Addicted to Toxic Relationships: Trauma, Sex Work, and The Fight for Recovery
Addicted to Toxic Relationships: Trauma, Sex Work, and The Fight for Recovery

Addiction Medicine Made Easy

Dr. Casey Grover and Carly discuss her journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery, highlighting the importance of personal boundaries and peer support.

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56:15•23 Mar 2026

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About this podcast

Addiction Medicine Made Easy

Casey Grover, MD, FACEP

A practical and evidence-based podcast on how to think about, diagnose, and treat substance use disorders in the Emergency Department and Acute Care. Why? One American dies every 6 minutes from a drug overdose, and one American dies every 5 minutes from excessive alcohol use. As many as 64% of adult Emergency Department (ED) patients meet criteria for problematic substance use. Patients with untreated substance use are 81% more likely to require admission when they come to the ED. We need to learn more and do better in treating substance use in the acute care setting.

TreatmentsDependencyUnderstanding AddictionSobriety ToolkitFamily Recovery

Episodes: 172

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From Trauma to Triumph: Carly's Journey Through Addiction

Episode Overview

Trauma can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.
Setting personal boundaries is crucial for recovery.
Understanding patient stories is vital in addiction treatment.
Recovery involves reclaiming control over one's life.
Peer support can be a powerful tool in recovery.

“"I firmly believe that there is a place for [sex work] in society. Why not? If I had all of this taken from me in the first place..."”

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this gripping episode of 'Addiction Medicine Made Easy,' Dr. Casey Grover sits down with Carly, a peer support specialist in long-term recovery, to tackle the intricate web of addiction, trauma, and recovery. Carly shares her candid journey from childhood sexual assault through military harassment to substance use and sex work.

Her story is both raw and specific, highlighting how early traumatic experiences can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. The episode doesn't shy away from difficult topics, delving into how trauma can shape one's life choices and the path to recovery. Carly's honesty shines as she recounts her past with humour and resilience, discussing how she found herself in toxic relationships and eventually turned to drugs like meth and heroin.

Despite the darkness, Carly's story is one of hope and transformation, demonstrating the power of setting personal boundaries and reclaiming control over one's life. Dr. Grover adds depth to the conversation by reflecting on his own experiences and the importance of understanding patients' stories in addiction medicine. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complexities of addiction recovery, offering valuable insights into the intersection of trauma and substance use.

Carly's journey serves as a reminder that while recovery is challenging, it's also a testament to human strength and resilience. So, what can we learn from those who have battled addiction? Tune in to find out.

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