Episode 26: Healing from abuse, trauma and generational alcoholism through sobriety with Chris Elliot
The Stack'n'Days podcast is back, this time with video. In the first episode of season 2 host Ray Donovan chats with guest Chris Elliot to delve into her powerful journey of sobriety as a mixed race person. Chris's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she triumphs over a tumultuous past and paves the way for a brighter future.
Chris Elliot share’s her story with vulnerability and takes us on a journey of trauma, sobriety, and the incredible power of healing. Her story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who have battled with addiction, offering a guiding light towards a brighter, sober future.
Growing Up in the Shadows of Addiction
Chris's story begins with her upbringing in a family burdened by the weight of addiction. She candidly opens up about her father's struggle with alcoholism and the traumatic experiences she endured during her childhood. The scars of abuse and neglect cast long shadows over her early years, painting a bleak backdrop for her life.
Escaping Through Alcohol
As Chris matured, she found solace in alcohol as a means of escaping the turmoil of her environment and as a coping mechanism for the trauma she carried. She takes us through her college years, where her drinking habits took a darker turn and began to erode her life, causing havoc in various aspects.
Professional and Personal Rock Bottoms
Chris reflects on the hurdles she faced in her career due to her addiction, including a painful job termination. The relentless grip of alcoholism led her down a perilous path, causing her to hit rock bottom.
A Father's Passing and Unresolved Emotions
The turning point in Chris's journey came with the passing of her father. She shares the initial sense of relief intermingled with a flood of complex emotions and unanswered questions. The passing of her father forced her to confront the intricate relationship they shared and the unresolved issues she had been carrying for so long. This profound event became the catalyst for her journey towards sobriety.
The Path to Recovery and Self-Discovery
Chris describes how she checked herself into a sober living facility and fully immersed herself in the process of recovery. She began attending multiple Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings daily and dedicated her time to volunteer work, seeking purpose and connections. With the aid of therapy and deep self-reflection, she started to make sense of her emotions and work through her trauma.
Redefining Identity and Coping Mechanisms
Throughout the episode, Chris emphasizes the significance of removing alcohol as an option and discovering healthier coping mechanisms. She openly acknowledges the challenges of reconstructing her identity and finding her true self. Additionally, Chris discusses her relationship with her brother, who also grapples with addiction, and how they've supported one another on their respective journeys to recovery.
Intersecting Traumas and the Power of Healing
Chris's story illustrates the profound impact of intergenerational trauma within the BIPOC community and the strength of healing and self-discovery in conquering addiction. She emphasizes the vital role of support systems, therapy, and crafting a new narrative for yourself.
Chris’s details
Instagram: krees1029
TikTok: @chris_in_the_cut
Website: https://www.stackndays.com/
Apply to be a guest: https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1
Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qRbJKjnSFo
Resources
https://www.joinreframeapp.com/