National Adoption Awareness Month: Honoring Resilience and Healing

November marks National Adoption Awareness Month, a time to recognize the resilience of adoptees and the families who embrace them. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the complex realities of adoption; the early experiences of separation, neglect, trauma, or instability that some adoptees face. Such experiences can raise Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) scores, which are known to increase long-term health and emotional risks (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).

Research indicates that adoptees may be more vulnerable to substance use challenges compared to their non-adopted peers. Studies show that early initiation of alcohol or drug use and higher rates of substance use disorders (SUDs) are more common in this group (Yoon et al., 2021). These risks often stem from a mix of genetic, emotional, and environmental factors, such as trauma exposure, identity struggles, and difficulty managing stress. Yet, the presence of stable, loving caregivers, consistent routines, and mental health support can act as strong protective factors, helping adoptees build resilience and experience post-traumatic growth (Howard et al., 2022).

Every adoptee’s story is unique, but many share a common thread of perseverance. Even when faced with early adversity, adoptees often grow into empathetic and emotionally attuned individuals. Studies continue to affirm that nurturing relationships with caregivers, mentors, and peers help buffer the impact of high ACE scores (Webster, 2022). Moreover, research into adolescent and young adult well-being shows that resilience and protective factors can moderate the relationship between ACEs and mental health outcomes (Bhargav & Swords, 2023).

This month, we honor adoptees who turn adversity into advocacy, many of whom become mentors, counselors, or champions for others walking similar paths. Their experiences remind us that healing is not a straight line, but a journey made possible through compassion, understanding, and connection. As we celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month, we uplift the voices and victories of adoptees everywhere, and continue building systems that help them heal, recover, and thrive.