About this episode

Burton Fischler discusses the impact of addiction and trauma on families and offers insights on healing and recovery.

What happens when addiction, mental illness, and unresolved trauma collide within a family? In this episode of Sharing Without Shame, Donna Marston welcomes Burton Fischler, a trauma survivor, Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, life coach, and author of The Gift: From Trauma to Triumph. Burton shares the unimaginable losses that reshaped his life—including the murder of his wife by her son who struggled with severe mental illness and addiction, and the suicide of his second stepson just one year later. Together, Donna and Burton explore the devastating impact addiction has on families, why shame keeps so many people suffering in silence, and how healing begins when we learn to set boundaries, practice self-compassion, and reconnect with our authentic selves. Burton also explains the role trauma plays in addiction, the science of neuroplasticity, and why recovery is less about punishment and more about love, connection, and taking small actions toward change. If you've ever wondered whether healing is possible after profound loss, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical tools for moving forward. In This Episode You'll Learn: 💠Why addiction is a…

People in this episode

Host: Donna Marston

Guest: Burton Fischler

Topics covered

• addiction
• mental illness
• trauma
• family dynamics
• self-compassion
• boundaries
• neuroplasticity

Keywords

• addiction
• mental illness
• trauma
• self-compassion
• neuroplasticity
• boundaries
• family support
• recovery

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Gift: From Trauma to Triumph

More episodes of Sharing With Out Shame

• How Childhood Trauma Fuels Addiction and the Path to Lasting Recovery with Kimberly Deziree | Ep72 · July 17, 2026 · 46 min
• Why Healing Yourself Matters When a Loved One Struggles with Addiction with Dr. Rita Renee | Ep71 · July 3, 2026 · 38 min

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