Emotional Neglect in Childhood and Benzodiazepine Misuse in Rhode Island Young Adults

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Benzodiazepine misuse is most prevalent among young adults aged 18–25 and has been linked to recreational use, self-medication, and psychosocial stressors. Childhood emotional neglect is associated with adverse mental health outcomes and increased vulnerability to substance misuse; however, its relationship with benzodiazepine misuse among young adults remains understudied. This study examined the association between childhood emotional neglect and lifetime benzodiazepine misuse among young adults in Rhode Island. Data were drawn from 1008 participants aged 18–25 who completed the 2024 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey, a cross-sectional web-based survey of behavioral health. Lifetime benzodiazepine misuse was defined as self-reported use of non-prescribed benzodiazepines. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between childhood emotional neglect and lifetime benzodiazepine misuse while adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, sexual and gender identity, and subjective social status. Overall, 5.6% of participants reported lifetime benzodiazepine misuse and 33.4% reported childhood emotional neglect. More than half (55.4%) of participants who reported benzodiazepine misuse also reported a history of emotional neglect (p < 0.001). After adjustment for covariates, childhood emotional neglect was associated with nearly threefold greater odds of lifetime benzodiazepine misuse (aOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.57–5.00). Findings identify childhood emotional neglect as a significant correlate of benzodiazepine misuse among young adults and underscore the importance of trauma-informed prevention, screening, and early intervention efforts.