When Trauma Travels, The Brain, Addiction and breaking generational cycles

When does trauma stop being one person's story and become a family pattern?In Episode 7 of The Real with Dr. Wendi, Dr. Wendi Watson welcomes Stephanie Greer, a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Clinical Supervisor, for a powerful conversation about trauma, addiction, PTSD, hypervigilance, substance use and generational patterns.Stephanie shares her personal journey from growing up around addiction and experiencing significant challenges to achieving 27 years of sobriety and building a career dedicated to helping others navigate addiction and behavioral health.Together, Dr. Wendy and Stephanie explore what trauma really is, how unresolved trauma can affect the brain and nervous system, why hypervigilance can keep someone constantly on alert, and how trauma can influence relationships, parenting and substance use.They also discuss intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, historical trauma, family systems and the ways unhealthy patterns can continue across generations.Most importantly, this episode focuses on breaking the cycle.Stephanie emphasizes the importance of having difficult but honest family conversations, addressing shame, seeking professional help, educating ourselves and taking responsibility for our own healing.As the conversation reminds us:Instead of asking only, "What's wrong with you?" we should also ask, "What happened to you?"If you've ever wondered how trauma affects addiction, why certain family patterns keep repeating, or how healing can begin, this episode is for you.The Real with Dr. Wendi — Real Talk. Real Tools. Real Change.Host: Dr. Wendi Watson Guest: Stephanie Greer Topic: Trauma, Addiction, the Brain & Breaking Generational CyclesThis podcast is for educational and awareness purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental-health or addiction treatment.Let us know how this episode has impacted you