The study on Adverse Childhood Experiences has shown a direct relationship between childhood trauma and substance abuse disorders. Based on their findings, the more adverse experiences an individual had, the higher their risk of developing a health complication later in life– one of those being a substance abuse problem.
The study restricted childhood trauma to a child’s household problems; it is important to know that childhood trauma can span outside domestic life into cultural and social life as well – like school bullying or a loss of a friend. Contact us today to learn more about trauma therapy.
The ACE Study
Background
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study) is a research study conducted by the American health maintenance organization Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They surveyed 17,337 participants to discover whether there was a relationship between adverse childhood experiences (childhood trauma) and health effects later in life. Participants were asked about ten types of childhood trauma that had been identified in earlier research literature.
Findings
Kaiser Permanente and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1998 study on adverse childhood experiences determined that traumatic experiences during childhood are a root cause of many emotional, social, and cognitive impairments that lead to a hightened risk of unhealthy behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential, risk of violence or re-victimization, premature mortality, and substance abuse. As the number of adverse experiences increases, the risk of problems from childhood through adulthood also rises. Compared to an ACE score of zero, having four adverse childhood experiences was associated with a seven-fold (700%) increase in alcoholism, a doubling of risk of being diagnosed with cancer, and a four-fold increase in emphysema; an ACE score above six was associated with a 30-fold (3000%) increase in attempted suicide. Nearly 30 years of study following the initial study confirmed these findings. Many states, health providers, and other groups now routinely screen parents and children for ACEs.
What is Your ACE Score?
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Physical or emotional neglect
- Exposure to domestic violence
- Household substance abuse
- Household mental illness
- Parental separation or divorce
- Incarcerated household member
Coalition Recovery – Treating Childhood Trauma
Because childhood experiences are so often the cause of substance abuse, we specialize in treating childhood trauma as it relates to addiction. We understand childhood experiences affect more than most people realize. We know that apart from mental illnesses, childhood trauma has become one of the primary driving forces in the formation of addiction. So, to effectively treat these cases, it is vital for us to be knowledgeable to the best of our abilities on how to combat the forces of childhood trauma. An individual who has experienced a traumatic childhood will carry it with them throughout their life. For instance, someone with parental neglect has failed to learn how to be loved and cared for properly; therefore he/she will not be able to form deep relationships and instinctively reject close relationships. Someone who has grown up with physical or emotional abuse will not be able to regulate their emotions appropriately. Due to their emotional instability, these individual’s hormones and stress levels are triggered more easily than the average person. Stress triggers are usually beneficial, but when these triggers continually fire, it can cause adverse health and mental side effects. While the ACE study focuses on adverse experiences in the domestic setting, childhood trauma – although very prevalent at home – can happen outside of the household. Children who are bullied in school or have a hard time fitting in can have some of the same adverse effects. Fortunately, there are therapy practices that can rewire the brain and undo the harm caused by these adverse experiences. We break apart the fear a person has of the world. We assist in forming the ability to trust people and build lasting relationships. Throughout this process, individuals will become more responsible and begin to account for their actions.
Treatment
Individualized Therapies – CBT, DBT, and positive thinking practices help rewire and retrain the brain into thinking in a healthier manner. Group Therapies – Help formulate pivotal social skills and social connection. Holistic Therapies – These types of therapies help heal areas that psychological techniques cannot do alone. They create the self-efficacy for mindfulness. These therapies are tools proven to help reduce stress and boost overall state of being. Patients also gain a stronger sense of purpose, guidance, and spirituality. Education – These mainly include the science behind addiction and trauma. To overcome addiction and trauma, a person needs to understand the biological factors involved to gain a full understanding of how to adequately overcome these obstacles. Nutrition – Nutrition and nutritional classes are essential for learning how to maintain a healthy body and mind. Learning how nutrition affects your mood can keep you feeling and looking your best while also increasing mental health. A proper diet can drastically improve depression, anxiety, stress and a multitude of other disorders. Adequate nutrition is directly related to how you feel and think. Eat healthily – Think Healthy – Stay Clean.
