Diversity in adversity: Racial/ethnic differences in the relationship between domains of adverse childhood experiences and nicotine, cannabis, and opioids use in young adults.

This study examined racial/ethnic variations in the three domains of ACE (neglect, abuse, and household dysfunction) and its association with nicotine, cannabis, and opioid use/co-use among youth from different racial/ethnic groups. Cross-sectional data were from 2207 young adults (mean age 21.84 years). Multivariable regression analysis was used to examine the association between the three ACE domains and nicotine, cannabis, and opioid use/co-use. There were significant differences in overall ACE and household dysfunction scores across race/ethnicity. Different ACE domains were associated with different substance use patterns among youth from different racial/ethnic groups. Findings suggest that substance use prevention interventions attuned to the domains of ACE are crucial.