# Scoping review of biological and psychosocial pathways that lead from childhood adversity to early-onset substance use

## TL;DR

This review explores how childhood adversity leads to early substance use in children and adolescents through biological and psychosocial pathways.

## Contribution

The study systematically maps the complex, non-linear pathways linking childhood adversity to early-onset substance use.

## Key findings

- Stress from adversity alters neural circuits, affecting emotion and decision-making.
- Developmental stage-specific factors influence substance use in exposed adolescents.
- Early-onset substance use increases the risk of heavy and uncontrollable use.

## Abstract

Substance use in children and adolescents exposed to childhood adversity is a recognized risk factor for adverse outcomes in mental and physical health. However, few studies focus on the specific mechanisms that lead to it, assuming they are similar to those in adults. The purpose of this review is to explore the existing literature regarding etiological pathways between environmental adversities in childhood and early-onset substance use.

a scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR criteria, as the evidence is complex, heterogeneous, and relatively underexplored. Two independent reviewers searched Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and grey literature individually for review studies on biological and psychosocial pathways that lead from childhood adversity to early onset substance. Only outcomes that applied to children and adolescents under 18 years were recorded.

Pathways that lead from childhood adversity to early-onset substance use appear to be multifactorial and non-linear. Stress induces changes in vulnerable neural circuits, affecting emotion regulation, decision-making, and intrapersonal and interpersonal functioning. These changes and additional drug-induced effects on the developing brain provoke a cascade of events that increase the risk of heavy and uncontrollable use.

Developmental stage-specific factors may influence substance use in adolescents exposed to childhood adversity. Identifying mediators in this high-risk population is crucial to implementing efficacious preventive strategies.