EP00 Workshop 05 - Interplay of Addictive Disorders - Claudia Black, PhD

Description:

This workshop will address how clients with addictive and co-occurring disorders are confounded by family of origin issues. Participants will gain an understanding of· multi-addictive processes. Relationships between these and co-occurring disorders and treatment practices will be addressed.

Educational Objectives:

1. To describe the interplay of co-occurring disorders.
2. To list characteristics common to addictive processes. 

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Understanding Addictive Disorders and Emotional Foundations

• Claudia Black introduces addiction as rooted in emotional/psychological issues—especially shame

• Workshop agenda includes: emotional fuel for addiction, multi-addictions, PTSD connection

• Emphasizes understanding both addicted individuals and their families through personal stories

• Shares career journey, initially reluctant to work with children and alcoholics, later diving deep into both

Family Dynamics & Personal Stories

• A man avoids his father’s alcoholic fate but ends up in treatment at 55

• Bob links childhood shame to his own alcoholism

• Story of Cindy shows addiction's cycle—her husband is jailed, prompting her to seek recovery

• Encourages clients to name their reality and identify shame-based beliefs

Family Types & Emotional Effects

• Discusses dysfunctional, co-dependent, troubled, and addictive families

• Emotional isolation often hides beneath strong social skills

• Denial and unrealistic expectations are key issues in addicted systems

• Shame is central—seen as deep-rooted inadequacy

Abandonment and Self-Protection

• Explores physical/emotional abandonment in addictive homes

• Clients must understand their past and find their voice

• Self-abandonment arises when people hide parts of themselves to feel safe

• Story of a boy who hides vulnerability reflects lifelong emotional impact

Masks and Coping Strategies

• Describes coping “masks” like rage and victim roles

• Rage can be a defense that masks shame and pushes others away

• Victim role includes difficulty setting boundaries and trusting perceptions

• Claudia shares her own childhood story to illustrate these behaviors

Depression, Grief, and Emotional Aging

• Depression tied to unresolved sorrow and pathological grief

• Childhood defenses can become adult dysfunctions

• Loss is often internalized, needing healthy emotional boundaries

• Addresses need to feel and process normal life losses

Perfectionism and Procrastination

• Rooted in fear of doing things wrong; used to seek acceptance

• Story of a perfectionist young woman avoiding her emotional pain

• These behaviors are driven by shame, not self-worth

• Emotional boundaries help resist shame-driven behaviors

Addiction Interplay & Shame

• "It’s not humanly possible" feeling reflects shame-based thinking

• Childhood stories and metaphors highlight early trauma

• Emphasizes affirming clients' efforts as “good enough”

Shame, Control, and Deprivation

• Procrastination often tied to feeling inadequate

• Controlling behaviors stem from shame, seeking safety/predictability

• Rage, manipulation, and false power fall along a control spectrum

• Deprivation means believing one doesn’t deserve comfort or joy

Patterns, Suicide Risk, and the Shame Cycle

• Introduces S.A.F.E. (Secretive, Abusive, Feelings, Emptiness) for identifying patterns

• Compulsive behaviors, even minor ones, need serious attention

• Shame linked to suicide—used to claim control when feeling hopeless

• High suicide risk among trauma/abuse survivors

Luggage Metaphor and Emotional Tolerance

• Life journey likened to carrying different "luggage" (emotions, beliefs)

• Tolerance for pain can be misleading and harmful

• Introduces fictional characters (Scott, Jane, Judith) to show how trauma shapes addiction

Case Studies: Scott, Jane, Judith

• Scott: substance abuse, anger, shame

• Jane: eating disorder, compulsive purging

• Judith: depression, unresolved grief

• Each case shows how emotional baggage feeds addiction and harms relationships

Treatment and Recovery Skills

• Need to address both primary addictions and emotional trauma

• Skills like problem-solving, negotiation, and self-care are essential

• Highlights addiction interaction disorder (multiple co-occurring addictions)

• Emphasizes comprehensive, whole-person treatment

Childhood Trauma & PTSD

• Sexual/physical abuse common among addicted individuals

• PTSD leads to disassociation—a coping tool for abuse survivors

• Recovery requires recognizing disassociation and regaining self-awareness

Addiction as a Trauma Response

• Addiction offers temporary relief from shame and trauma

• Pain tolerance can lead to self-harm or denial

• Addictive behaviors create a cycle of temporary comfort and deeper emptiness

Path to Recovery and Therapist Role

• Recovery is painful but necessary—requires safety and support

• Connection replaces isolation as the foundation of healing

• Therapists must create safe spaces, help clients stand in their pain

• Connection, trust, and emotional honesty are vital for lasting recovery