In this episode of 'Recovered Addict host Jason Rigby interviews Max Stephens about his journey from a childhood marked by family addiction to becoming a successful personal coach for high-profile clients. Max shares how he transformed his traumatic experiences into wisdom and success, offering hope and practical advice for those looking to break free from their own cycles of dysfunction.

Join host Jason Rigby as he interviews Max Stephens, a personal strategist who has turned his painful past of family addiction into a platform for success. Max grew up in a home marked by his father’s addiction, experiencing first-hand the childhood trauma that comes with living with an addicted parent. Despite these challenges, Max has not only overcome his own demons but has also built a career coaching some of the world’s most influential figures in business and entertainment.

In this candid conversation, Max delves into his early realization of his father’s struggles, his role as a parental figure to his own father due to codependency issues, and how these experiences shaped his attachment styles and relationships. He discusses his journey towards self-forgiveness and setting healthy boundaries, emphasizing the importance of breaking generational cycles of addiction and dysfunction.

Key topics include:

• The impact of growing up with an addicted parent on mental health

• Codependency and self-blame in relationships affected by addiction

• Survival mindset and its effects on personal relationships and financial management

• The role of meditation in healing from childhood trauma

• Forgiving and moving forward from past trauma caused by family members

• Setting boundaries and asserting one’s worth in recovery

Max’s story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar challenges in their family dynamics or personal recovery journey from trauma related to substance abuse.

1. Introduction and Background (00:01 - 00:47)

2. First Signs of Dysfunction at Home (00:47 - 02:37)

3. Impactful Childhood Experiences (02:37 - 05:23)

4. Codependency and Self-Blame (05:23 - 07:29)

5. Survival Mentality and Financial Struggles (07:29 - 10:44)

6. Impact on Relationships and Attachment Styles (10:44 - 14:40)

7. Awareness of Family Dysfunction (14:40 - 19:16)

8. Avoiding Addiction Himself (19:16 - 21:31)

9. Relationships and Personal Development Obsession (21:31 - 24:55)

10. Trust Issues and People-Pleasing (24:55 - 29:51)

11. Role Reversal and Emotional Growth (29:51 - 33:31)

12. Strengths from Adversity (33:31 - 35:05)

13. Meditation and Internal Focus (35:05 - 39:03)

14. Unlearning Core Beliefs (39:03 - 46:30)

15. Forgiveness and Healing (46:30 - 01:05:08)

16. Setting Boundaries (01:05:08 - 01:09:17)

17. Message for Those in Addiction Cycles (01:09:17 - 01:13:28)

18. Closing and Contact Information (01:13:28 - 01:15:15)

    
    

• "I thought if my dad loved me more, he would have gotten better." - Max Stephens

• "Meditation saved my life; it helped me shift my focus from external achievements to internal healing." - Max Stephens

• "Forgiveness is an insight that others’ actions are about their struggles, not about me." - Max Stephens

• Max Stephens Website: maxstephenscoaching.com

• Recovered Addict podcast Website: recoveredaddictpodcast.com

Want more stories of resilience and recovery? Don't miss an episode—subscribe to the Recovered Addict podcast today! And for personalized guidance on your own journey, visit Max Stephens website at maxstephenscoaching.com for a free call.