This graphic shows how prevalent substance use disorder is when people are asked about the ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) that they experienced. Most research on ACES, and SUD, shows a significant overlap between SUD and other adverse childhood experiences.

This infographic from The Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University gives a quick overview of the relationship between ACES and toxic stress. Follow the link to access the full downloadable pdf, plus lots of other information about ACES and development.

Passionate TED Talk about ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris. She explains in straightforward terms how experiences of adversity impact brain development and then contribute to a person’s later chances of engaging in risky behaviors, as well as their lifelong physical health.

This short video explains the science behind toxic stress, and why it’s so important to offer children experiencing it supportive buffers. The link below will take you to The Center for the  Developing Child’s resource collection on toxic stress, where you’ll find more videos, research briefs, and deep dives into this topic.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has published this detailed book on SUD and young children. It includes accessible information about the importance of early childhood in SUD prevention, and many protective factors and interventions that those who work with kids should be aware of.  Free to download as a pdf or ebook!

This free download is an outstanding description of how toxic stress  and trauma impact children, and what the flight/fright/freeze response looks like in a classroom setting…AND ways teachers can respond. Click on the link below for your copy! Note: this could be used with older children, as well.