Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part I: Origins of the ACoA Trauma Syndrome

1 Collateral Damage: Growing Up in the Force Field of Addiction

2 The Making of an ACoA: Living Behind a Mask

3 Family Dynamics: Living in Two Worlds

Part II: Neurobiology of the ACoA Trauma Syndrome

4 Breaking Trust: Stress and Rupture in Family Bonds

5 Living on Our Emotional Edges: The Mind/Body Impact of Trauma

6 The Traumatized Self: Falling Apart on the Inside

7 Relationship Trauma:When Home Is No Longer Safe

8 Haunted: The Symptoms of Relationship Trauma

9 The Narcissistic Parent: Disappearing Into Someone Else’s Story

Part III: Faces and Voices of the ACoA Trauma Syndrome

10 Self-Medication: Misguided Attempts at Mood Management

11 Process Addictions: The Many Other Faces of Self-Medication

Part IV: Healing the ACoA Trauma Syndrome

12 Recovering from the ACoA Trauma Syndrome: Reclaiming the Disowned Self

13 Resilience: Mobilizing Help and Support

14 Natural Highs: Bringing the Limbic System into Balance

Part V: Integrating the Fragmented Self

15 Relationships: Recover or Repeat

16 Grandchildren of Addiction: Breaking the Chain

17 Mindfulness and the Gift of Trauma

References

About the Author