Bookends of Recovery: Addiction, Betrayal Trauma & Healing

Core beliefs are like a little puppeteer pulling the strings behind the scenes. When someone gives you a funny look, and your brain translates it to “They think I’m worthless,” it’s not the look making you feel that way; it’s your core belief that you’re not good enough. And here’s the kicker: these core beliefs? They’re usually garbage. Just because you’ve thought something your whole life doesn’...

Let’s continue to talk about triggers. No, not the kind that set off alarm bells—though some days, urges and stress can feel just as explosive. I mean the sneaky dudes that can send you down a rabbit hole of old habits. ( Here are the first , second , third and fourth   blog posts in my series about triggers.)   The good news? You’ve got a secret weapon in your arsenal: self-care . I mean the real...

You’ve been through the wringer—relational trauma, betrayal, addiction, and the emotional equivalent of walking barefoot on broken glass while swallowing fire. Healing isn’t just a straight path; it’s a zigzag of breakthroughs, setbacks, and the occasional “WHAT THE F IS HAPPENING?” moment. Let’s walk through the key healing tips—minus the sugarcoating but with a bit of humor to keep us sane. This...

Addiction—whether it involves substances, behaviors, or habits—can feel like an uphill battle. The cravings, the triggers, the relentless pull to give in... it’s overwhelming, like trying to diet while trapped in a bakery.  But understanding the mechanics of addiction, specifically recognizing and managing urges, can empower you on the road to recovery.  If you have any questions, please let me kn...

Let’s be real: boundaries are no fun to set, but if you’re navigating recovery from addiction and healing, boundaries aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Think of them as your GPS, steering you away from the potholes and speedbumps and toward a healthier, happier life that calms the chaos we sometimes feel in our brains. Today, in another installment of my series on triggers, I focus on one of...

If talking about your feelings gives you a knot in your stomach, worry not my Superstars, I’ve got a solution for you: use a color exercise instead.  Your emotions have a whole rainbow of colors of their own, and tapping into them can be a powerful way to check in with yourself without overthinking. So, grab some paper, colored pencils (or, whatever you can find in your junk drawer), and let’s get...

Have you ever felt blindsided by an emotion that takes you back to a dark place? I’m here to tell you something important: there’s a way through. Today, I’m thrilled to dive into another installment of my series on triggers. This time, we’re focusing on emotional and outside triggers—two big players in the recovery process. Understanding them can be a total game-changer, helping you maintain sobri...

Sobriety and healing are achievable, and you can make it happen. I’ve done it, and so can you. In my podcast, I share the tools and knowledge you need to attain lasting sobriety and healing for those struggling and their loved ones. I've been clean for 30+ years, and my journey wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I'm an ICF ACC certified life coach but no longer practice coaching due...

This is a bonus episode and a perfect companion to yesterday’s podcast. I'll guide you through a quick yet powerful meditation to help you center yourself, release tension, and navigate emotional triggers.  If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Laura Please note: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I sug...

Triggers. They’re those sneaky emotional responses that come out of nowhere, right? You think you’re doing okay, and then wham —a feeling hits you like a ton of bricks. But here’s the good news: you can manage them. In fact, you must manage them, and today, we’re going to explore how.  Plus, I'll share tools to add to your toolkit and a free worksheet. If you have any questions, please let me...

Deciding that you're going to quit using your DOC -drug of choice - is a major life decision. It can feel overwhelming and scary, but it's also one full of hope and promise too. Knowing the first steps to take can help lay a solid foundation for your recovery. In this episode, I'll discuss different recovery approaches. Stay tuned for part two coming up in a few minutes! If you have...

Deciding that you're going to quit using your DOC -drug of choice - is a major life choice. It can feel overwhelming and scary, but it's also one full of hope and promise too. Knowing the first steps to take can help lay a solid foundation for your recovery. In the second part of this two-part episode, I’ll guide you through essential first steps, tools for your recovery toolkit, and tip...

Looking for addiction and healing self-care tips in one place? Then, this podcast is for you. It's so jam-packed with tips that I had to break it into two parts. This is part two. For the first part, check out last week's episode. I'll be back in mid-January with new episodes. If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Laura Please not...

Looking for addiction and healing self-care tips in one place? Then, this podcast is for you. It's so jam-packed with tips that I had to break it into two parts. Be sure to visit next week for part two! If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Laura Please note: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest...

Codependency & Addiction: Can you be in recovery and codependent? I was, and I hated that word so much! My husband was codependent, too. It turns out that I misunderstood what the word meant. It's a coping mechanism, and in this episode, I ask thought-provoking questions and share ideas on regaining your well-deserved independence.  If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending...

Looking for more ways to manage your triggers? Today, you can learn about "riding out" the intensity of a trigger by using the Urge Surfing technique. This technique is great for addiction recovery and betrayal trauma. You can also learn how to create a recovery and healing safe space, perfect for practicing self-care and recovery and healing work. If you have any questions, please let m...

Looking for more addiction recovery tools? Then this jam-packed episode includes ways to conserve your spoons (energy) and tips and grounding techniques to help you manage your anxiety and triggers, including The Stop Sign and the Power of Choice.  If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Laura Please note: This podcast is for education only and is...

When we're in the process of addiction recovery and healing, one of the challenges we face is staying motivated. Whether you're new to recovery or healing or on your journey for a while, being stagnant can lead to a slippery slope. This also holds true for anyone in a relationship with someone struggling with addiction. We need to make sure that we stay motivated to take care of ourselve...

The holidays are right around the corner—like days away. For some of us, holidays are a great opportunity to connect with loved ones, whether family, friends, or both. For others, it means navigating being around people and situations that trigger us. Learn ways to handle those triggers so you don't have anxiety that may lead you to a setback in your recovery or healing. If you have any quest...

One of the most frequent questions I’m asked and see online is, “What’s considered a relapse in recovery?” To me, it’s a personal choice. I believe that each person’s recovery is their own to define. What may be a bottom line to me may not be a bottom line to someone else. A great tool to use is The Three Circles and the accompanying  worksheet . Raise your hand if you struggle with negative thoug...

Learning how to identify and then manage our triggers is one of the most important parts of our journey toward a healthy lifestyle and addiction recovery. Today, I discuss what triggers are, how to avoid them, and how to manage them. Partner this podcast with this free downloadable workbook. If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Laura Please not...

I’ll share about adopting a more preemptive approach by implementing a Setback Prevention Plan. This plan is designed to help you take a proactive approach to your recovery rather than a reactive one. This is a great way to handle challenging moments, urges, situations, and emotions that may lead to setbacks in recovery and healing. Free downloadable workbook available. If you have any questions,...

For most people, setbacks are a part of the addiction recovery journey. That doesn't mean every single person will experience them, but many will. When they happen, the important thing to do is pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and learn from them. The last thing we want is to wrap ourselves up in a blanket of shame. That’s why want to focus on the steps to take after a setback, versus the...

What ripple effect would you like to make in the world? Your recovery and healing changes your life and those around you. If you have any questions, please let me know .  Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes, Laura Please note: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek the help of a trained professional for your specific situation. Here are som...

If our family and social circle cultivate closeness, trust, and warmth, we're more likely to do the same. If our FOO is isolated or gives us a sense of insecurity, we're more likely to keep others at a distance and arm's length.  Our family of origin can also shape our lifestyle choices. As children, we tend to mimic what we see around us. If our FOO tends to be active and socialize...