Constance Scharff: Healing Through Music and Compassion
I needed to work through the trauma and then I didn't have the trauma symptoms anymore and my depression, what you would call depression, was really again my opinion was a trauma, a symptom of PTSD, which they're now starting to call complex PTSD.
Dr. Constance Scharff’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of music in addiction recovery. Growing up with a traumatic childhood that led her down the path of addiction, Dr. Scharff has turned her life around and now dedicates her work to helping others find their way to recovery.
In this episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return', she sits down with host Joanie Sigal to share her compelling story and insights into alternative recovery methods. Dr. Scharff’s career is impressive, marked by roles such as VP Business Development and Science and Research Chair at Rock to Recovery, a program that uses music to aid in addiction and trauma treatment. She discusses how songwriting and performance have been pivotal in improving mental health outcomes for many.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop there; she’s also the coauthor of several impactful books, including 'Ending Addiction for Good' and 'Meeting God at Midnight'. One of the key themes Dr. Scharff highlights is the importance of addressing trauma in addiction recovery. She opens up about her own experiences with trauma, which were initially misdiagnosed as depression. It wasn’t until she explored somatic experiencing, acupuncture, and music therapy that she began to heal.
She emphasizes that traditional 12-step programs might not be effective for everyone, advocating for a broader range of treatment options. Another powerful aspect of Dr. Scharff’s message is the role of vulnerability in recovery. She believes that creating safe spaces where individuals can share their stories and connect through music can lead to profound healing. Her work with Rock to Recovery exemplifies this, showing how music can be a catalyst for transformation. Dr.
Scharff’s advocacy extends globally as she champions for accessible mental health services for all, regardless of geographic location. Her story is not just about personal triumph but also about pushing for systemic changes in how we approach addiction and mental health treatment. Tune in to hear Dr. Constance Scharff’s inspiring journey and learn about innovative approaches to recovery that go beyond traditional methods.