Wow! What a chilling (in my view, chillingly accurate) exposé of the long-term effects of child abuse.
I can certainly see myself in many of those statistics: I scored 5 on the ACE scale, with the following outcomes:
I have used drugs since age 18 (though mainly pot, and only infrequently).
I have used alcohol since age 15 (though never alone, and only intermittently, but as a "binge" drinker)
I have twice suffered acute depression (though I am aware of the specific circumstances that brought it on in both cases). I may also suffer from residual long-term depression (I tend to be a "loner", though generally a very content and positive person).
I have been a heavy smoker since age 5!
I have been sexually promiscuous since age 16.
I am a master procrastinator.
I tend to seek/enjoy stress and therefore tend to be a workaholic entrepreneur.
However, fortunately:
I have never had any problem with obesity.
I have never attempted suicide (though probably threatened it as a young child).
I have not suffered any of the listed medical conditions (notwithstanding that I live on a diet of nicotine, caffeine and protein!)..
I have never hit, verbally abused or insulted my child.
I can't wait for Part 4: "Disarming the Bomb in the Brain", though I think I have largely disarmed the bomb through a pretty successful roller-coaster career and, more recently, participation in FDR.
Thank you so much for helping the ACES to broadcast these facts to the world ... and, of course, for all of your outspoken criticism of child abuse since the very beginning of FDR and for your selfless help given to assist so many victims.
