Introduction: The Schema Therapy (ST), recognizing the universal basic emotional needs that permeate all individuals, including security, stability, care and acceptance, autonomy, competence and identity, highlights the importance of these whose intensity varies for each person. Unmet emotional needs in individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) represent a significant vulnerability to substance use and may impair treatment adherence. These needs, based mainly on childhood, play a central role in moments of vulnerability and exert a significant influence on psychological health. Deepening the understanding of the relationship between unmet emotional experiences such as trauma and abuse, the use of psychoactive substances and current well-being is fundamental to provide effective support and intervention strategies, thus contributing to the well-being be global of individuals. In addition, ST aims to help adults meet their own needs, even if they have not been met in the past.

Aim: To deepen the understanding of the relationship between unmet emotional experiences, such as trauma and abuse, use of psychoactive substances and current well-being.

Sample: Data from 2.155 users of multiple substances of the Álvaro Alvim Unit (HCPA) in the RGS/Brazil and CAPSad of six Brazilian states between 2011 and 2022 were analyzed, and the final sample consisted of 1.560 individuals. The ASI-6 scale was used a multidimensional semi-structured interview that analyzed the influence of substance consumption on participants’ lives in seven areas of operation.

Method: Association test of the linear-by-linear chi-square between the Impact on Current well-being and trauma.

Results: The analysis of the results showed an important and statistically significant association between different types of traumatic experiences and the impact on the current well-being of participants with SUD. Those who reported “Nothing” of impact on current well-being had notably lower percentages of association with various types of trauma: physical abuse (42.6%), sexual abuse (8.2%), having been a victim of beating or aggression (35.5%), life risk (51.6%) testimony of severe violence (65.9%). In contrast, participants who described their impact on current well-being as “Extremely” showed significantly higher associations with these traumatic experiences: physical abuse (66.7%), sexual abuse (21.0%), victimization in violent crimes (58.1%) risk of life (63.9%), and testimony of severe violence (86.0%). All these associations were statistically significant with p < 0.001 values, highlighting the adverse influence of these traumatic events on the current well-being of the participants.

Conclusion: Statistical analysis revealed a significant link between different traumatic experiences and the impact on the current well-being of individuals with TUS. Those who reported no impact on well-being had lower associations with trauma, while those who described an extremely negative impact had higher associations. This highlights the importance of addressing trauma in treating individuals with SUD to improve their well-being. This knowledge is critical to promoting mental health and the development of the healthy adult mode, including the adoption of more adaptive thoughts and behaviors, as well as the development of skills necessary for adult life. This underscores the importance of intervention programs that recognize and meet the specific needs of these individuals.