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General
Healing and empowerment seem elusive for those of us who have survived abuse and trauma. Understanding WHY you do WHAT you do speaks to the awareness needed in order to address and heal. Understanding the roots of your behaviors is essential. You don’t need to remember every single detail of your trauma, but you do need to know the connection between your current maladaptive/unhealthy behaviors and your trauma.
Susan Gold was raised in a challenging and chaotic family system, the middle child of five. To fully thrive, she bravely chose to meet the demons of her upbringing that were continuing to repeat. Her book, “Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom” is about that journey.
General
For many trauma survivors, healing and recovery is not just about overcoming the past; it’s also about battling maladaptive behaviors like addiction that often follow. Addiction, whether to substances like alcohol and drugs (including prescribed medications) or behaviors like overspending, pornography, food binging, or gambling – often emerge as coping mechanisms for those of us who have experienced and survived abuse or trauma. Here’s a closer look at why trauma survivors struggle with addictions and the importance of addressing both issues together.
Elizabeth is an activist, writer, artist with an environmentally friendly clothing brand based on her art. Her mission is to be inclusive to all regardless of race, gender, religion, social status and success. She survived a traumatic brain injury from DV, that left her addicted to opioids. She eventually went to a battered women’s shelter for help and was turned away. Drug dealers protected her, she eventually became one out of desperation. Eventually she caught nonviolent drug charges and went to prison, there she endured and witnessed systemic and Institutional abuse. Now she works with state representative to expose these corrupt institutions – some of her bills got passed!
Laura Giles (LCSW) is a trauma specialist who believes that connection is the secret sauce to creating a meaningful life. Her holistic approach helps people move from surviving to thriving by building healthy relationships with themselves, others, and the planet.
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