Adverse childhood experiences aren’t a rarity in the United States.
In fact, almost half of American children — 46 percent — have experienced an adverse situation in their childhood, according to a Child Trends report.
But these experiences — which are defined as things like witnessing a parent's divorce, living with someone who has a drug or alcohol problem, or struggling with the economy, according to the report — aren't always a limiter of success. In some cases, people have risen above their adverse circumstances and achieved positive stability.
See also: Nearly half of children experience trauma, but only some overcome it
Here are 9 celebrities who have overcome the pain of their past:
Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd is a popular Hollywood actress who has been nominated for the Golden Globe awards in the past, but she comes from a troubled background, according to ABC News. She was abused by many men in her life, including a family member, ABC News reported. She had to rely on the strength of her mom to help her make it in the big time.
"When you are trying to make it in show business, everything else falls by the wayside,” said Amy Palmer, a magazine editor who wrote about Judd’s recent memoir “All That Is Better and Sweet.” “She was left alone so much with her mother and sister touring the country to make it. Something suffers and it was Ashley's childhood."
