Childhood trauma⁢ linked to risky behavior, substance use in Brazil

Updated ⁢June 04, 2025

A study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry connects childhood trauma to increased risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use, ⁢by age 18.The University of bath and the University of São Paulo led ‍the research into childhood trauma.

Researchers analyzed data from the 2004 Pelotas ⁢Birth Cohort in Brazil, tracking over 4,000 children from ⁣birth to age 18. The findings reveal that childhood trauma is widespread among young Brazilians and has major health implications. More than 80% of participants experienced at least one traumatic event, such as accidents, abuse, domestic violence, or parental loss, by age 18. A quarter had three or more traumatic experiences.

Exposure to traumatic events strongly⁣ correlated with adolescent substance use. Risky behavior linked to trauma accounted for 37% of problematic alcohol use, 59% of smoking, and 28% of illicit drug use at age 18.

The study also ⁤found a surprising link between trauma and cardiovascular health. Contrary to expectations, adolescents with‍ more traumatic⁤ experiences⁢ had⁢ lower heart rates and blood pressure, suggesting better ‍cardiovascular health. This was unexpected, given established links between⁣ childhood trauma and later-life cardiovascular disease risk.

“These findings suggest that reducing childhood trauma exposure could have a profound impact on reducing rates of substance use and addiction in Brazil,” said Megan Bailey, lead researcher from the University of Bath. “Our findings in relation to cardiovascular health were unexpected… More research is needed to fully understand the complex effect of childhood trauma on cardiovascular health across the lifespan.”

Professor Graeme Fairchild,a co-author from ⁢the Department of Psychology,noted the unexpected cardiovascular results. He suggested that lower resting heart ⁣rates,common in adolescents with mental health conditions like conduct disorder,might explain the lower heart rates and ⁤blood pressure in those exposed to trauma and engaging in substance use.

“It is indeed surprising to see lower heart rate and blood pressure being associated with childhood trauma in this study of ‍Brazilian adolescents,” Fairchild said. “One possible explanation for this is ⁣that some adolescents with mental health ⁣conditions — such‍ as conduct disorder or antisocial behaviour — often have a lower resting⁤ heart rate.”

Professor Sarah Halligan, another co-author, emphasized the need for early intervention and ⁣prevention. She noted ongoing efforts in Pelotas⁢ to reduce violence through the Pelotas Pact for Peace, a city-wide ⁢initiative ⁤addressing the causes and consequences of community violence.

“Given the notable role of childhood trauma in shaping adolescent health outcomes, there is an urgent need for early intervention ‍and prevention strategies,”⁣ Halligan said.

Professor Alicia Matijasevich from the University of São Paulo ⁣stressed the importance of early support for affected young people, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited resources.

“Addressing childhood trauma and providing early support to affected ‍young people could ⁤be key in reducing future⁣ health problems,including substance use and cardiovascular diseases,” Matijasevich said.

What’s next

Further research is planned to explore the long-term cardiovascular⁢ effects of childhood‍ trauma and to ⁢refine intervention‍ strategies for at-risk youth in Brazil.