Many studies showed that adverse childhood experiences may increase the risk of substance abuse. Thirty-two male participants in treatment for substance abuse and thirty-two non clinical subjects were interviewed with Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse (CECA). Subjects with substance addiction had experienced more neglect, physical abuse, psychological abuse, inconsistent supervision and variable discipline compared with their non clinical control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, they were exposed during childhood to a greater number of adverse experiences (p = 0.01) than their control. The study suggests that specific types of adverse childhood experiences can play a key role in the onset of addictive disorders.