Using substances to bury trauma

In today's episode, I sit down with Eric Kennedy, founder of Recovery Vow and author of Marriage After Addiction, for one of the most raw and redemptive conversations we've ever had on this show. Eric spent 15 years deep in addiction—alcohol, cocaine, crack, jail time, suicide attempts, losing his marriage, and losing himself. This isn't a story of high-functioning addiction. This is rock bottom in every sense of the word.

Eric opens up about growing up with emotional neglect, how unresolved trauma fueled his addiction, and the moments that finally forced him to choose life. We talk about the long road to sobriety, rebuilding trust with his kids, walking through divorce and remarriage, and what radical ownership really looks like when you're trying to rebuild a marriage after years of destruction. Whether you've battled addiction yourself or you're carrying unspoken wounds from your past, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing, redemption, and generational change are possible.

[0:00] Introduction

[1:02] Why addiction isn't the real problem—trauma, disconnection, and silence are.

[1:40] Introducing Eric Kennedy and the depth of his addiction story.

[2:08] Addiction beginning with alcohol and escalating to cocaine and crack.

[5:14] Using substances to bury trauma, anxiety, and depression.

[7:13] Growing up with an emotionally unavailable father.

[11:23] Seeing his father drunk as a child and the lasting impact.

[15:00] Addiction escalating alongside marriage and fatherhood.

[22:44] A suicide attempt and waking up in an ambulance.

[25:05] Driving to get drugs with his kids in the car.

[29:29] Arrest, jail time, and asking for help again.

[30:10] Entering a 30-day treatment program in Florida.

[33:14] Gaining custody of his sons while newly sober.

[35:32] Finding faith, community, and structure in recovery.

[37:02] Meeting his wife Kristin and rebuilding a healthy marriage.

[42:44] Radical ownership and rebuilding trust through action.

[51:48] Being fully honest with his sons about his past.

[53:31] Choosing life, sobriety, and fatherhood every day.

1. Addiction is often rooted in unresolved trauma and emotional disconnection, not just substance abuse.
2. Recovery requires radical ownership and healthy selfishness so you can show up for your kids and relationships.
3. Trust is rebuilt through consistent actions over time, not promises or apologies.
4. Honesty with your kids can break generational cycles and rebuild connection.
5. Redemption is always possible, but it requires humility, structure, and daily commitment.

• Eric Kennedy's Book — Marriage After Addiction: https://a.co/d/4uYCpvT
• Recovery Vow: https://recoveryvow.com
• MicroFactor (1st Phorm): https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge
• Opti-Greens 50 (1st Phorm): https://1stphorm.com/products/opti-greens-50-stick-packs/?a_aid=dadedge
• Roommates to Soulmates Course: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1417

If today's episode gave you hope or reminded you that it's never too late to change, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach men who need to hear that recovery, redemption, and reconnection are possible.