment environments in acute psychiatric care, substance abuse, primary mental health and co-occurring disorders. Kosta has extensive clinical leadership experience, managing multiple programs and clinical teams with up to 30 clinicians. He is committed to providing clinicians with a work environment in which they can share their passion and express their creativity, as he believes this will lead to a standard of excellence in client care.

BIO: https://higherpurposerecovery.com/about-us/ 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosta-condous/ 

Matthew Snyder, LMFT, C-DBT, CAMS II, serves as Clinical Director at Journey Hillside Tarzana. He holds both a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology, and is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Anger Management. With deep experience treating trauma-related disorders and addiction, his approach emphasizes reducing shame, restoring hope, and developing skills for lasting recovery. Matthew is known for his authenticity, empathy and commitment to helping clients rebuild meaningful lives.

BIO:https://journeyhillside.com/treatment-team/matthew-snyder/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-snyder-874234a8/