RR 211: Addiction, Recovery and PTSD with Tia JohnsonRR 211: Addiction, Recovery and PTSD with Tia Johnson
The SHAIR Recovery Podcast
Host Omar Pinto talks with Tia Johnson about addiction, PTSD, self-harm and abusive relationships, and how she found sobriety and a new sense of self-worth. Their conversation highlights practical coping tools, the role of therapy and family support, and the strength it takes to rebuild life after trauma.
1:10:10•26 Feb 2019
Addiction, PTSD and Self-Harm: Tia Johnson’s Brave Path to Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Alcohol and later cutting became Tia’s way to numb the fear, anxiety and pain of abusive relationships until both spiralled out of control.
- PTSD triggers such as slammed doors, being late or seeing flowers can cause dissociation, so Tia prepares by creating safe spaces and support around her.
- Letting difficult emotions surface rather than fighting them reduces their intensity and helps prevent a return to destructive coping behaviours.
- Intensive DBT therapy, sobriety and starting nursing school were key steps that helped Tia rebuild her self-worth and leave a toxic partner.
- Tia focuses on constant growth through recovery, parenting and education, proving that past trauma does not have to define a person’s future.
“Never tell me you're sorry for my life. Don't be sorry. Be proud. Be proud of who I am now and where I've come from.”
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? This conversation between host Omar Pinto and guest Tia Johnson pulls back the curtain on life with addiction, self-harm and PTSD, while showing how change is still possible. Tia, a mum, nursing student and member of the SHARE Recovery Community, talks frankly about using alcohol and later cutting as ways to numb the trauma of two deeply abusive relationships.
She explains how triggers like slammed doors or a random bouquet of roses can send her straight back into fear, and how PTSD can sit alongside addiction, making everyday life feel like walking on ice. Instead of glamorising survival, she challenges pity. As she puts it, **“Never tell me you're sorry for my life… Don't be sorry. Be proud.
Be proud of who I am now and where I've come from.”** That line captures the raw strength running through her story. You’ll hear how sobriety, intensive DBT therapy and one huge decision – signing up for nursing school – became turning points that helped her leave a toxic relationship, reduce her medication and start building a life she actually wants.
Tia shares practical coping tools, like letting emotions rise rather than fighting them, finding “safe zones” with her parents’ two cuddly pit bulls, and reaching out to trusted people when episodes hit. This episode is especially helpful if you’re dealing with trauma alongside alcohol or self-harm, or if you love someone who is. It’s honest, occasionally darkly funny, and grounded in everyday realities like childcare swaps, exam stress and messy family history.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve gone too far to come back,” Tia’s story might make you ask a different question: what if this is exactly where your comeback starts?
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