Why do so many high-functioning adults secretly feel "something's wrong"—even when life looks fine on paper? In this empowering episode, Lisa A. Romano uncovers the ACOA blind spot: the predictable patterns that form when alcoholism (or "dry" alcoholism) and emotional neglect shape a family system. You'll learn the five core patterns that keep adult children and grandchildren of alcoholics stuck—and the practical roadmap for getting your power, clarity, and self-respect back. The 5 patterns you'll recognize: Reality Denied — Gaslighting and minimization train you to distrust your own signals Feelings Weren't Safe — Emotions got linked to danger, so you muted your inner compass Survival Roles = Identity — Caretaker/hero/scapegoat/lost child replace authentic selfhood Wired for Chaos — The brain's predictive coding + hypervigilance keep you on high alert Internalized Shame — The hidden "I'm the problem" lens that sabotages love and worth You'll also learn: How to bring the prefrontal cortex online and soothe Amy the amygdala & Harry the hippocampus Journaling and mindfulness practices that reorganize the mind and rebuild self-trust Language to spot covert denial, dry alcoholism, and narcissistic dynamics—fast This episode is for you if: No one in your family talks about addiction, yet dysfunction is obvious You're praised for being "strong," but feel unseen, anxious, or chronically not enough You keep tolerating disrespect or pick partners who exploit your caretaking You're ready to identify the hole in the wall—and finally fix it Begin Your Breakthrough Lisa's 12 Week Breakthrough Program gives you a step-by-step, neuroscience-based path to calm your nervous system, reprogram subconscious patterns, and rebuild a self-concept rooted in worthiness. 👉 Start your journey: https://www.lisaaromano.com/12-wbcp #ACOA #AdultChildrenOfAlcoholics #IntergenerationalTrauma #CodependencyRecovery #EmotionalNeglect #InnerChildHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #OrganizedMind #Boundaries #LisaARomanoPodcast #YouAreEnough #codependency #emotionalhealing #healingchildhoodtrauma #innerchildwork