Families, Trauma, and Addiction 101

Links:

Website: Drmikebarnes.com

Book: When the Solution Becomes the Problem

Youtube: https://youtu.be/B6ItN_a11Ik

In the premiere episode of Beyond Addiction and Trauma: The Family Recovery Podcast, Dr. Mike Barnes lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of how trauma, addiction, and family dynamics intersect. Drawing on extensive clinical experience and research, Dr. Barnes offers a “101” crash course into the prevalence, complexity, and co-occurring nature of substance use disorders and trauma.

Key highlights include:

• Staggering statistics on substance use and trauma in the U.S., including the widespread familial impact.
• The disease model of addiction, as defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine—highlighting its chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal nature.
• Three pathways to addiction: genetic predisposition, self-medication for other mental health disorders, and environmental normalization.
• Common co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders—and how these complicate recovery.
• The role of the family, likened to a mobile constantly adjusting to maintain balance amidst dysfunction.
• Process addictions (e.g., gambling, sex, work, food) that often accompany substance use disorders.
• Three stages of healing for individuals with SUDs: abstinence, sobriety, and full recovery, emphasizing holistic wellness.
• The emotional toll on family members, who often develop their own trauma symptoms and must engage in their own recovery process.

Dr. Barnes emphasizes that addiction is not just an individual issue—it's a systemic one that demands family-wide healing. He advocates for a shift from blame and control to understanding and supportive recovery.

Listeners are encouraged to engage via his YouTube channel, social media, or directly through email. Resources and Dr. Barnes’ book When the Solution Becomes the Problem are also available for those seeking further insight.