In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Empowered Adoptee Podcast, we explore how coping mechanisms and addictions often develop as survival strategies for adoptees navigating loss, identity, and attachment wounds.

Through personal stories and open conversation, we talk about how emotional and physical addictions can take root from people-pleasing and perfectionism to substance use, workaholism, or emotional avoidance and how these patterns were once necessary forms of protection.

Together, we uncover how healing begins when we bring compassion to these parts of ourselves, understand the deeper needs beneath them, and begin to replace survival patterns with true self-nurturing, connection, and community care.

This episode invites adoptees to gently shift from shame to self-understanding honoring that our coping strategies were not flaws, but signs of our resilience and will to survive.

🌿 What We Discuss:

• The emotional and physical coping mechanisms adoptees often turn to
• Our own stories of coping, breaking cycles, and finding new ways to heal
• How connection, community, and self-compassion support recovery

💛 Reflection Prompts:

• Which coping mechanisms helped me survive, and how did they serve me?
• What am I ready to release or soften?
• How can I create more safety and support in my daily life?

🌟 Update about The Empowered Adoptee Retreat in the Hudson River Valley, NY (10/16 - 10/19) - New special day passes and discount bunk rooms!
This isn’t just another retreat. It’s an opportunity to step into a powerful, transformative container of collective healing, connection, and empowerment.
When we come together as adoptees in sacred space, something magical happens. It’s not about “just talking about it” it’s about deeply experiencing healing through the body, the heart, and the spirit.
I know this to be true because I am living proof.
I once yearned for a space like this. I needed support to heal my adoptee wounds and the shifts didn’t come from talking alone. They came from:

• Reprogramming my nervous system
• Cleaning up the biochemical responses to trauma
• Upgrading my relationship with myself and others
• Finally owning my self-worth
• And most importantly… the support of a healing community

So if you’re feeling it, if your heart is nudging you… this is your moment to say YES to YOU.
Register here: https://www.theempoweredadoptee.com/

🧠 If You or Someone You Know Needs Support:

You are not alone, and help is available.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) — Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support.
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline — Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "HelpLine" to 62640 for mental health information and support.
• SAMHSA National Helpline (for substance use and mental health) — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), available 24/7.
• International Resources: Visit [findahelpline.com], a global directory of emotional support hotlines by country.

💬 We’d Love to Hear From You:

If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to reach out, share your reflections, or tell us your story. Healing happens in community and your voice matters.

We would love to connect with you and hear from you! Please send us a text and share your story 💜

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