43: Secrets are Normalized for Teens Growing Up in a Family with Addiction- Kim Thompson's Mission is to Change this Cultural Pattern

43: Secrets are Normalized for Teens Growing Up in a Family with Addiction- Kim Thompson's Mission is to Change this Cultural Pattern

Picture a teen grappling with the confusion and isolation of living in a family shadowed by addiction. Kim Thompson knows this scenario all too well. Growing up with a father battling addiction, Kim experienced firsthand the void left by unspoken truths and hidden struggles. In this episode of 'Families Navigating Addiction & Recovery', she sits down with Jeff Jones to share her powerful story and mission to change the culture of secrecy that often surrounds teens in these situations.

As a teenager, Kim felt the weight of unaddressed emotions and unanswered questions. She longed for a connection with her father but was met with the barriers that addiction erected. This isolation led her to realize how crucial it is for teens to have role models who believe in them and provide the support they need.

Now, as the owner of the Colorado Teen and Family Center and a Family Program Educator at CeDAR UCHealth, Kim is dedicated to offering that very support. Kim's mission is clear: to create safe spaces where teens can openly discuss their family situations without fear or shame. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating addiction education into school curriculums, equipping teens with the tools to cope with the emotional impact of addiction.

Her advocacy extends to emotionally focused family therapy, which helps families navigate the complex emotional terrain that addiction brings. Throughout the episode, Kim's passion for breaking the silence and fostering open communication shines through. Her belief that speaking out about addiction can transform lives is both inspiring and practical. By sharing her journey, Kim aims to empower teens and families to face addiction head-on, fostering resilience and hope in the process.

Tune in to hear Kim Thompson's heartfelt conversation with Jeff Jones, and discover how her work is making a tangible difference in the lives of teens from families affected by addiction.