Many of us have significant struggles with addiction, and while they may not be completely private, not many of us have had to address our personal failings in such a public forum as Hunter Biden, second son of US President Joe Biden. 

“So many families or individuals get lost in hiding the reality of their own addiction. And the problem, the more you hide from the light, the darker it gets.”

In this episode of Into The Magic Shop, Hunter shares what it’s like to grow up in the public space and learn how to address his own personal failings while moving forward in the world. Because we have to remember that behind all of this is a human being striving to survive. 

“One of the principles that I try to live by is to take responsibility for the things that I am responsible for. And, not to be trite, but also realize the things that I have the ability to change in my life, and realize the ones that I don't.”

In Hunter’s memoir, Beautiful Things, he talks about his history, his childhood, losing his mother and sister in a car accident in which he was grievously injured too, and then losing his brother Beau to glioblastoma, as well as his years of alcohol and cocaine abuse, and how Melissa’s love saved him.

“That's the hard work that people don't understand. That it’s done not just by the addict, but by the people that love them.”

If you’re struggling with tragedy, if you find it hard to focus on life’s beautiful moments, if you’re learning to overcome your failings, or you need inspiration to help you move forward in your life, don’t miss Hunter Biden on Into The Magic Shop.

On today’s podcast:

• The genesis for Beautiful Things
• Being public about his addiction
• All addiction has a root in trauma
• Social connections are key to a long life

Links:

• Gabor Maté 
• Beautiful Things - Hunter Biden