Today, I am grateful for the Loosid video called ‘Impact of Past Trauma on Addiction’. I learned about something called an ACES score. It’s a test that gives you a reading on your level of childhood trauma. I took it. Then, I researched my score a bit online and found that an ACES score of 4+ can increase your chances of becoming an alcoholic by 7X. I’m a 4+. That caused me to ask what that meant as a percentage. The healthy population has a 7% alcoholism rate. Bear with me, I’m not a math wiz or a psychologist, but that’s a 49% chance.
I carry the gene as well. Which, comes with another 50% probability. I have a chronic pain disorder- about 30%+ more there. I spent 10 years in a relationship with someone who ticks every box for covert narcissism. He was only one of my stellar selections. With that ACES score, I’ve been a recovering codependent for 6 years. My corresponding PTSD diagnosis adds another 40-50% probability.
I would never have started drinking if I possessed this knowledge earlier. Knowing this, I am 1000% (lol) positive that I shouldn’t try to form a ‘normal’ relationship with alcohol for the 10,000th time. I find abstinence easier to maintain when I realize how stacked against me the cards REALLY are. I share this here for others who may be grateful for another reason to make it another day. Thank you Loosid!!