In this episode of Real Medicine, Dr. Jennifer Anderson explores the deep connection between trauma and addiction through a compassionate, trauma-informed lens. Drawing from both her personal story and professional experience, she unpacks how addiction is not a failure, but a survival strategy often rooted in unprocessed pain. Using the powerful framework of genetics and epigenetics, Dr. Anderson reframes healing as something we can influence—through therapy, connection, plant medicine, and safety.

She reflects on her own family lineage, including her ancestor Chief Johnstone, and how intergenerational trauma and resilience shape our stories. Listeners will also hear insights on how trauma affects the nervous system, how we can begin to rewire it, and how we can support ourselves and others through moments of overwhelm, relapse, or burnout.

This episode is a call to shift from judgment to compassion, from symptom management to root-cause care—and to reimagine what real medicine can truly be.

Podcast music copyright 2025 Jason Houghton 

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