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!!
Maybe I’ll check that video out. Regardless, I’m with you on being 1000% positive about the chances of having a normal relationship with alcohol for the 10,000th time