Healing Childhood Wounds: The ACEs and PCEs Connection in Addiction with Peggi CooneyHealing Childhood Wounds: The ACEs and PCEs Connection in Addiction with Peggi Cooney
Alcohol Tipping Point
This may be one of the most impactful podcasts I’ve done. It’s one I want to share with the whole wide world because it offers so much hope and inspiration. So please listen and share with others. Back on the show today is Peggi Cooney. I wanted to have Peggi back to talk about the connection between childhood trauma and addiction later in life. Some of you may have heard of ACEs, or “adverse childhood experiences.” Research shows that having a score of 4 ACEs increases your chances of having an addiction problem by 700%, which is shocking. However, many people don’t know there is an antidote to ACEs (which are largely out of our control), and that is PCEs, which stands for positive childhood experiences—a term coined by Dr. Nzinga Harrison, an addiction specialist. Peggi holds a Master’s in Social Work and has 26 years of experience in Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services. She is currently a social work instructor/coach for UC Davis and is passionate about educating people about ACEs and PCEs. She is the author of This Side of Alcohol: Random Thoughts and Candid Words of Pain, Hope, Humor and Love – and All that is Possible in Sobriety and the Chief Connections Officer for Zero Proof Experiences/Sober in the City. We talk about: What the 15 ACEs are and how they connect to addiction The 7 Positive Childhood Experiences How PCEs can help overcome ACEs
51:25•14 Aug 2024
How Childhood Trauma Influences Addiction: Insights from Peggi Cooney
Episode Overview
- A high ACE score increases the likelihood of addiction by 700%.
- Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can mitigate the impact of ACEs.
- Understanding your childhood can help you make sense of your current behaviour.
- Creating a supportive environment for children can reduce future addiction risks.
- Reflecting on personal stories can offer valuable insights and healing.
“"Think of your ACEs like an overstuffed duffel bag you have to carry through life; your PCEs can function like wheels on the bottom of that duffel bag."”
Ever wondered how childhood experiences shape your relationship with alcohol? This episode of Alcohol Tipping Point dives deep into the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and addiction. Peggi Cooney, a seasoned social worker with 26 years in child welfare and adult protective services, joins host Deb Mazner to shed light on this critical topic.
Peggi explains how a high ACE score significantly increases the likelihood of addiction, but also highlights the power of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) as a counterbalance. The conversation is packed with eye-opening statistics, heartfelt anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone looking to understand their own behaviour or support loved ones. You'll find yourself reflecting on your own childhood and considering how to foster a healthier environment for future generations.
With Peggi's expert insights and Deb's compassionate hosting, this episode offers a blend of science and empathy that makes it both informative and deeply moving. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion that could change how you view your past and influence your future.
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