In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dr. Stephen Neff shares his remarkable journey from trauma and addiction to recovery and radical self-compassion. A retired anesthesiologist turned functional medicine practitioner and author, Dr. Neff brings both medical expertise and lived experience to the table. Together with host Tanya Gioia, they explore how addiction begins, how generational trauma fuels it, and how healing requires both community and deep self-love.

Key Topics Discussed

✅ The Origins of Addiction: Trauma, relief-seeking, and fear-avoidant attachments

✅ Cross-Addiction: How people move from one addiction to another — from work to alcohol to sugar

✅ Generational Trauma: Family patterns and their impact on addiction

✅ Enabling vs. Helping: Recognizing when love becomes enabling

Guest Bio

Dr. Stephen Neff is a retired anesthesiologist and functional medicine practitioner who has transformed his own journey of trauma and addiction into a mission to help others. He is also an author of children’s books and recovery literature that champion integrity, humility, and transparency. At 58, Dr. Neff offers a unique perspective — blending medical knowledge with hard-won wisdom — to those seeking hope and healing.

Resources and References

Connect with Dr. Stephen Neff and explore his Books and all resources:

Website: https://neffinspiration.com/

Free Gfit : Get this free list of Christian affirmations that spell out who you are in God – actual in God’s own words. Repeat these biblical affirmations and replace these truths with the lies currently in your head! - https://www.tanyagioia.com/affirmations

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Are you caught in the chaos of addiction, constantly cleaning up emotional, spiritual, and physical messes that aren't yours? Welcome to Faith Over Addiction, where faith meets real life. Hosted by Family Recovery Coach Tanya Gioia, this podcast is designed to offer Christian women hope, healing, and practical tools to navigate the challenges of loving someone with addiction.

Through biblical truths, heartfelt stories, and actionable guidance, you’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries, find peace in the mess, and reclaim your God-given identity. You don’t have to carry what was never meant to be yours. It’s time to shift from “this is happening to me” to “this is happening for me,” and let God transform the chaos into something that glorifies Him.

Every week, I’m here to encourage you, offer clarity, and remind you that as a daughter of the King, You Always Have Other Options (YAHOO). Together, we’ll embrace faith as the foundation, boundaries as the bridge to healing, and God’s truth as the ultimate guide to freedom, strength, and grace.

Blessings,

Tanya Gioia 🌸

🎵 Music Credit:

Track: Luz Solart

Artist: Luna Cantina

Album: Luz Solart

Released: 2024