Why do so many high-functioning adults secretly feel "something's wrong"—even when life looks fine on paper? In this empowering episode, Lisa A. Romano uncovers the ACOA blind spot: the predictable patterns that form when alcoholism (or "dry" alcoholism) and emotional neglect shape a family system. You'll learn the five core patterns that keep adult children and grandchildren of alcoholics stuck—and the practical roadmap for getting your power, clarity, and self-respect back.

The 5 patterns you'll recognize:

1. Reality Denied — Gaslighting and minimization train you to distrust your own signals

2. Feelings Weren't Safe — Emotions got linked to danger, so you muted your inner compass

3. Survival Roles = Identity — Caretaker/hero/scapegoat/lost child replace authentic selfhood

4. Wired for Chaos — The brain's predictive coding + hypervigilance keep you on high alert

5. Internalized Shame — The hidden "I'm the problem" lens that sabotages love and worth

You'll also learn:

• How to bring the prefrontal cortex online and soothe Amy the amygdala & Harry the hippocampus

• Journaling and mindfulness practices that reorganize the mind and rebuild self-trust

• Language to spot covert denial, dry alcoholism, and narcissistic dynamics—fast

This episode is for you if:

• No one in your family talks about addiction, yet dysfunction is obvious

• You're praised for being "strong," but feel unseen, anxious, or chronically not enough

• You keep tolerating disrespect or pick partners who exploit your caretaking

• You're ready to identify the hole in the wall—and finally fix it

Begin Your Breakthrough Lisa's 12 Week Breakthrough Program gives you a step-by-step, neuroscience-based path to calm your nervous system, reprogram subconscious patterns, and rebuild a self-concept rooted in worthiness. 👉 Start your journey: https://www.lisaaromano.com/12-wbcp

#ACOA #AdultChildrenOfAlcoholics #IntergenerationalTrauma #CodependencyRecovery #EmotionalNeglect #InnerChildHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #OrganizedMind #Boundaries #LisaARomanoPodcast #YouAreEnough #codependency #emotionalhealing #healingchildhoodtrauma #innerchildwork