ACES FLIPCARDs

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Substance Abuse

Exposure to substance abuse in childhood can lead to an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including substance use, as individuals may model the coping mechanisms observed in their family environment.

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Parental Separation / Divorce

Experiencing parental separation or divorce during childhood can result in feelings of insecurity and abandonment, often leading to attachment issues and difficulties in forming stable relationships in adulthood.

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Mental Illness

Growing up in a household with mental illness can normalize emotional instability, potentially leading individuals to struggle with their own emotional regulation and mental health challenges.

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Criminal Behavior

Exposure to criminal behavior in the family can normalize such activities, increasing the likelihood of legal troubles and engagement in criminal activities as a means of coping or survival.

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Abused Parent

Witnessing a parent being abused can instill a sense of helplessness and fear, often resulting in the internalization of violence as a method of conflict resolution or contributing to cycles of abuse in relationships.

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Emotional Neglect

Emotional neglect can result in difficulties recognizing and expressing emotions healthily, often leading to suppressed emotions, low self-esteem, and difficulties in social interactions.

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Physical Neglect

Experiencing physical neglect can manifest in self-neglectful behaviors in adulthood, including poor self-care and health-related decision-making, stemming from a lack of understanding of personal needs.

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Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can deeply impact self-esteem and self-worth, often leading to self-destructive behaviors and challenges in establishing trust in relationships.

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Sexual Abuse

Survivors of sexual abuse may struggle with issues related to intimacy and trust, and may exhibit behaviors ranging from avoidance of sexual contact to engaging in risky sexual behaviors.

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Physical Abuse

Individuals who have experienced physical abuse may become either withdrawn or aggressive, as they navigate the trauma of their experiences, often struggling with anger management and interpersonal relationships.

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Racism

Experiencing racism can lead to internalized negativity, affecting self-esteem and identity, potentially resulting in behaviors aimed at conforming to or rebelling against perceived societal norms.

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Generational/Historic Trauma

The effects of generational or historic trauma can lead to a deep-seated sense of injustice and mistrust towards societal structures, influencing behaviors related to identity, belonging, and activism.

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Social Condition

Growing up in adverse social conditions can limit access to resources and opportunities, often leading individuals to adopt survival strategies that may include risky or unconventional behaviors.

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Poverty

The stress and limitations imposed by poverty can lead to behaviors shaped by immediate necessity rather than long-term planning, including higher participation in risky behaviors as a coping mechanism.

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Environmental

Exposure to harmful environmental conditions can result in adaptive behaviors that might be detrimental in the long term, including neglect of personal health and well-being due to prioritizing immediate survival.

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Complex Trauma

Experiencing complex trauma can lead to a range of behavioral issues, including dissociation, heightened stress responses, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships, as individuals cope with the multifaceted impacts of their experiences.

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