The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Different types of stress and their consequences

The Impact of ACE(s)

  • 2–3x risk of Depression and Anxiety
  • 6 or more ACEs risk of dying 20 years earlier than those that have none
  • 4 or more ACEs
    • 3x risk of lung disease
    • 14x number of suicide attempts
    • 11x risk of IV drug abuse
    • Additional ACE risks
    • COPD
    • Smoking
    • Impaired work performance
    • Adult Alcoholism
    • Perpetrating Domestic Violence

What Does It All Cost?

Total annual costs attributable to ACEs were estimated to be US $581 billion in Europe and $748 billion in North America. More than 75% of these costs arose in individuals with two or more ACEs.

The Evidence-based Antidote at ARKlight

  • Therapy — individual and family
  • Sleep
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition
  • Mindfulness
  • Healthy relationships
  • Appropriate, conservative medication if needed

Sources and Recommended Reading

Life course health consequences and associated annual costs of adverse childhood experiences across Europe and North America: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Bellis et al; The Lancet Public Health; Sep 3, 2019.

The deepest well: Healing the long-term effects of childhood adversity by Nadine Burke Harris, MD, 2018.

CDC.gov: Adverse Childhood Experiences (link)