Early childhood experiences shape our minds and play a large role in how we interact with the world. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can increase the risk of physical and mental illness later in life, including addiction. Examples of ACEs include abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. Understanding how ACEs affect brain development and shape health outcomes is essential for identifying risk for substance use and associated harms. This information can also help to identify points of intervention to try to prevent or treat substance use later in life.
CCSA is collaborating with the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI), the developer of the Brain Story. The Brain Story describes for non-experts the science and the relationships among ACEs, brain development and health outcomes, using five metaphors. Our goal is to expand the reach, accessibility and understanding of Brain Story science to raise awareness of substance use as a public health issue, reduce stigma, and change policy and practice accordingly.
To achieve these goals through our partnership with AFWI, we have:
- Translated the Brain Story certification course into French;
- Promoted Brain Story certification as a learning tool for professionals across sectors;
- Hosted the Brain Builders Lab.
We’re proud to be a part of the growing Brain Builders community.