Episode Details

In this conversation, Sarah and Abby discuss the traits and strategies that adult children of alcoholics and addicts develop as a result of their childhood experiences. They explore the fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and attach responses and how these responses manifest in different ways. They emphasize that these strategies were adaptive and helped individuals survive in their challenging environments. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and exploring these strategies to gain insight into one's own patterns and behaviors.

Takeaways

• Adult children of alcoholics and addicts develop strategies for survival, such as fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and attach responses.
• These strategies were adaptive and helped individuals navigate their challenging environments.
• Understanding and exploring these strategies can provide insight into one's own patterns and behaviors.
• The fight response may manifest as addiction to excitement or an overdeveloped sense of responsibility.
• The flight response may lead to isolation or the suppression of feelings.
• The freeze response may result in fear of angry people or personal criticism.
• The fawn response may involve seeking approval, losing one's identity, or feeling guilt.
• The attach response may include dependence, fear of abandonment, and a strong desire for connection.
• Exploring these responses through a trauma lens can contribute to healing and growth.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.