Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are becoming more widely known in recent years for their description of how trauma impacts children into adulthood. In many ways, adults who struggle with mental health issues and addiction are often subjected to trauma of some kind in their past. This may be severely adverse experiences such as parental divorce but also could include neglect, moving a lot, assaults, abuse, and more. Screening is becoming important to test young children for it so they can receive intervention sooner but it often comes too late for adults. They are left to deal with the after-effects, often in a rehab center for recovery after years of struggle with addiction.
Why ACEs Matter
Research has linked ACEs to adult-life events. The higher the score, the more likely the person is to struggle with the impact, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. They may also be more likely to smoke cigarettes, become overweight, experience panic attacks, and struggle with addictive behaviors that are hard to navigate without professional support. Childhood trauma is common for many people but it varies in intensity and scope.
Treatment Options
As an adult, people are left to navigate their childhood experiences without much support. Oftentimes, it is hard to talk about past trauma or open up about abuse due to stigma and shame. Perhaps they have become addicted to substances and it is hard to stop using drugs to cope with the pain they feel. When early-life trauma is uncovered, it will need to be acknowledged and addressed. When dealing with addiction, denial is the biggest threat to recovery. Overcoming that requires time and patience. When they are ready to stop, they will make the decision to enter recovery. Sometimes intervention works before then but quite often they will fight the process.
Coping with Traumatic Pasts
In spite of trauma being a trigger in recovery, people need friendship and companionship for the journey of healing. They need a support network that helps them resolve the things that are hard. They may continue to struggle until they release denial, move forward with healing, and seek support in recovery. Unresolved childhood trauma can impact an adult but they can choose to seek help and open up vulnerably to find hope for better days ahead.
The Guest House Ocala helps people from all backgrounds and walks of life find hope for tomorrow. Recovery is a lifetime journey but it means starting with overcoming denial to find healing. Call us to find out how to get started: 1-855-483-7800