Childhood adversity, serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) genotype, and risk for cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence in alcohol dependent adults

Abstract Background This study examined the extent to which cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence in adults with alcohol dependence (AD) are associated with adverse childhood experiences. Gender, social support, and an allelic variant in the gene encoding the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) were examined as moderators of this relationship. Methods The Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism – Version II (SSAGA-II) was used to assess DSM-IV diagnoses and cigarette smoking characteristics as well as traumatic life events and social support during childhood in 256 AD men ( n = 149) and women ( n = 107). Results An increase in number of adverse childhood events was associated with heightened risk of cigarette use and nicotine dependence. 5-HTTLPR genotype, gender, and social support did not significantly moderate the relationships among childhood adversity and ever-smoking or nicotine dependence. Conclusions Results extend previous findings to suggest that childhood adversity is strongly related to risk for ever-smoking and nicotine dependence in AD individuals. Additional research is needed to examine other potential genetic and environmental moderators and mediators of the relationships among smoking, alcohol use, and childhood trauma.