Sarah Hicks (Part One): Addiction, Coercive Control & Grief - Escaping Trauma

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, Matt begins the first part of a deeply personal two-part conversation with Sarah Hicks, whose story spans addiction, trauma, abusive relationships, grief and the long journey back to self-worth.Sarah reflects on her early experiences with substance use, unpacking how emotional neglect, generational patterns and unhealthy family dynamics shaped her understanding of love, loyalty and survival. She speaks candidly about the damaging impact of coercive control, the emotional fallout of loss and abandonment, and how codependency and stigma kept her trapped in cycles that felt impossible to break.With striking honesty and insight, Sarah explores the complexities of motherhood while carrying trauma, and how the desire to protect her children became a catalyst for change. Her recovery journey is one of painful self-reflection, gradual healing and the courage to rebuild a life on her own terms.This episode shines a light on the nuanced intersections of addiction, mental health, family systems, trauma and isolation, offering a compassionate and realistic portrayal of what long-term transformation truly requires.In this episode:Early substance use and emotional copingCoercive control, abusive relationships and breaking the cycleGenerational trauma and the shaping of self-worthGrief, abandonment and the emotional weight of lossMotherhood while navigating addiction and traumaCodependency, shame and internalised stigmaThe beginnings of Sarah’s healing and personal transformationSearch terms: addiction and trauma recovery, coercive control lived experience, grief and addiction, mental health podcast UK, family systems and recovery, lived experience stories.Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!🎧  If this episode connected with you, please subscribe and review. It directly helps us reach more people affected by addiction, trauma and stigma. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com Believe in People is a platform for lived experience, recovery insight and honest conversation. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working on the frontline, this podcast exists to inform, challenge stigma and inspire change.If you or someone you know needs support with drugs, alcohol, housing, domestic abuse, or mental and physical wellbeing, free and confidential help is available via Change Grow Live:📩 Contact: [email protected]🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” - Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six)Listen & Subscribe:Spotify | Apple Podcasts🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler 🎛️ Producer: Robbie Lawson 🏢 Network: ReNew