Experiencias adversas en la infancia y su relación con el consumo de alcohol

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship of adverse childhood experiences with problematic alcohol consumption in adults. This study is based on the integrative approach that seeks to combine different theories and therapeutic techniques to address the mental health problems of a person, based on the idea that each person is unique and that their problem may be caused by multiple factors, thus, the professional works from the personality of the subject, overriding dependence on psychoactive substances, in addition to providing a high level of self-knowledge and personal development. Three topics of analysis were used, psychological problems, relational and social and behavioral. A non-probabilistic convenience sample was used, composed of four patients with problematic alcohol consumption over 18 years of age, residents of the Specialized Center for the Treatment of People with Problematic Alcohol and Other Drug Consumption CETAD, located in the city of Santa Rosa, province of El Oro. In order to provide a better understanding of the study analysis, a mixed approach research qualitative-quantitative of transectional type was established, detailing how phenomena, situations, events and contexts are manifested, with a correlational-descriptive scope which aims to measure the degree of relationship between two variables or categories, in addition to detailing how these variables are manifested. Authorization was obtained from the adults to participate in the research. Data collection and measurement instruments were used, such as, the semi-structured interview, which allowed a greater degree of flexibility to identify the consequences presented by adult alcohol consumers, together with observation in order to address the details and personal characteristics presented by the participants, as well as the Adult Questionnaire of Adverse Childhood Experiences ACES, which inquires about the presence of adverse experiences before the age of 18. With the support of theoretical resources, both from pioneering and current authors, and the findings obtained during the research, it is demonstrated that adults with harmful alcohol consumption have experienced more frequently during childhood, physical abuse, emotional abuse and intrafamily violence generating a greater risk for their mental health in adulthood, it was also identified the serious consequences that problematic alcohol consumption generates, such as frequently causing negative thoughts, unstable mood, family, social, economic difficulties, aggressiveness, violence and crimes, where it is impossible to ignore the influence that the family and community context have on the physical, emotional and social development in childhood. It is concluded that individuals who have lived different forms of adverse experiences in childhood, present a higher risk of harmful alcohol consumption in adulthood, where the role of this substance is that of an escape to endure the emotional pain, which is derived from the memories of adversities in early childhood.