Addiction and trauma are two of the most common and difficult issues that people face. In this motivating book, leading expert Lisa Najavits explains the link between addiction and trauma and presents science-based self-help strategies that you can use no matter where you are in your recovery. Every chapter features inspiring words from people who have "been there," plus carefully designed reflection questions, exercises, and other practical tools. --Publisher

Moving forward from trauma, addiction, or both -- Starting out -- "Things turn out okay"--David's experience -- It's medical--you're not crazy, lazy, or bad -- How do people change? -- The world is your school -- Listen to your behavior -- Wish versus reality -- Find your way -- Possible selves -- The language of trauma and addiction -- Safe coping skills -- Social pain -- True self-compassion -- Why trauma and addiction go together -- Forgiving yourself -- Body and biology -- Getting to a calm place : the skill of grounding -- The culture of silence -- Motivation : leverage one problem to help another -- Tip the scales recovery plan -- Every child is a detective -- How to survive a relapse -- See the link -- Practice -- Identity : how you view yourself -- Perception : how others view you -- The decision to grow -- Dark feelings : rage, hatred, revenge, bitterness -- Imagination -- Create a healing image -- Find a good counselor -- Two types of trauma counseling -- What the wounded can give back -- "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."