E 208: The Adoption Paradox: Unpacking Adoption Trauma and Addiction with Jean Kelly Widner

In this episode, we talk with Jean Kelly Widner, adoptee and author of The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption in Perspective. Jean shares her personal journey growing up as a domestic adoptee in Washington State in the 1960s, while also navigating the impact of addiction and alcoholism in her adoptive family.

We dive into the hidden emotional challenges of adoption, including preverbal trauma, identity struggles, and attachment issues that many adoptees face. Jean explains why adoption isn’t always the “win-win” the public assumes and how the combined effects of adoption trauma and addiction in families can impact mental health, relationships, and self-worth well into adulthood.

This powerful conversation is essential listening for adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, and anyone seeking to better understand the complexities of adoption. Jean also shares what she hopes readers will take away from The Adoption Paradox and why open, honest conversations about adoption are critical for healing.

🔗 Learn more about Jean and her work: Facebook | Linktree

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