Dr. Jacques de Broekert
Dr. Jacques de Broekert
The Hidden Grief In Addiction
The Hidden Grief In Addiction
The Hidden Grief In Addiction
Friday 26th September 2025
Dr. Jacques explores hidden grief in addiction, offering insights into emotional turmoil families face and how to cope with ambiguous loss.
27 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Hopeful
Healing
About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Jacques de Broekert
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
137 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Uncovering Hidden Grief: Navigating Addiction's Emotional Turmoil
Episode Overview
- Families often experience hidden grief when a loved one battles addiction.
- Recognising grief as an expression of love is crucial.
- Support groups like Al-Anon can help normalise the experience.
- Maintaining personal well-being is vital while supporting an addict.
- Love and hope are powerful forces in the recovery journey.
"Grief doesn't mean you've given up. It means you've loved that person very deeply."
How do individuals turn their lives around after addiction? Dr. Jacques de Broekert, your addiction lifeguard, dives into the heart-wrenching topic of hidden grief in addiction. In this episode, Dr. Jacques discusses the emotional turmoil families face when a loved one battles addiction, shedding light on the ambiguous loss experienced when someone is physically present but emotionally distant due to their substance use.
You'll learn how families often unknowingly grieve, struggling with anger, denial, and magical thinking, as they hope for recovery. The podcast highlights the importance of recognising this grief and understanding it as an expression of love rather than defeat. Dr. Jacques emphasises the necessity of acknowledging this hidden grief to prevent being consumed by it.
He shares insights on how families can process these emotions through support groups like Al-Anon and therapy, advocating for finding your tribe and normalising the experience of grief. With anecdotes from his clinical practice, Dr. Jacques illustrates the varied coping mechanisms families adopt and the significance of maintaining one's own well-being while supporting an addict.
Whether you're directly affected by addiction or simply seeking to understand its impact on loved ones, this episode provides a compassionate and informative perspective on navigating these challenging waters. Dr. Jacques reminds listeners that love is a powerful force and encourages them to hold onto hope for their loved one's recovery. So, if you're grappling with hidden grief or know someone who is, tune in for valuable advice and a reminder that you're not alone in this journey.