Abstract / Summary
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic childhood stressors associated with elevated risk for problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Mexican-origin adults exhibit high rates of heavy drinking, underscoring the importance of identifying early risk and protective factors. This study examined prospective associations between family- and community-level ACEs and alcohol outcomes among Mexican-origin adolescents and evaluated familism and family cohesion as potential protective factors. Data came from a three-wave longitudinal community study of 344 Mexican-origin youth assessed between April 2021 and October 2024. Linear and logistic regression models examined prospective associations between Wave 1 ACEs and alcohol outcomes (problematic drinking and probable AUD) at Waves 2 and 3. Familism and family cohesion were tested as main effects and moderators. Family-level ACEs at Wave 1 were associated with higher problematic drinking and increased odds of probable AUD at Wave 3. Community-level ACEs were not significantly associated with alcohol outcomes. Higher family cohesion at Wave 1 was associated with lower alcohol use and reduced odds of probable AUD at Wave 2, and higher familism was associated with lower odds of probable AUD at Wave 3. However, the interaction effects between ACEs and protective factors were nonsignificant. Results underscore adolescence as a critical period for trauma-informed prevention and interventions, when the behavioral consequences of maltreatment and family dysfunction may already be emerging, but trajectories of alcohol-related harm are not yet established.