Sibling Loss, Addiction, and Grace | Tara Booker

Brooke welcomes therapist and friend Tara for a candid conversation about loving her brother Cody, losing him to an accidental fentanyl overdose at 37, and learning how community holds what one person cannot. Tara shares growing up with two older brothers, the long arc of Cody’s addiction, and why highly sensitive people can be especially vulnerable. She explains addiction in plain language, comparing the brain’s pull to check a phone with the biochemical hijack of substances, and unpacks why “it is not your fault” and “it is still your work” can both be true. Together they talk Al-Anon and 12-step wisdom, practicing powerlessness without abandoning love, and the therapist’s careful use of self-disclosure. They also stay with continuing bonds after death, keeping a person as “is,” not “was,” and the everyday rituals that make space for grief and connection. The episode closes with part of Tara’s eulogy for Cody, a tender portrait beyond his illness.We explore:Addiction, sensitivity, and a clear, accessible brain-based explanationAl-Anon, powerlessness, and why community changes outcomesWhat therapists mean by self-disclosure, used as a tool for safetyContinuing bonds, “is not was,” and simple connection ritualsEncouragement for families living with addiction and after lossTara's Link:https://www.villagewellcounseling.com/work-with-taraEmail Us: [email protected] & More: https://www.traumauncensored.com/Be a guest: [email protected] Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/traumauncensored/episode-releasesInstagram: @traumauncensoredTikTok: @trauma.uncensoredYouTube: @traumauncensoredContent Disclaimer:This episode includes discussion of accidental fentanyl overdose, substance use disorder, Narcan use, grief, child loss, distracted-driving crash, OCD, medication and ketamine treatment, EMDR, Al-Anon, and 12-step recovery.If you are struggling or worried about someone, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support, 24/7.