February 17, 2025 • 28 mins
This episode is the first of a mini series I have created on addiction. It offers a deep and compassionate exploration of addiction, its roots, and the interconnection with codependency. The discussion highlights various forms of addiction, the impact of trauma, denial, and the importance of self-reflection and support in the recovery process.
• Exploring the complexities of addiction and codependency
• Addiction manifests in both substance and behavioral forms
• Trauma as a significant contributing factor to addiction
• The emotional toll and isolation caused by addiction
• Recognizing denial in addiction, both personally and among loved ones
• Reflections questions for self-assessment and understanding
• Highlighting the journey of recovery as a multi-faceted process
• Encouraging listeners to seek support and engage with their healing journey
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Today we're diving into a topic that hits close to
home for so many of usaddictions.
This episode will kick off amini-series where we'll explore
the roots of addiction, how itaffects our lives and the paths
to recovery.
I'm not just talking aboutaddiction on its own.
I'll be breaking down thedifferent types, like substance
addictions to alcohol or drugs,as well as behavioral addictions
(00:24):
to things like food, gambling,shopping or even social media.
I'll also dig into theconnection to codependency and
take a look at the differentrecovery programs out there.
So let's dive in.
Welcome to the CodependentDoctor, a weekly podcast
focusing on all thingscodependency.
Are you struggling to loveyourself, feeling burnt out or
(00:44):
having trouble forming lovingand meaningful relationships?
I can help you heal from thepast and move forward with
healthier selves, healthierrelationships and healthier,
more fulfilling lives.
Join me as we reclaim yourauthentic self.
I'm your host, a family doctorand fellow codependent, dr
Angela Downey.
We can do this together.
Here we go.
(01:05):
Hello to all my wonderfulpodcast listeners and welcome to
the 29th episode of theCodependent Doctor.
I'm your host, dr Angela Downey, a family doctor and fellow
codependent.
Today's the first episode of amini-series that I've created
focusing on addictions.
The first episode of amini-series that I've created
(01:26):
focusing on addictions.
Addictions affect so many people.
In the US alone, about 15million adults struggle with
alcohol use disorder.
That's roughly 1 in 17 adults.
And that's just alcoholaddictions.
There are many other possibleaddictions that can impact your
life, but it's not just theperson who's addicted who's
affected.
The impact spreads to theirfamilies, workplaces and entire
(01:47):
communities.
While all addictions come withchallenges, some can be more
dangerous and damaging, makingit even more important to
understand and address them.
If you're enjoying the podcast,I'd love it if you could take a
minute to like, subscribe orleave a comment.
It really helps other peoplewho might need to find this show
, and if you're not following meyet, then hit that follow
(02:07):
button so you don't miss anyfuture episodes.
If you've got questions,feedback or ideas for the show,
just shoot me an email atcodependentdoctor at gmailcom.
I'd really love to hear fromyou.
Codependency and addiction oftengo hand in hand.
It creates this toxic cyclethat's tough to escape.
When someone we care about isstruggling with addiction, it's
(02:30):
easy to slip into roles thatfeel like we're helping but
we're actually enabling.
We might cover for theirmistakes, clean up their messes
or put their needs ahead of ourown, thinking that we're being
supportive.
Own thinking that we're beingsupportive, but in reality, this
just fuels the addiction, whileleaving us feel drained,
resentful and disconnected fromour own needs.
On the other side, peopledealing with addiction are often
(02:54):
carrying heavy emotionalbaggage, like loneliness, shame
or trauma.
These feelings can push themtowards codependent
relationships where they rely onsomeone else to fix them or
make them feel whole, and thiscreates a loop.
The addicted person depends onthe codependent for support and
the codependent feels needed orin control, but neither person
(03:15):
is truly healing and both end upstuck in unhealthy patterns.
Traumatic paths often play asignificant role in why people
turn to addictions.
Trauma, whether it's.
Instead of facing them head-on,some people look for ways to
(03:47):
numb the pain or to distractthemselves, and that's where
addiction steps in.
Addictions, whether it's tosubstances like alcohol or drugs
, or behaviors like gambling,overeating shopping or maybe
mindlessly scrolling throughsocial media, can act as a form
of self-medication.
They provide temporary relief.
(04:07):
It's an escape from therelentless cycle of shame, fear,
sadness or maybe even boredomIn the moment, the high from
that drink or drug, or thethrill of winning a bet or
getting 100 likes on your mostrecent social media post.
It can feel like the only wayto silence those inner demons,
or to validate your feelings ormaybe just fill that void.
(04:30):
But it's a trap.
The relief is short-lived andthe underlying issues are not
going to go away.
In fact, it often gets worse asthe addiction takes hold.
For those who also struggle withcodependency, the situation can
become even more complex.
Past trauma can leave peoplefeeling unworthy of love or
(04:52):
fearful of abandonment, which itcan often lead to codependent
behaviors like people pleasing,overgiving or losing their
identity in the relationship.
When these patterns combinewith addiction, it creates a
perfect storm.
The addiction serves as a wayto numb feelings of inadequacy,
while the codependent tendencieswill drive them to seek
validation through unhealthyrelationships.
Healing from the cycle meansaddressing both the trauma and
(05:15):
the addiction.
It involves digging to the rootcauses of the pain, often with
the help of therapy or supportgroups, and learning healthier
ways to cope.
Recovery isn't just aboutquitting the addiction.
It's about finding self-worth,learning to set boundaries and
building a life that doesn'trevolve around numbing the pain
and you're truly addressing theproblem.
(05:36):
What is addiction?
Addiction is when somethingstarts to take control of your
life, even when you know it'scausing problems.
It's not just about wantingsomething.
It's about feeling like youneed it to function, even if
it's causing harm.
Over time, that addiction takesover and starts to control your
decisions, emotions and evenyour daily routine.
(05:57):
You might wake up thinkingabout it, plan your day around
it or feel anxious and irritableif you can't have it.
What's so challenging is thatthe thing that you're addicted
to often feels like it's helpingyou cope, whether it's easing
stress, numbing pain orproviding a sense of escape.
And maybe it was helpful in thebeginning.
But in reality it's creating acycle where you feel more
dependent on it.
(06:17):
Over time, the addictionbecomes less about enjoyment and
more about getting through theday or avoiding the discomfort
of not having it.
Addiction hijacks your brain andconvinces you that you can't
live without it.
It literally changes the waythat your brain works.
When you use a substance orengage in addictive behavior,
your brain gets a hit ofdopamine, a hit of a chemical
(06:39):
that makes you feel good.
It's like your brain's rewardsystem is saying yes, this is
great, it feels great, I want todo it again.
But here's the catch Over time,your brain starts to rely on
that artificial dopamine rushinstead of the natural feel-good
moments from everyday life.
Sometimes the hit comes from analcoholic beverage, ingesting a
(07:01):
drug, winning a jackpot orsavoring a Big Mac.
The more you use or do thething, the less satisfying it
becomes.
Your brain adapts and says, hey, I need more of this to feel
the same way that I did before.
So you up the dose, spend moretime doing it, take bigger risks
to chase that high.
Maybe you buy a second Big Macor pair it with chips or watch
(07:23):
that ad so you can play anothermindless game on your phone.
But the problem is, no matterhow much you increase it, the
reward never feels quite as goodas it did at the beginning.
People-pleasing can also feellike an addiction.
You crave approval and it feelsgood when you get it.
But over time it can take overyour life.
You might lose touch with yourown needs, saying yes to things
(07:45):
that you don't want to just tokeep others happy.
It can lead to unhealthyrelationships where you attract
people who take advantage oravoid setting boundaries out of
fear or rejection.
Emotionally, tying yourself-worth to others' opinions
is exhausting.
No matter how much you do, it'snever enough to leave you
feeling fully validated.
You work harder and harder toearn someone's love and
(08:07):
attention.
Meanwhile, all the other stuffthat used to bring you joy, like
hanging out with your friends,accomplishing a goal, enjoying
hobbies or even just relaxing itstarts to feel dull.
Listening to your spouse talkduring dinner is a challenge,
because all you want to do isturn on your computer and gamble
just a little.
Your brain doesn't respond tothose simple joys like it used
(08:30):
to, because it's laser focusedon getting that next hit, the
next drink, the next big win orthe next compliment.
Relationships can sufferbecause of this,
responsibilities will getignored and your world starts to
shrink as the addiction takescenter stage.
In these situations, your brainis working against you.
It's convincing you that youneed this thing to feel okay,
(08:53):
even when it's causing problemsin your life.
That's what makes addiction sohard to break.
It's about rewiring your brainback to a healthier way of
functioning, which takes time.
It takes support and a lot ofpatience with yourself, but it's
absolutely possible and soworth it to regain control and
find that real joy again.
Addiction isn't about willpoweror making bad choices.
(09:16):
It's more complicated than that.
It's a mix of biology,psychology and environment all
coming together, and some peopleare more at risk than others.
For starters, genetics play abig role.
If addiction runs in yourfamily, you're more likely to
have a higher risk yourself.
It's not just about habits.
It's in the way your brainprocesses things like stress or
(09:38):
dopamine.
Some people's brains mightnaturally produce less of that
feel-good chemical, so they'remore likely to seek out
something that gives them thatrush, whether it's alcohol,
drugs or gambling or shopping.
Then there's the psychologicalside of things.
Trauma, especially in childhood,can set the stage for
addictions.
Growing up in a chaotic home orexperiencing neglect or dealing
(10:02):
with emotional wounds likeshame or loss can leave people
looking for a way to escape.
For many, substances oraddictive behaviors become a way
to numb those feelings and copewith stress.
And if you add mental healthconditions like anxiety,
depression or PTSD to the mix,it can make someone even more
vulnerable.
When life feels overwhelming,turning to something that offers
(10:25):
temporary relief can feel likeeven more vulnerable.
When life feels overwhelming,turning to something that offers
temporary relief can feel likethe only option.
The environment matters too.
If someone grows up in ahousehold where addiction is
normalized, or they're exposedto substances or addictive
behaviors at a young age, it canshape how you view or engage
with those things around you.
Peer pressure, cultural normsand even just having easy access
(10:48):
to substances can all increasethe likelihood of addiction.
It's not about weakness.
It's about the influences andthe pressures that a person
faces.
What's important to remember isthat addiction isn't a moral
failing.
It's a condition, one that canhappen to anyone, regardless of
your background, and while itoften carries a lot of shame and
(11:08):
judgment, recovery isabsolutely possible.
With the right support,treatment and understanding,
people can break free from theaddiction and rebuild their
lives.
It's not easy, but it's worthit.
You need to understand the mixof factors that lead to that
addiction and that can help youapproach it with compassion and
open the door to healing.
(11:31):
Hey there, I'm taking a quickbreak to share something that I
think you'll love.
I love to read, but, if I'mbeing honest, I love audiobooks
even more, and since I often getasked for book recommendations
on codependency and recovery, Idecided to put together an
easy-to-read PDF with some of mytop picks.
You can grab the reading listby clicking on the link in the
show notes.
(11:51):
Plus, when you sign up, you'llalso get my newsletter, which is
packed with valuable resourcesfor your recovery journey.
If you're not into the readinglist but you still want the
newsletter, then there's noproblem.
There's a link for that too.
I hope you find some greatreads in there.
Now let's get back to theepisode.
Substances and behavioraladdictions are similar in a lot
(12:11):
of ways, but the main differenceis what the person is addicted
to.
Substance addictions is tied tophysical things like alcohol,
drugs, nicotine or maybe evencaffeine.
These substances physicallychange the brain's chemistry,
flooding it with feel-goodchemicals like dopamine.
Over time, your brain starts torely on those substances just
(12:32):
to feel normal, and you needmore and more of a dose to get
the same effect.
If you stop using, you mightexperience withdrawal symptoms
like nausea, shaking or intensecravings, which really makes it
hard to quit.
Behavioral addictions, on theother hand, don't involve a
substance.
Instead, they're about actionsor habits that someone becomes
(12:52):
hooked on, like gambling, gaming, shopping, overeating or even
scrolling through social media.
These behaviors still triggerthe brain's reward system and it
releases dopamine and creates asense of pleasure or escape.
Over time, a person can feeljust as compelled to keep doing
these things as someone with asubstance addiction.
The big difference is thatbehavioral addictions usually
(13:14):
don't come with physicalwithdrawal symptoms, but people
might still feel emotionally outof control, anxious, restless
or even irritable when theycan't engage in that behavior.
What's wild is how similar thebrain's response is in both of
these cases.
Whether it's a substance or abehavior, the brain craves that
dopamine hit and it pushes youto keep going back for more,
(13:37):
even when it's clearly causingyou harm.
Both types of addictions cantake a serious toll on your
relationships, your mentalhealth, finances and even
physical well-being.
Substance addictions might seemmore immediately dangerous
because of the health risks andintense withdrawals, but
behavioral addictions can bejust as life-altering in their
own way.
(13:57):
Addictions don't just take atoll on your physical health.
They can wreak havoc on youremotions and your relationships
as well.
When you're stuck in the cycleof addiction, your emotions
often get completely hijacked.
That quick fix that you turn to, whether it's a drink, a drug
or a behavior like gambling orshopping it might feel like it's
helping you in the moment.
(14:18):
It can numb the pain or quietthe stress, or it gives you a
temporary sense of escape thatyou're craving.
But here's the thing it doesn'tactually solve the problem and
over time those emotional issuespile up.
You might feel more anxiousbecause you're constantly
chasing that next high or moredepressed, because you realize
the addiction is pulling youaway from the life that you want
(14:39):
.
On top of that, guilt and shameoften sneak in and it makes you
feel like you're trapped in acycle that's impossible to break
.
It's exhausting emotionally,and it's one of the reasons that
addictions is so hard toovercome.
When it comes to relationships,addictions don't just affect you
.
It has a ripple effect oneveryone around you.
Whether you realize it or not.
(15:01):
Your focus starts to shifttowards the addiction, and that
means that your relationshipsoften take the back seat.
Maybe you cancel your planswith friends or stop showing up
at family events because you'retoo consumed by the addiction or
you're just trying to hide it.
Even when you're physicallypresent, you might find yourself
emotionally checked out, unableto fully engage with others.
(15:21):
Your partner will likely feellike they're not a priority
anymore.
Over time, this createsdistance and trust starts to
erode.
People who care about you mightfeel hurt or even betrayed,
especially if they see thedamage the addiction is causing,
but feel helpless to doanything about it.
The pain goes both ways.
You might feel ashamed of howyour behavior is impacting
(15:43):
others, but you don't know howto fix it.
Some relationships might evenenable the addiction, even
without meaning, to meeting too.
Loved ones might step in tocover for you, whether it's by
making excuses to others, takingon your responsibilities or
avoiding tough conversations.
They might think that they'rehelping, but this can actually
(16:04):
make it easier for the addictionto continue.
It can create a toxic dynamicwhere no one feels empowered to
address the real issue andinstead both parties are feeling
stuck.
This can be especially hard incodependent relationships, where
one person's need to fix orrescue feeds into the other
person's addiction.
Addiction can also be incrediblyisolating.
(16:24):
You might start to pull awayfrom friends or family, not
because you don't care aboutthem, but because you feel
ashamed or guilty or just tiredof all of their judgment or
concern.
The addiction becomes your mainfocus and everything else, your
relationships, hobbies, evenyour own happiness.
It can fade into the background.
That isolation can make youfeel like no one understands you
(16:46):
, and it's easy to fall into thebelief that you're better off
dealing with it alone.
But that only reinforces theaddiction and it creates an even
deeper sense of loneliness.
Denial is a huge part of theaddiction, and it doesn't just
affect the person struggling.
It can impact their loved onestoo.
For someone in the middle of anaddiction, denial can feel like
(17:06):
a safety net.
They might tell themselvesthings like I've got it under
control or I can stop anytime Iwant, or it's not hurting anyone
else.
It's a way to avoid facing thereality of the problem.
Because, let's face it,admitting that there's an issue
can be scary and it can beoverwhelming.
The idea of change or thethought of life without that
(17:26):
substance or behavior can feelimpossible.
So denial becomes a shield toprotect them from that
discomfort.
But denial isn't just about theperson with the addiction.
Loved ones can fall into denialas well.
It's hard to admit that someonethat you care about is
struggling.
You might excuse their behaviorby thinking they're distressed
right now or it's not that bad.
(17:47):
Other people have worseproblems.
Sometimes it's easier to focuson the person's good qualities
or the potential instead ofaddressing the addiction head on
.
This kind of denial, whileunderstandable, can delay
getting help and allow theproblem to grow.
So how can you recognize denial?
For the person struggling itoften shows up like playing down
(18:09):
the problem.
I only drink on weekends.
It's not like I'm drinkingevery day, it's just a couple of
beers after work.
Everyone does it.
You might blame others.
If my job wasn't so stressful,I wouldn't need to drink.
You nag me so much.
No wonder I need to smoke weedto relax, focusing on
functionality.
I'm still showing up to work ontime.
(18:29):
It's not affecting my life.
I pay my bills and take care ofmy kids.
So what if I gamble a little?
You might compare yourself toothers.
It's not like I'm shootingheroin or anything.
At least I'm not as bad as myfriend, neighbor or sibling.
You might be defensive.
Why are you always on my backabout this?
I'm fine, it's my life and it'snot hurting anyone.
(18:52):
If you're a loved one, it mightlook like excusing behavior.
They've just been under a lotof stress lately.
It'll get better.
They only drink because they'regoing through a tough time
right now.
You might minimize the impact.
It's not like they'recompletely out of control.
They're just having a littlefun.
Everyone drinks a little toomuch now and then it's no big
deal.
You might avoid conflict.
(19:14):
I don't want to bring it upbecause I don't want to upset
them.
It's easier to just let go thanto have another argument about
it.
They might take onresponsibility.
I'll just pay their bills thisone time so they can get back on
their feet.
I'll call their boss and saythat they're sick.
They just need a break.
You might normalize thebehavior.
That's just how they are.
(19:34):
They've always loved to party.
It's no big deal.
They're just blowing off somesteam.
Confronting denial, whether it'syour own or someone else's it
takes patience and compassion.
You need to start by focusingon specific behaviors or
situations instead of makinggeneral accusations.
So, for example, instead ofsaying you're an addict, try
(19:55):
something like.
I noticed that you've beendrinking more lately and it
seems like it's affecting yourmood.
Is everything okay?
This approach is less likely tomake the person feel attacked
and more likely to open up aconversation.
One of the most important thingsthat you need to realize,
though, is that you can't forcesomeone into recovery.
It's something that they needto want to do for themselves.
(20:18):
No matter how much you careabout someone or how badly you
want to help, the decision toseek help and to make changes
has to come from them.
Recovery is a personal journey,and it only works when someone
is ready to take that step.
Trying to push someone intorecovery before they're ready
can sometimes backfire, and itmakes them feel defensive or
(20:39):
resistant.
Instead, it's about offeringsupport and being patient and
letting them know that help isthere when they're ready to take
it.
Change can be really tough andit has to start with their own
willingness to make it happen.
It's not easy to wait, butrecovery is so much more
effective when the motivationcomes from within.
I wanted to talk a little bitabout hitting rock bottom,
(21:00):
because it's something that weoften hear about when it comes
to recovery, but it's differentfor everyone.
It's such a personal experience.
You might lose your job.
Maybe you've been showing uplate or missing deadlines or
calling in sick too often.
Now you're left dealing withthe financial stress and
emotional weight of that loss.
Maybe your partner leaves youor a family member cuts ties
(21:20):
because of the damage that yourbehavior has caused.
Maybe your body has startedshowing the toll, like getting a
serious diagnosis, heartproblems or even waking up after
an overdose or some otherlife-threatening event.
It could be when you're cryingin the shower and feeling
completely hopeless or realizingthat you're too tired to keep
living the way that you are.
It's that overwhelming sense ofbeing stuck and not knowing how
(21:44):
to move forward.
You might hit rock bottom whenyou realize that you no longer
enjoy the things that you hadused to love.
Life feels empty and you'rejust going through the motions
without any real sense ofconnection or meaning.
For me, hitting rock bottomwasn't some dramatic event.
It was the moment I realizedthat I'd completely burnt out.
I'd be sitting in my car in theparking lot crying, trying to
(22:08):
convince myself to walk throughthe doors.
At work, even getting out ofbed felt like a monumental task,
and I constantly wanted to callin sick just to avoid the day.
It got so bad that I startedhaving heart palpitations, and
that's when I knew thatsomething had to change.
I had to figure out what wasthe cause of the problem and how
to fix it.
That's when I finally attendedmy first Codependents Anonymous
(22:30):
meeting and I sobbed through theentire thing.
But that was the moment I beganto let it out and let it go.
It was the start of my journeyto understanding myself and
finding a way forward.
Rock bottom is the realizationthat something has to change.
You can't keep living like this.
Rock bottom isn't about how faryou fall, because someone might
(22:51):
always be worse off than you.
It's about that moment when youdecide that you can't keep
going on like this and to startlooking for a way up.
Recovery can start at any pointwhen you recognize that the way
that things are isn't workingfor you anymore and that you
deserve better.
It's about that moment when youdecide to stand back up and to
(23:13):
take your first step forward.
When you decide to stand backup and to take your first step
forward, the good news is thatrecovery it offers a chance to
turn things around and it ispossible.
Addressing the addiction isn'tjust about quitting the behavior
or quitting the substance.
It's about healing emotionallyand rebuilding the relationships
that matter to you the most.
It's an opportunity to facethose emotions that you've been
(23:34):
numbing and learning healthierways to cope with life's
challenges.
It's an opportunity to facethose emotions that you've been
numbing and learning healthierways to cope with life's
challenges.
It's also a chance to repairtrust and to reconnect with
people who've been affectedalong the way.
Recovery is really hard work.
I'm not going to sugarcoat itbut the payoff the feeling
emotionally whole and rebuildingmeaningful relationships it's
worth every step of that journey.
(23:55):
Over the next five weeks, I'mgoing to be diving into the
world of addictions, exploringtopics like 12-step recovery
programs and alternativerecovery programs.
I'm going to look into Al-Anonand different supports for
friends and families, and lookat other co-occurring disorders
that people with addictionsmight struggle with.
Whether you're personallystruggling with addiction or
(24:15):
supporting someone who is, orjust curious about these topics,
this series is going to be foryou To get the most out of it.
I encourage you to startthinking about what you'd like
to gain from this mini-series.
What questions do you haveabout addictions?
How could learning more aboutthese topics help you or someone
that you care about?
Recovery is a journey, andunderstanding where you or your
(24:37):
loved one is on that path is agreat place to start.
To help with this, I'm going toshare a series of reflection
questions to help you check inwith yourself and to get a clear
picture of where you're at.
These questions can help youuncover how addictions might be
impacting your life or the lifeof someone close to you, and
guide you in taking those firststeps towards healing.
(24:58):
So let's get started on thisjourney and we can do this
together.
Here are some personalself-reflection questions on
addiction.
Do I find myself turning to aspecific substance or behavior
when I feel stressed, anxious orupset?
Have I tried to cut back orquit before, but struggled to do
so.
Is this substance or behaviorstarting to interfere with my
(25:21):
work, relationships orresponsibilities?
Do I spend more time thinkingor engaging in this activity
than I'd like to admit?
How do I feel when I don'tengage in this behavior or use
this substance?
Do you feel anxious, irritableor restless?
Have loved ones expressedconcern about my habits or have
(25:42):
I tried to hide them from others?
Do I feel like I need this toget through the day, relax or
cope with life?
Have I ever felt guilty,ashamed or defensive about my
use of this substance orbehavior?
Guilty, ashamed or defensiveabout my use of this substance
or behavior?
Here are some reflectionquestions on a loved one's
addictions.
Have I noticed someone close tome relying on a substance or
(26:03):
behavior in a way that seemsunhealthy or out of control?
Do they seem to prioritize thishabit over their relationships,
work or well-being?
How has their addictionimpacted me emotionally?
Am I feeling stressed,resentful or overwhelmed?
Am I making excuses for theirbehaviors or avoiding
conversations about it?
(26:24):
Have I tried to set boundarieswith this person and how have
they responded?
Am I taking on responsibilitiesor covering for them because of
their addiction?
I wish you all a great week asyou learn to foster a better
relationship with the mostimportant person in your life
yourself.
I'm going to meet you here nextweek for another episode of the
(26:45):
Codependent Doctor, when we'regoing to dive into the world of
12-step programs, exploring howthey work and why they've been a
cornerstone of recovery fordecades.
Take care for now.
Thank you for joining me and Ihope today's podcast resonated
with you.
Click, like and subscribe soyou don't miss any future
episodes and to help others whomight benefit.
(27:05):
This podcast is not meant toprovide medical advice and
should not replace seeing yourdoctor for mental health
concerns.
If you're having a mentalhealth crisis, please present to
a hospital, call 911 or yourlocal crisis helpline.
I'll talk to you next week foranother episode of the
Codependent Doctor.
We can do this together.
Today we're diving into a topic that hits close to
home for so many of usaddictions.
This episode will kick off amini-series where we'll explore
the roots of addiction, how itaffects our lives and the paths
to recovery.
I'm not just talking aboutaddiction on its own.
I'll be breaking down thedifferent types, like substance
addictions to alcohol or drugs,as well as behavioral addictions
(00:24):
to things like food, gambling,shopping or even social media.
I'll also dig into theconnection to codependency and
take a look at the differentrecovery programs out there.
So let's dive in.
Welcome to the CodependentDoctor, a weekly podcast
focusing on all thingscodependency.
Are you struggling to loveyourself, feeling burnt out or
(00:44):
having trouble forming lovingand meaningful relationships?
I can help you heal from thepast and move forward with
healthier selves, healthierrelationships and healthier,
more fulfilling lives.
Join me as we reclaim yourauthentic self.
I'm your host, a family doctorand fellow codependent, dr
Angela Downey.
We can do this together.
Here we go.
(01:05):
Hello to all my wonderfulpodcast listeners and welcome to
the 29th episode of theCodependent Doctor.
I'm your host, dr Angela Downey, a family doctor and fellow
codependent.
Today's the first episode of amini-series that I've created
focusing on addictions.
The first episode of amini-series that I've created
(01:26):
focusing on addictions.
Addictions affect so many people.
In the US alone, about 15million adults struggle with
alcohol use disorder.
That's roughly 1 in 17 adults.
And that's just alcoholaddictions.
There are many other possibleaddictions that can impact your
life, but it's not just theperson who's addicted who's
affected.
The impact spreads to theirfamilies, workplaces and entire
(01:47):
communities.
While all addictions come withchallenges, some can be more
dangerous and damaging, makingit even more important to
understand and address them.
If you're enjoying the podcast,I'd love it if you could take a
minute to like, subscribe orleave a comment.
It really helps other peoplewho might need to find this show
, and if you're not following meyet, then hit that follow
(02:07):
button so you don't miss anyfuture episodes.
If you've got questions,feedback or ideas for the show,
just shoot me an email atcodependentdoctor at gmailcom.
I'd really love to hear fromyou.
Codependency and addiction oftengo hand in hand.
It creates this toxic cyclethat's tough to escape.
When someone we care about isstruggling with addiction, it's
(02:30):
easy to slip into roles thatfeel like we're helping but
we're actually enabling.
We might cover for theirmistakes, clean up their messes
or put their needs ahead of ourown, thinking that we're being
supportive.
Own thinking that we're beingsupportive, but in reality, this
just fuels the addiction, whileleaving us feel drained,
resentful and disconnected fromour own needs.
On the other side, peopledealing with addiction are often
(02:54):
carrying heavy emotionalbaggage, like loneliness, shame
or trauma.
These feelings can push themtowards codependent
relationships where they rely onsomeone else to fix them or
make them feel whole, and thiscreates a loop.
The addicted person depends onthe codependent for support and
the codependent feels needed orin control, but neither person
(03:15):
is truly healing and both end upstuck in unhealthy patterns.
Traumatic paths often play asignificant role in why people
turn to addictions.
Trauma, whether it's.
Instead of facing them head-on,some people look for ways to
(03:47):
numb the pain or to distractthemselves, and that's where
addiction steps in.
Addictions, whether it's tosubstances like alcohol or drugs
, or behaviors like gambling,overeating shopping or maybe
mindlessly scrolling throughsocial media, can act as a form
of self-medication.
They provide temporary relief.
(04:07):
It's an escape from therelentless cycle of shame, fear,
sadness or maybe even boredomIn the moment, the high from
that drink or drug, or thethrill of winning a bet or
getting 100 likes on your mostrecent social media post.
It can feel like the only wayto silence those inner demons,
or to validate your feelings ormaybe just fill that void.
(04:30):
But it's a trap.
The relief is short-lived andthe underlying issues are not
going to go away.
In fact, it often gets worse asthe addiction takes hold.
For those who also struggle withcodependency, the situation can
become even more complex.
Past trauma can leave peoplefeeling unworthy of love or
(04:52):
fearful of abandonment, which itcan often lead to codependent
behaviors like people pleasing,overgiving or losing their
identity in the relationship.
When these patterns combinewith addiction, it creates a
perfect storm.
The addiction serves as a wayto numb feelings of inadequacy,
while the codependent tendencieswill drive them to seek
validation through unhealthyrelationships.
Healing from the cycle meansaddressing both the trauma and
(05:15):
the addiction.
It involves digging to the rootcauses of the pain, often with
the help of therapy or supportgroups, and learning healthier
ways to cope.
Recovery isn't just aboutquitting the addiction.
It's about finding self-worth,learning to set boundaries and
building a life that doesn'trevolve around numbing the pain
and you're truly addressing theproblem.
(05:36):
What is addiction?
Addiction is when somethingstarts to take control of your
life, even when you know it'scausing problems.
It's not just about wantingsomething.
It's about feeling like youneed it to function, even if
it's causing harm.
Over time, that addiction takesover and starts to control your
decisions, emotions and evenyour daily routine.
(05:57):
You might wake up thinkingabout it, plan your day around
it or feel anxious and irritableif you can't have it.
What's so challenging is thatthe thing that you're addicted
to often feels like it's helpingyou cope, whether it's easing
stress, numbing pain orproviding a sense of escape.
And maybe it was helpful in thebeginning.
But in reality it's creating acycle where you feel more
dependent on it.
(06:17):
Over time, the addictionbecomes less about enjoyment and
more about getting through theday or avoiding the discomfort
of not having it.
Addiction hijacks your brain andconvinces you that you can't
live without it.
It literally changes the waythat your brain works.
When you use a substance orengage in addictive behavior,
your brain gets a hit ofdopamine, a hit of a chemical
(06:39):
that makes you feel good.
It's like your brain's rewardsystem is saying yes, this is
great, it feels great, I want todo it again.
But here's the catch Over time,your brain starts to rely on
that artificial dopamine rushinstead of the natural feel-good
moments from everyday life.
Sometimes the hit comes from analcoholic beverage, ingesting a
(07:01):
drug, winning a jackpot orsavoring a Big Mac.
The more you use or do thething, the less satisfying it
becomes.
Your brain adapts and says, hey, I need more of this to feel
the same way that I did before.
So you up the dose, spend moretime doing it, take bigger risks
to chase that high.
Maybe you buy a second Big Macor pair it with chips or watch
(07:23):
that ad so you can play anothermindless game on your phone.
But the problem is, no matterhow much you increase it, the
reward never feels quite as goodas it did at the beginning.
People-pleasing can also feellike an addiction.
You crave approval and it feelsgood when you get it.
But over time it can take overyour life.
You might lose touch with yourown needs, saying yes to things
(07:45):
that you don't want to just tokeep others happy.
It can lead to unhealthyrelationships where you attract
people who take advantage oravoid setting boundaries out of
fear or rejection.
Emotionally, tying yourself-worth to others' opinions
is exhausting.
No matter how much you do, it'snever enough to leave you
feeling fully validated.
You work harder and harder toearn someone's love and
(08:07):
attention.
Meanwhile, all the other stuffthat used to bring you joy, like
hanging out with your friends,accomplishing a goal, enjoying
hobbies or even just relaxing itstarts to feel dull.
Listening to your spouse talkduring dinner is a challenge,
because all you want to do isturn on your computer and gamble
just a little.
Your brain doesn't respond tothose simple joys like it used
(08:30):
to, because it's laser focusedon getting that next hit, the
next drink, the next big win orthe next compliment.
Relationships can sufferbecause of this,
responsibilities will getignored and your world starts to
shrink as the addiction takescenter stage.
In these situations, your brainis working against you.
It's convincing you that youneed this thing to feel okay,
(08:53):
even when it's causing problemsin your life.
That's what makes addiction sohard to break.
It's about rewiring your brainback to a healthier way of
functioning, which takes time.
It takes support and a lot ofpatience with yourself, but it's
absolutely possible and soworth it to regain control and
find that real joy again.
Addiction isn't about willpoweror making bad choices.
(09:16):
It's more complicated than that.
It's a mix of biology,psychology and environment all
coming together, and some peopleare more at risk than others.
For starters, genetics play abig role.
If addiction runs in yourfamily, you're more likely to
have a higher risk yourself.
It's not just about habits.
It's in the way your brainprocesses things like stress or
(09:38):
dopamine.
Some people's brains mightnaturally produce less of that
feel-good chemical, so they'remore likely to seek out
something that gives them thatrush, whether it's alcohol,
drugs or gambling or shopping.
Then there's the psychologicalside of things.
Trauma, especially in childhood,can set the stage for
addictions.
Growing up in a chaotic home orexperiencing neglect or dealing
(10:02):
with emotional wounds likeshame or loss can leave people
looking for a way to escape.
For many, substances oraddictive behaviors become a way
to numb those feelings and copewith stress.
And if you add mental healthconditions like anxiety,
depression or PTSD to the mix,it can make someone even more
vulnerable.
When life feels overwhelming,turning to something that offers
(10:25):
temporary relief can feel likeeven more vulnerable.
When life feels overwhelming,turning to something that offers
temporary relief can feel likethe only option.
The environment matters too.
If someone grows up in ahousehold where addiction is
normalized, or they're exposedto substances or addictive
behaviors at a young age, it canshape how you view or engage
with those things around you.
Peer pressure, cultural normsand even just having easy access
(10:48):
to substances can all increasethe likelihood of addiction.
It's not about weakness.
It's about the influences andthe pressures that a person
faces.
What's important to remember isthat addiction isn't a moral
failing.
It's a condition, one that canhappen to anyone, regardless of
your background, and while itoften carries a lot of shame and
(11:08):
judgment, recovery isabsolutely possible.
With the right support,treatment and understanding,
people can break free from theaddiction and rebuild their
lives.
It's not easy, but it's worthit.
You need to understand the mixof factors that lead to that
addiction and that can help youapproach it with compassion and
open the door to healing.
(11:31):
Hey there, I'm taking a quickbreak to share something that I
think you'll love.
I love to read, but, if I'mbeing honest, I love audiobooks
even more, and since I often getasked for book recommendations
on codependency and recovery, Idecided to put together an
easy-to-read PDF with some of mytop picks.
You can grab the reading listby clicking on the link in the
show notes.
(11:51):
Plus, when you sign up, you'llalso get my newsletter, which is
packed with valuable resourcesfor your recovery journey.
If you're not into the readinglist but you still want the
newsletter, then there's noproblem.
There's a link for that too.
I hope you find some greatreads in there.
Now let's get back to theepisode.
Substances and behavioraladdictions are similar in a lot
(12:11):
of ways, but the main differenceis what the person is addicted
to.
Substance addictions is tied tophysical things like alcohol,
drugs, nicotine or maybe evencaffeine.
These substances physicallychange the brain's chemistry,
flooding it with feel-goodchemicals like dopamine.
Over time, your brain starts torely on those substances just
(12:32):
to feel normal, and you needmore and more of a dose to get
the same effect.
If you stop using, you mightexperience withdrawal symptoms
like nausea, shaking or intensecravings, which really makes it
hard to quit.
Behavioral addictions, on theother hand, don't involve a
substance.
Instead, they're about actionsor habits that someone becomes
(12:52):
hooked on, like gambling, gaming, shopping, overeating or even
scrolling through social media.
These behaviors still triggerthe brain's reward system and it
releases dopamine and creates asense of pleasure or escape.
Over time, a person can feeljust as compelled to keep doing
these things as someone with asubstance addiction.
The big difference is thatbehavioral addictions usually
(13:14):
don't come with physicalwithdrawal symptoms, but people
might still feel emotionally outof control, anxious, restless
or even irritable when theycan't engage in that behavior.
What's wild is how similar thebrain's response is in both of
these cases.
Whether it's a substance or abehavior, the brain craves that
dopamine hit and it pushes youto keep going back for more,
(13:37):
even when it's clearly causingyou harm.
Both types of addictions cantake a serious toll on your
relationships, your mentalhealth, finances and even
physical well-being.
Substance addictions might seemmore immediately dangerous
because of the health risks andintense withdrawals, but
behavioral addictions can bejust as life-altering in their
own way.
(13:57):
Addictions don't just take atoll on your physical health.
They can wreak havoc on youremotions and your relationships
as well.
When you're stuck in the cycleof addiction, your emotions
often get completely hijacked.
That quick fix that you turn to, whether it's a drink, a drug
or a behavior like gambling orshopping it might feel like it's
helping you in the moment.
(14:18):
It can numb the pain or quietthe stress, or it gives you a
temporary sense of escape thatyou're craving.
But here's the thing it doesn'tactually solve the problem and
over time those emotional issuespile up.
You might feel more anxiousbecause you're constantly
chasing that next high or moredepressed, because you realize
the addiction is pulling youaway from the life that you want
(14:39):
.
On top of that, guilt and shameoften sneak in and it makes you
feel like you're trapped in acycle that's impossible to break
.
It's exhausting emotionally,and it's one of the reasons that
addictions is so hard toovercome.
When it comes to relationships,addictions don't just affect you
.
It has a ripple effect oneveryone around you.
Whether you realize it or not.
(15:01):
Your focus starts to shifttowards the addiction, and that
means that your relationshipsoften take the back seat.
Maybe you cancel your planswith friends or stop showing up
at family events because you'retoo consumed by the addiction or
you're just trying to hide it.
Even when you're physicallypresent, you might find yourself
emotionally checked out, unableto fully engage with others.
(15:21):
Your partner will likely feellike they're not a priority
anymore.
Over time, this createsdistance and trust starts to
erode.
People who care about you mightfeel hurt or even betrayed,
especially if they see thedamage the addiction is causing,
but feel helpless to doanything about it.
The pain goes both ways.
You might feel ashamed of howyour behavior is impacting
(15:43):
others, but you don't know howto fix it.
Some relationships might evenenable the addiction, even
without meaning, to meeting too.
Loved ones might step in tocover for you, whether it's by
making excuses to others, takingon your responsibilities or
avoiding tough conversations.
They might think that they'rehelping, but this can actually
(16:04):
make it easier for the addictionto continue.
It can create a toxic dynamicwhere no one feels empowered to
address the real issue andinstead both parties are feeling
stuck.
This can be especially hard incodependent relationships, where
one person's need to fix orrescue feeds into the other
person's addiction.
Addiction can also be incrediblyisolating.
(16:24):
You might start to pull awayfrom friends or family, not
because you don't care aboutthem, but because you feel
ashamed or guilty or just tiredof all of their judgment or
concern.
The addiction becomes your mainfocus and everything else, your
relationships, hobbies, evenyour own happiness.
It can fade into the background.
That isolation can make youfeel like no one understands you
(16:46):
, and it's easy to fall into thebelief that you're better off
dealing with it alone.
But that only reinforces theaddiction and it creates an even
deeper sense of loneliness.
Denial is a huge part of theaddiction, and it doesn't just
affect the person struggling.
It can impact their loved onestoo.
For someone in the middle of anaddiction, denial can feel like
(17:06):
a safety net.
They might tell themselvesthings like I've got it under
control or I can stop anytime Iwant, or it's not hurting anyone
else.
It's a way to avoid facing thereality of the problem.
Because, let's face it,admitting that there's an issue
can be scary and it can beoverwhelming.
The idea of change or thethought of life without that
(17:26):
substance or behavior can feelimpossible.
So denial becomes a shield toprotect them from that
discomfort.
But denial isn't just about theperson with the addiction.
Loved ones can fall into denialas well.
It's hard to admit that someonethat you care about is
struggling.
You might excuse their behaviorby thinking they're distressed
right now or it's not that bad.
(17:47):
Other people have worseproblems.
Sometimes it's easier to focuson the person's good qualities
or the potential instead ofaddressing the addiction head on
.
This kind of denial, whileunderstandable, can delay
getting help and allow theproblem to grow.
So how can you recognize denial?
For the person struggling itoften shows up like playing down
(18:09):
the problem.
I only drink on weekends.
It's not like I'm drinkingevery day, it's just a couple of
beers after work.
Everyone does it.
You might blame others.
If my job wasn't so stressful,I wouldn't need to drink.
You nag me so much.
No wonder I need to smoke weedto relax, focusing on
functionality.
I'm still showing up to work ontime.
(18:29):
It's not affecting my life.
I pay my bills and take care ofmy kids.
So what if I gamble a little?
You might compare yourself toothers.
It's not like I'm shootingheroin or anything.
At least I'm not as bad as myfriend, neighbor or sibling.
You might be defensive.
Why are you always on my backabout this?
I'm fine, it's my life and it'snot hurting anyone.
(18:52):
If you're a loved one, it mightlook like excusing behavior.
They've just been under a lotof stress lately.
It'll get better.
They only drink because they'regoing through a tough time
right now.
You might minimize the impact.
It's not like they'recompletely out of control.
They're just having a littlefun.
Everyone drinks a little toomuch now and then it's no big
deal.
You might avoid conflict.
(19:14):
I don't want to bring it upbecause I don't want to upset
them.
It's easier to just let go thanto have another argument about
it.
They might take onresponsibility.
I'll just pay their bills thisone time so they can get back on
their feet.
I'll call their boss and saythat they're sick.
They just need a break.
You might normalize thebehavior.
That's just how they are.
(19:34):
They've always loved to party.
It's no big deal.
They're just blowing off somesteam.
Confronting denial, whether it'syour own or someone else's it
takes patience and compassion.
You need to start by focusingon specific behaviors or
situations instead of makinggeneral accusations.
So, for example, instead ofsaying you're an addict, try
(19:55):
something like.
I noticed that you've beendrinking more lately and it
seems like it's affecting yourmood.
Is everything okay?
This approach is less likely tomake the person feel attacked
and more likely to open up aconversation.
One of the most important thingsthat you need to realize,
though, is that you can't forcesomeone into recovery.
It's something that they needto want to do for themselves.
(20:18):
No matter how much you careabout someone or how badly you
want to help, the decision toseek help and to make changes
has to come from them.
Recovery is a personal journey,and it only works when someone
is ready to take that step.
Trying to push someone intorecovery before they're ready
can sometimes backfire, and itmakes them feel defensive or
(20:39):
resistant.
Instead, it's about offeringsupport and being patient and
letting them know that help isthere when they're ready to take
it.
Change can be really tough andit has to start with their own
willingness to make it happen.
It's not easy to wait, butrecovery is so much more
effective when the motivationcomes from within.
I wanted to talk a little bitabout hitting rock bottom,
(21:00):
because it's something that weoften hear about when it comes
to recovery, but it's differentfor everyone.
It's such a personal experience.
You might lose your job.
Maybe you've been showing uplate or missing deadlines or
calling in sick too often.
Now you're left dealing withthe financial stress and
emotional weight of that loss.
Maybe your partner leaves youor a family member cuts ties
(21:20):
because of the damage that yourbehavior has caused.
Maybe your body has startedshowing the toll, like getting a
serious diagnosis, heartproblems or even waking up after
an overdose or some otherlife-threatening event.
It could be when you're cryingin the shower and feeling
completely hopeless or realizingthat you're too tired to keep
living the way that you are.
It's that overwhelming sense ofbeing stuck and not knowing how
(21:44):
to move forward.
You might hit rock bottom whenyou realize that you no longer
enjoy the things that you hadused to love.
Life feels empty and you'rejust going through the motions
without any real sense ofconnection or meaning.
For me, hitting rock bottomwasn't some dramatic event.
It was the moment I realizedthat I'd completely burnt out.
I'd be sitting in my car in theparking lot crying, trying to
(22:08):
convince myself to walk throughthe doors.
At work, even getting out ofbed felt like a monumental task,
and I constantly wanted to callin sick just to avoid the day.
It got so bad that I startedhaving heart palpitations, and
that's when I knew thatsomething had to change.
I had to figure out what wasthe cause of the problem and how
to fix it.
That's when I finally attendedmy first Codependents Anonymous
(22:30):
meeting and I sobbed through theentire thing.
But that was the moment I beganto let it out and let it go.
It was the start of my journeyto understanding myself and
finding a way forward.
Rock bottom is the realizationthat something has to change.
You can't keep living like this.
Rock bottom isn't about how faryou fall, because someone might
(22:51):
always be worse off than you.
It's about that moment when youdecide that you can't keep
going on like this and to startlooking for a way up.
Recovery can start at any pointwhen you recognize that the way
that things are isn't workingfor you anymore and that you
deserve better.
It's about that moment when youdecide to stand back up and to
(23:13):
take your first step forward.
When you decide to stand backup and to take your first step
forward, the good news is thatrecovery it offers a chance to
turn things around and it ispossible.
Addressing the addiction isn'tjust about quitting the behavior
or quitting the substance.
It's about healing emotionallyand rebuilding the relationships
that matter to you the most.
It's an opportunity to facethose emotions that you've been
(23:34):
numbing and learning healthierways to cope with life's
challenges.
It's an opportunity to facethose emotions that you've been
numbing and learning healthierways to cope with life's
challenges.
It's also a chance to repairtrust and to reconnect with
people who've been affectedalong the way.
Recovery is really hard work.
I'm not going to sugarcoat itbut the payoff the feeling
emotionally whole and rebuildingmeaningful relationships it's
worth every step of that journey.
(23:55):
Over the next five weeks, I'mgoing to be diving into the
world of addictions, exploringtopics like 12-step recovery
programs and alternativerecovery programs.
I'm going to look into Al-Anonand different supports for
friends and families, and lookat other co-occurring disorders
that people with addictionsmight struggle with.
Whether you're personallystruggling with addiction or
(24:15):
supporting someone who is, orjust curious about these topics,
this series is going to be foryou To get the most out of it.
I encourage you to startthinking about what you'd like
to gain from this mini-series.
What questions do you haveabout addictions?
How could learning more aboutthese topics help you or someone
that you care about?
Recovery is a journey, andunderstanding where you or your
(24:37):
loved one is on that path is agreat place to start.
To help with this, I'm going toshare a series of reflection
questions to help you check inwith yourself and to get a clear
picture of where you're at.
These questions can help youuncover how addictions might be
impacting your life or the lifeof someone close to you, and
guide you in taking those firststeps towards healing.
(24:58):
So let's get started on thisjourney and we can do this
together.
Here are some personalself-reflection questions on
addiction.
Do I find myself turning to aspecific substance or behavior
when I feel stressed, anxious orupset?
Have I tried to cut back orquit before, but struggled to do
so.
Is this substance or behaviorstarting to interfere with my
(25:21):
work, relationships orresponsibilities?
Do I spend more time thinkingor engaging in this activity
than I'd like to admit?
How do I feel when I don'tengage in this behavior or use
this substance?
Do you feel anxious, irritableor restless?
Have loved ones expressedconcern about my habits or have
(25:42):
I tried to hide them from others?
Do I feel like I need this toget through the day, relax or
cope with life?
Have I ever felt guilty,ashamed or defensive about my
use of this substance orbehavior?
Guilty, ashamed or defensiveabout my use of this substance
or behavior?
Here are some reflectionquestions on a loved one's
addictions.
Have I noticed someone close tome relying on a substance or
(26:03):
behavior in a way that seemsunhealthy or out of control?
Do they seem to prioritize thishabit over their relationships,
work or well-being?
How has their addictionimpacted me emotionally?
Am I feeling stressed,resentful or overwhelmed?
Am I making excuses for theirbehaviors or avoiding
conversations about it?
(26:24):
Have I tried to set boundarieswith this person and how have
they responded?
Am I taking on responsibilitiesor covering for them because of
their addiction?
I wish you all a great week asyou learn to foster a better
relationship with the mostimportant person in your life
yourself.
I'm going to meet you here nextweek for another episode of the
(26:45):
Codependent Doctor, when we'regoing to dive into the world of
12-step programs, exploring howthey work and why they've been a
cornerstone of recovery fordecades.
Take care for now.
Thank you for joining me and Ihope today's podcast resonated
with you.
Click, like and subscribe soyou don't miss any future
episodes and to help others whomight benefit.
(27:05):
This podcast is not meant toprovide medical advice and
should not replace seeing yourdoctor for mental health
concerns.
If you're having a mentalhealth crisis, please present to
a hospital, call 911 or yourlocal crisis helpline.
I'll talk to you next week foranother episode of the
Codependent Doctor.
We can do this together.
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.