Stoning Demons: Physical Health Effects and Complex PTSD

Description

Stoning Demons is an informed patient’s perspective on Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Developmental Trauma, and Marijuana-Supported Therapy. This work is focused on Complex PTSD as it relates to childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts on the health and psychology of the victim.

People with CPTSD experience a variety of psychological problems, such as depression, other anxiety disorders, and drug and alcohol use problems; however, CPTSD can also have an impact on physical health. In fact, people with CPTSD are at greater risk for developing physical health problems, including heart disease, obesity, gastrointestinal problems, and adrenal issues.

There is a close relationship between exposure to abuse during childhood and several of the leading causes of death in adults. Diseases including heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and liver disease have been tied to childhood trauma. The findings in many emerging studies suggest that the impact of these adverse childhood experiences on adult health status is cumulative.

As more research looks at the effects of abuse, neglect, and maltreatment, findings show that noticeable impacts are seen through adulthood, which illustrates the connection between developmental and physiological aspects of childhood traumas. The effects of trauma and stress are cumulative. When significant secondary traumas occur, the risk of developing CPTSD symptoms increases.

First published beginning in 2011, the Stoning Demons series moved to Tregaryn Publishing in 2025.

Kimberly’s interview with High Times from 2019.