Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic experiences, including abuse, neglect and a range of household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence, or growing up with substance abuse, mental illness, parental discord, or crime in the home. ACEs are strongly related to development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems, including substance abuse, throughout the lifespan. Because ACEs are common and strongly related to a variety of substance abuse and related behavioral health outcomes, prevention of ACES and early identification of those who experience ACEs could prevent a number of negative consequences and have a significant impact on a range of critical health problems.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and substance use disorders.

Describe examples of how to use ACE data to inform substance abuse prevention planning.