The Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) have a multifactorial origin involving bio-psycho-social factors. Recent studies suggest that the number and type of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) constitute a risk factor both for the initiation of substance use and for relapse. In this regard, ACEs have been linked to alterations in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to difficulties in managing stressful situations and consequent emotional dysregulation. At psychological level, ACEs have been associated with psychological trauma, which involves inadequate stress response regulation and the adoption of maladaptive coping styles when facing various everyday life situations. This is associated with the search for external forms of "regulation," such as the consumption of addictive substances. Although this relationship has been widely studied, in Mexico there is still a lack of sufficient research exploring the link between ACEs, emotional regulation, stress levels, and mild cognitive impairment.
The present study aims to evaluate, in patients with SUDs undergoing residential rehabilitation, the relationship between the number and type of ACEs, coping styles, stress levels, and mild cognitive impairment.
Methodology: The following instruments were administered to patients diagnosed with SUDs due to polysubstance use and at the beginning of the rehabilitation process residential treatment clinic: the ACEs questionnaire, HADS, PCL-5, and AMAS. Results: The data were analyzed considering the presence of adverse events, stress levels, and cognitive performance.
Conclusions: The identification of these variables may support the development of new treatment strategies.