Structural Relationships of Childhood Trauma and Substance Use Problems in Methamphetamine Users: The Mediating Role of Panic Symptoms

This research aimed to examine the mediating role of panic symptoms in the relationship between childhood trauma and substance use problems in methamphetamine users.

The current research was descriptive-correlational of structural equation modeling type. Among methamphetamine users referring to addiction treatment centers in Mazandaran province, 250 people were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling method. The tools used in this research included the substance use questionnaire, the childhood trauma questionnaire, and the panic symptom scale. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

The findings showed that there was significant and positive relationship between childhood trauma and substance use problems, and panic symptoms mediated this relationship. Overall, the results indicated that the model had good fit.

According to the obtained results, it can be said that both variables of childhood trauma and panic symptoms play an important role in substance use problems. Considering the sensitive period of childhood and the lasting effects of traumatic experiences and their subsequent consequences such as depression, anxiety, etc. in adulthood, the results of this research can be a guide to inform parents of their sensitive role through educational programs in schools or the media. Therefore, paying attention to these variables is of special importance in reducing substance use problems.