Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, as “potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (up to 17 years old) such as experiencing violence, abuse or neglect; witnessing violence in the home; and having a family member attempt or die by suicide.”

The CDC further said ACEs also include aspects of a child's environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability and bonding. This can include growing up in a household with substance misuse, mental health problems or instability due to parental separation or incarceration of a parent, sibling or other member of the household.

ACEs have been linked to risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential and early death in adults.

One study from the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion study found that ACEs scores are so indicative of adult drug abuse that “the effects of adverse childhood experiences transcend secular changes such as increased availability of drugs, social attitudes toward drugs, and recent massive expenditures and public information campaigns to prevent drug use.”

Source: Centers for Disease Control