Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration,
and lifelong health and opportunity. As such, early experiences are an important public health issue. Much of the foundational research in this area has been referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
ACEs include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, living with an alcohol or drug abuser, domestic violence, and emotional and physical neglect.
Having 4 or more ACEs makes a person 4.6 times more likely to have depression, 7.4 times more likely to have alcohol use disorder, 10.3 times to use drugs intravenously, and 12.2 times more likely to attempt suicide, according to research.
ACEs are also correlated with physical illnesses such as hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Having 6 or more ACES lowers life expectancy by 20 years, Arauz said.
Adverse Childhood Experiences have been linked to
- Risky health behaviors
- Chronic health conditions
- Low life potential, an
- Early death
As the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk for these outcomes.
The wide-ranging health and social consequences of ACEs underscore the importance of preventing them before they happen. CDC promotes lifelong health and well-being through Essentials for Childhood – Assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children. Essentials for Childhood can have a positive impact on a broad range of health problems and on the development of skills that will help children reach their full potential.
