Exploring the Horrors That Created PTSD with Adriene Caldwell

The horrors we grow up with can define us. That's what happened to Adriene, but she now has turned the table and has her mental health on lock. Check out her website here: https://www.unbrokencaldwell.com/ Explicit Warning!!!!

Summary

In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read engages with Adriene Caldwell, author of 'Unbroken', as she shares her harrowing journey through childhood trauma, including sexual assault and the impact of survivor's guilt. Adriene emphasizes the importance of listening to one's instincts in dangerous situations and discusses the long-term effects of trauma on mental health and addiction. Through her story, she highlights the significance of resilience, healing, and the power of sharing personal experiences to help others feel less alone. In this candid conversation, Adriene Caldwell shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and self-discovery. From her early experiences with cocaine and alcohol to hitting rock bottom with a DUI, she reflects on the challenges she faced and the decisions that led her to sobriety. Adriene discusses the impact of family dynamics, motherhood, and the importance of confronting one's past to achieve mental health and personal growth. She emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to recovery and the significance of living through experiences rather than numbing them. The conversation concludes with Adriene's aspirations for her upcoming book and her commitment to helping others through her story.

Takeaways

Adriene Caldwell's memoir 'Unbroken' explores her traumatic childhood. Survivor's guilt can manifest in complex emotions. Listening to one's instincts can be a lifesaving skill. Childhood trauma shapes adult behavior and perceptions. The importance of discussing mental health openly. Instincts often serve as a warning system in dangerous situations. The impact of addiction can stem from unresolved trauma. Healing is a journey that requires self-awareness. Support systems are crucial for recovery from trauma. Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone. Adriene took 18 hours of classes in her first semester. She had a strong relationship with cocaine for five months. Recognizing the destructive path of addiction was crucial for her. She used alcohol to cope with cravings after quitting cocaine. Her engagement ended a week before the wedding due to her addiction issues. She experienced a second DUI that impacted her life significantly. Adriene sought to remove herself from toxic environments. She made a conscious decision to give her daughter a better childhood. Her sobriety date is November 8th, marking a significant turning point. Adriene believes in living through experiences for personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trauma and Resilience 02:23 The Impact of Childhood Trauma 05:16 Survivor's Guilt and Its Effects 08:03 Listening to Your Instincts 10:47 Trust Issues and Relationships 13:45 The Role of Family in Trauma 16:33 Escaping Dangerous Situations 20:17 The Irony of Homelessness 20:39 A Daughter's Fear and Escape 21:45 The Decision to Leave 22:56 A Dangerous Ride 23:47 Finding Safety 24:43 The Aftermath of Escape 28:18 The Descent into Addiction 29:26 College Life and Substance Abuse 31:57 Self-Imposed Rehab 33:42 Rock Bottom and Recovery 37:35 Breaking Free from Toxic Environments 38:30 Love and Marriage: A Green Card Story 39:42 The Dark Side of Drinking 40:35 Overcoming Childhood Trauma 41:46 The Turning Point: Choosing Sobriety 42:39 The Pain of Loss and Relapse 43:58 Finding Personal Recovery Paths 45:04 The Complexity of Addiction 46:10 The Journey of Healing and Growth 50:29 The Power of Sharing Stories 53:52 Retrieving Sanity: Embracing Emotions 📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com 🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week Mental Health Podcast #podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #ptsd #cptsd #horror #growingup #childhoodtrauma #survivor #complextrauma #resilient #mentalhealthjourney #recoveryjourney #emotionalhealing

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