About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of family addiction and the importance of healing oneself while supporting a loved one in recovery.

Family addiction doesn't only affect the person using drugs or alcohol—it impacts every person who loves them. In this episode of Sharing Without Shame, Donna Marston welcomes Dr. Rita Renee, TEDx speaker, author, coach, and founder of Ultimate Powerhouse. While Dr. Rita never struggled with addiction herself, she grew up surrounded by it. Her mother battled alcoholism, her brother struggled with drug addiction, and she carried the silent burden that so many family members know all too well. Together, Donna and Dr. Rita explore the hidden trauma loved ones experience, why boundaries are an act of love—not punishment—and how healing yourself is just as important as supporting someone else's recovery. In This Episode You'll Learn: 💠Why addiction affects the entire family—not just the person using 💠The hidden shame carried by parents, siblings, and loved ones 💠How childhood trauma shapes adult relationships 💠Why boundaries are an act of love and self-respect 💠The difference between rescuing someone and supporting them 💠How to stop carrying responsibility for someone else's choices 💠Turning your pain into purpose through healing 💠Why finding your voice is an essential part of…

People in this episode

Host: Donna Marston

Guest: Dr. Rita Renee

Topics covered

• family addiction
• healing
• boundaries
• childhood trauma
• supporting recovery
• emotional intelligence
• generational cycles

Keywords

• addiction
• family
• boundaries
• trauma
• support
• recovery
• emotional intelligence
• resilience
• generational cycles

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ultimate Powerhouse

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
• Supporting a Loved One with Addiction Without Losing Yourself with Burton Fischler | Ep70 · June 19, 2026 · 43 min

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