How To Fix Your Life With Your Intuition | Lauren S.
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Lauren’s story is one of resilience, loss, and rediscovery. Born in El Paso, Texas, Lauren seemed to have a loving and supportive family, but hidden beneath the surface were unaddressed traumas that led her down a path of eating disorders, alcoholism, and self-doubt. In this episode, she shares how childhood insecurities and family dynamics shaped her addiction journey, eventually leading to DUIs, abusive relationships, and countless struggles.
Lauren's turning point came after experiencing multiple wake-up calls, including a near-death experience with her boyfriend’s seizure and partial lobotomy. Her path to sobriety wasn't linear, but through rehab, intensive outpatient programs, and learning to follow her intuition, she found healing. Today, Lauren is focused on becoming a health and life coach to guide others through eating disorders and addiction recovery.
Listeners will leave this episode inspired by Lauren's strength and reminded that even the most loving childhoods can carry hidden wounds. Recovery is possible, and sometimes
Early Years – Seeds of Pain and Strength
Lauren's early years in El Paso, Texas, were filled with love and security, thanks in large part to her father’s unwavering dedication. As the product of a one-night stand, Lauren's birth came as a surprise, but from the moment her father learned about her, his life shifted course. He changed his major to accounting to provide a stable future and became a successful CFO. Lauren often reflects on her deep bond with him, describing their relationship as "yin and yang" – her father grounded her while she reminded him of the beauty in the stars.
Despite this love, Lauren felt out of place. Moving to Florida at the age of six left her feeling disconnected from the environment and the people around her. "I never felt like I truly belonged," she recalls. The seemingly idyllic childhood masked a quiet undercurrent of loneliness and discontent. Her parents' eventual divorce marked a turning point, but even before the separation, Lauren's intuition told her something was wrong.
"I remember walking past my parents' room, always checking for my dad's alarm clock. One day, it was gone. That’s how I knew."
First Encounter with Addiction
By middle school, Lauren found solace in food and eventually developed an eating disorder. At 180 pounds by sixth grade, she decided she wanted a "good high school experience" and began working tirelessly to lose weight. The pursuit of acceptance led to an obsession with dieting, ultimately spiraling into a severe eating disorder.
"I thought if I could change my outer self, I'd finally feel welcomed. But it never brought the confidence I was chasing."
Her first encounter with alcohol came during college, initially as a social activity. However, what began as occasional drinking quickly turned into a crutch for deeper emotional pain..
First Taste - A Dangerous Comfort
Lauren's addiction accelerated after graduating from college. She describes feeling "lost" and unsure of her future, which only deepened her reliance on alcohol.
"I became great at putting on a mask," Lauren admits. "I was excelling academically but drowning in my addiction."
Even as she pursued further education in acupuncture, her drinking persisted. A turning point came when she started dating someone who mirrored her struggles. Their relationship was volatile, and Lauren experienced physical abuse, often finding herself trapped in a cycle of toxic behavior and substance abuse.
Active Addiction - The Descent
The breaking point came when Lauren’s boyfriend suffered a traumatic brain injury during a seizure.
"I knew we needed help, but he refused to acknowledge it. Watching him deteriorate was like staring into a mirror."
Returning to South Florida, Lauren's addiction deepened. One night, after being found passed out in her car with a blood alcohol content of .53, she realized her life was in jeopardy.
Hitting Bottom
The pivotal moment came when a friend and former manager confronted Lauren about her drinking.
"Lauren, you need help. I can't have you working here anymore."
With nowhere else to turn, Lauren enrolled in inpatient rehab at Beachcomber. The experience changed her life.
"I found something spiritual within those walls. For the first time, I felt hope."
Despite relapsing immediately after leaving treatment, Lauren persisted. She entered an intensive outpatient program and made the courageous decision to move into a halfway house.
The Road to Recovery - Rebuilding and Thriving
Today, Lauren works in addiction recovery, helping others find their way to sobriety. Her relationship with her family is stronger than ever, and she’s pursuing a career in health and life coaching, specializing in eating disorders.
"I want to be the guide I never had," Lauren says with pride. "I've climbed this mountain alone, and now I want to help others reach the top."
Her story stands as a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the unrelenting pursuit of self-acceptance.
FAQs
What are common signs of alcohol addiction?
Mood swings, increased secrecy, and neglecting responsibilities are frequent indicators.
How can I help a loved one struggling with addiction?
Encourage open conversations, express support without judgment, and suggest professional help.
What is the role of inpatient rehab in recovery?
Inpatient rehab provides structured care, therapy, and community support to aid recovery.
How do I know if I need rehab?
If substance use negatively impacts daily life or relationships, seeking professional evaluation is vital.
Can people fully recover from addiction?
Yes, with ongoing support, therapy, and community, individuals can lead fulfilling, sober lives.
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