Adverse childhood experiences have lasting impacts, but there are paths to wellness

Ta’Mella Pierce

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When children experience prolonged stress during critical developmental periods, it can affect how they process emotions and cope with stress throughout their lives. This can make it harder to manage relationships, navigate emotions and maintain physical health.”

Childhood is often seen as a time for innocence, growth and learning. For many children, however, their early years are marked by trauma and adversity that can leave lasting imprints on their physical and mental health.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire is an assessment tool designed to illuminate the significant impact childhood trauma has on adulthood. Lived experiences that generate the ACEs scores don’t simply fade with time; they can contribute to a variety of health challenges that persist in adulthood.

The ACE questionnaire identifies 10 different categories of childhood trauma, ranging from emotional and physical abuse to household dysfunction, such as parental divorce or mental illness. For each “yes” response, an individual’s ACE score increases. Higher ACE scores have been linked to a greater risk of chronic physical and mental health issues later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

The connection between ACEs and health issues can be traced to how trauma impacts the development of the brain and stress response systems. When children experience prolonged stress during critical developmental periods, it can affect how they process emotions and cope with stress throughout their lives. This can make it harder to manage relationships, navigate emotions and maintain physical health.

The ripple effect on mental and physical health

Individuals with higher ACE scores are more likely to face mental health challenges like depression, PTSD and anxiety, as well as physical health problems, including heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Childhood trauma can literally “get under the skin,” affecting everything from immune function to how our genes express themselves.

Populations experiencing homelessness and addiction tend to have hire ACE scores than other populations. Childhood trauma can disrupt emotional regulation, coping mechanisms and relationships, making individuals more vulnerable to substance abuse and unstable living conditions. These challenges often persist well into adulthood, creating cycles of maladaptive behavior.

Recognizing the lasting impact of ACEs is essential for both preventing and treating these effects. Early interventions, whether through therapy, education or community support, can help mitigate the long-term consequences of childhood trauma. By providing individuals with tools and resources to heal, we can help them build stronger, more resilient futures. Healing from childhood adversity isn’t just about overcoming past trauma — it’s about understanding and addressing its profound effects on our overall well-being.

Addressing complex issues in recovery

For those impacted by childhood adversity, the journey to recovery often involves addressing complex issues like homelessness and addiction, requires a compassionate, holistic approach that goes beyond just addressing immediate symptoms. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration supports the use of an 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework for building that addresses every aspect of an individual’s well-being. This model includes emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual wellness, each of which contributes to healing from trauma, overcoming homelessness and recovering from addiction.

Emotional wellness can be supported through trauma-informed therapy, helping individuals understand and process their past experiences in a safe and empathetic environment. Environmental wellness focuses on helping individuals find stable, supportive housing, which is a critical step toward rebuilding a sense of security. Financial wellness is another key element, offering access to job training, education, or financial planning to create long-term stability.

Social wellness is strengthened by connecting individuals to peer support networks and community programs, providing the support and connection that may have been lacking during childhood. Spirituality can offer a sense of hope and purpose, providing individuals with a deeper connection to themselves and others as they heal from childhood trauma and addiction. It fosters resilience by helping individuals find meaning, guiding them through the difficult journey of recovery and emotional restoration.

By weaving these different dimensions together, treatment can more effectively support the healing process and empower individuals to overcome the challenges they face, creating the foundation for a brighter future.

Editor’s note: Ta’Mella Pierce, Phoenix Rescue Mission’s chief clinical officer, is a licensed professional counselor. She manages counseling staff, programming and clinical support across its campuses. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.