Damon Frank & Kristina Dennis
Damon Frank
Unpacking the Pain: How Trauma Fuels Addiction with Guest Sean Ostendorf
Unpacking the Pain: How Trauma Fuels Addiction with Guest Sean Ostendorf
Unpacking the Pain: How Trauma Fuels Addiction with Guest Sean Ostendorf
Tuesday 8th July 2025
Explore how trauma fuels addiction with Sean Ostendorf and host Damon Frank on The Recovered Life Show. Discover insights and strategies for healing.
35 minutes
informative
challenging
hopeful
supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Damon Frank & Kristina Dennis
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Financial Health in Recovery
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Get the buttons here!Trauma's Role in Addiction: Insights with Sean Ostendorf
Episode Overview
- Trauma can be a hidden factor in addiction.
- EMDR therapy targets neurological networks for healing.
- Emotional regulation is crucial in recovery.
- Recovery involves learning from challenges and failures.
- Support and community are vital for a healthy recovery.
I held the weight of the world in my hands. But I let it go. Now I am living my best recovered life.
In the latest episode of The Recovered Life Show, host Damon Frank engages in a thoughtful conversation with trauma therapist and EMDR specialist Sean Ostendorf. Together, they delve into the intricate relationship between trauma and addiction, shedding light on how unresolved trauma can often lie beneath the surface of addictive behaviors. Sean Ostendorf explains that trauma is not just a singular event but can manifest in various forms, whether it's witnessing a car crash or experiencing personal assaults.
He introduces the concept of 'big T' and 'little t' traumas, emphasizing that the impact of trauma varies from individual to individual. A key point discussed is how trauma can lead individuals to seek external solutions, such as substance use, as a form of controlled dissociation. This coping mechanism often serves as a temporary relief from the emotional turmoil triggered by traumatic experiences. Sean highlights the importance of emotional regulation in the recovery process.
He suggests that by addressing the underlying trauma, individuals can alleviate the intense emotional responses that drive them towards addiction. EMDR therapy is introduced as a powerful tool for targeting neurological networks where negative core values exist, thus facilitating more efficient healing. The episode also touches upon the challenges and failures encountered in recovery. Sean offers a hopeful perspective, encouraging listeners to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
He underscores the value of support systems, whether through loved ones or professional resources, in fostering a healthy recovery. Damon Frank invites listeners to connect with Sean Ostendorf and dive deeper into the conversation through Recovered Life Plus. By subscribing, individuals gain access to premium recovery resources, expert insights, and a supportive community dedicated to spreading the recovery message.
Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the complex dynamics of trauma and addiction, offering valuable insights and strategies for those on the path to recovery.