Childhood Trauma Increases Likelihood of Poor Health in Adulthood

Did you know if you experienced or saw violence, abuse, or trauma as a child, it can…

• Change how your brain develops?
• Affect how you respond to stress?
• Increase your likelihood of acquiring chronic physical health problems, mental health problems, and substance misuse as an adult? ​

This is what the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study found. It looked at abuse, neglect, and non-traumatic events, like a parents' divorce, that happened during childhood.

The higher your ACEs score, the higher your risk for physical health problems, mental health problems, and substance misuse in adulthood.

About 1 in 6 American adults have reported an ACEs score of 4 or more.

Check out these shocking statistics for anyone with an ACEs score of 4 or more.

They are likely to increase their risk of…

• Chronic pulmonary lung disease by 390 percent;
• Hepatitis by 240 percent;
• Depression by 460 percent;
• Attempted suicide by 1,220 percent

Additionally, they are:

• 1.8 times likely to smoke cigarettes
• 1.9 times likely to become obese
• 2.4 times likely to experience ongoing anxiety
• 2.5 times likely to experience panic reactions
• 3.6 times likely to be depressed or to qualify as promiscuous
• 6.6 times likely to engage in early-life sexual intercourse
• 7.2 times likely to become alcoholic
• 11.1 times likely to become IV drug users

There is hope. Even with these startling statistics, God gives us a way to overcome the worst odds. It starts with finding a trauma informed licensed therapist. Additionally, there are other things you can do: attend support groups, surround yourself with healthy people, use healthy coping skills, pray, read the Bible, educate yourself, practice self-care, etc.

To find out your ACEs score, go to: http://traumadissociation.com/ace. It's also on our Resources page.


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References

1. https://acestoohigh.com/got-your-ace-score/
2. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-and-sex-in-the-digital-age/201912/how-adverse-childhood-experiences-affect-you-adult