The Hidden Root of Family Addiction and the Path to Parallel Recovery

Thrive While Loving an Addict | Addiction | Sobriety | Recovery | Relapse

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, host KL Wells sits down with fellow podcaster Krista Zaft to explore the generational cycles of addiction and the profound healing that comes from breaking them. Krista shares her story of growing up with an alcoholic father, unconsciously repeating familiar patterns in her own marriage, and facing one of the biggest challenges of her life: her son's addiction.

This conversation is a candid look at how childhood trauma shapes our adult lives, leading to traits like perfectionism, codependency, and a need for control. Krista walks us through her pivotal "awakening" moments—first, as a young mother confronting her own anger, and later, as she stepped onto a path of parallel recovery alongside her son. Together, KL and Krista unravel the isolating nature of shame and illuminate the life-changing power of community, personal responsibility, and finding hope in the midst of chaos.

Key Discussion Points

• How childhood chaos can lead us to unconsciously recreate similar dynamics in our adult relationships
• The profound impact of family tragedy on the cycle of addiction
• Krista’s "awakening" moment with her daughter that led her to seek therapy for the first time
• Navigating a child’s addiction and the journey of organizing a family intervention
• The concept of parallel recovery and the importance of doing your own healing work alongside your loved one
• The isolating role of shame for parents of addicts and the power of community support
• Understanding the traits of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) and how these patterns show up in adulthood

👤 About Our Guest: Krista Zaft

Krista Zaft is a clarity and confidence coach, speaker, and host of the Becoming Sound podcast. Her work is rooted in helping women heal from the ripple effects of generational addiction and create lives grounded in authenticity, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. With a background shaped by personal experience, Krista’s voice is a guiding light for those navigating the messy middle of recovery and transformation.

Her podcast, Becoming Sound, is a space for raw, unfiltered conversations about life after dysfunction and the journey toward healing in mind, body, and spirit.

🔗 Follow Krista and Learn More

• 🌐 Website: kristazaft.com
• 🎧 Podcast on Apple: Becoming Sound
• 🎧 Podcast on Spotify: Becoming Sound
• 📺 YouTube: @kristazaft
• 📸 Instagram: @zaftkrista
• 📩 Email: [email protected]