It's well-established that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a profound and lasting impact on health and well-being later in life. But what exactly are ACEs?
In 1998, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente. It is one of the largest studies of its kind. It provides valuable information on the prevalence and effects of childhood abuse, neglect, household dysfunction as well as any traumatic events the child may have experienced before age 18 to see how they were linked to adult health outcomes.
The findings were stark: ACEs are a major risk factor for a host of chronic diseases and mental health problems. People who had experienced more ACEs were more likely to report poor health, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. They were also more likely to have chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Adverse Childhood Experiences are a public health problem that has serious implications for the individual, as well as society.
So what can be done to reduce the impact of ACEs? A big part of the answer lies in understanding how trauma affects the developing brain. Attachment theory can help us understand how early experiences shape our ability to form trusting relationships later in life. And a growing body of research is showing that interventions like trauma-informed care can make a real difference in the lives of those who have experienced ACEs.
While the ACEs study is important in understanding the effects of childhood trauma, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Other risk factors, such as poverty or being raised by a single parent, can also increase the likelihood of experiencing an ACE. Some approaches to reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences focus on strengthening families and communities, while others focus on individual resiliency.
It is important to remember that Adverse Childhood Experiences are preventable. The ACEs study provides an important starting point for prevention and intervention efforts. With knowledge and effort, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families.
If you are interested in learning more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a website with additional information: www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/index.html.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an ACE-related issue, there are many resources available to help. Here are some helpful links:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Thank you for reading my blog!
Sincerely,
Renee Cherowitz, MS, CHt, QS, LMHC
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