Healing Young Hearts: Jerry Moe on Children’s Recovery from Family Addiction
When I think about the Irish heritage, my grandfather used to always say he remembers when there were signs that said Irish need not apply, you know, and that gets woven into our generations and our legacy as a family as well- is the trauma that we've experienced the trauma that we've experienced.
Imagine growing up in a household shadowed by addiction. How does it affect the youngest members of the family? In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods sits down with Jerry Moe, Vice President and National Director of the Children's Programs at the Betty Ford Center. Moe brings his wealth of experience to discuss the profound impact of addiction on children and how they can find their path to recovery.
Moe highlights that addiction is not just an individual struggle but a family disease, affecting everyone, especially children. He shares touching stories and insights from his work, revealing how children often sense something is wrong long before they understand addiction. This confusion can lead to feelings of anger, isolation, and trauma. Through the Betty Ford Center's children's programs, Moe explains how young ones are given the tools to heal.
These programs emphasize communication, trust, and support—crucial elements often depicted in children's drawings from the center. One poignant example Moe shares is a drawing by a young girl, showing her sitting with someone she trusts, openly talking about her feelings. Such drawings reflect common themes of trust and support that are essential for recovery. Moe also discusses the importance of breaking the cycle of addiction. He urges families to consider their legacy and focus on multi-generational healing.
By addressing these issues head-on, families can disrupt the pattern of addiction and trauma that might otherwise be passed down. For anyone touched by addiction, this episode offers a compassionate look at how recovery can start with the youngest family members. It's a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in understanding the ripple effects of addiction.