I Raised My Parents Instead of Being Their Child: Growing Up With Addiction, Neglect & Trauma

What happens when a child becomes the parent?At just 22 years old, Rhiannon has survived more than most people experience in a lifetime. Growing up with parents battling addiction, she learned to protect the very people who were supposed to protect her. After entering foster care as a teenager, losing her father to suicide, and navigating the grief of an estranged relationship with her mother, she found herself asking a heartbreaking question:Who am I when I was never allowed to just be a child?In this deeply honest conversation, we explore how childhood trauma doesn't end when childhood does. It follows survivors into adulthood through people-pleasing, hypervigilance, difficulty trusting others, and the overwhelming feeling of being responsible for everyone else's happiness.Whether you grew up with addicted parents, experienced emotional neglect, or simply felt like you had to grow up too soon, this episode is a reminder that your survival isn't your identity—and healing is possible.In this episode we discuss:Growing up with addicted parentsChildhood trauma and emotional neglectParentification and becoming the caregiverLosing a parent to suicideThe lifelong impact of childhood abuseChild Protective Services (CPS) and child advocacyTrauma responses in adulthoodPeople-pleasing and conflict avoidanceHealing after childhood traumaWhy survivors often become caretakersIf this conversation resonates with you, please consider subscribing, sharing this episode with someone who needs it, and leaving a review. Every share helps another survivor feel a little less alone.ResourcesIf you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or coercive control, support is available.• The Refuge UtahIf you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988