Glossary | Translating Recovery

Inner Child(IN-er CHYLD): This refers to the aspect of your psyche that holds onto your childhood experiences and emotions. It's your Inner Child at play when you find yourself reacting to situations in ways similar to how you did as a child, typically reflecting defenses or coping mechanisms you developed during childhood.
“
In therapy, I've learned to listen to my Inner Child and validate his/her experiences.
Inner Children(IN-er CHIL-dren): Refers to the various parts of your psyche, each representing a version of yourself at different ages or stages of childhood. These Inner Children may have become "locked in" emotionally due to different experiences, traumas, or unmet needs, each exhibiting unique behaviors, reactions, and coping strategies.
“
Through recovery work, and with the help of my sponsor I discovered I had MULTIPLE Inner Children—each needing attention, validation, understanding and healing in their own way.
Inner Drug Store(IN-er DRUH-g STOR): This term refers to our internal emotional states, reactions, and even brain chemicals produced that mimic the highs and lows often sought through substance use. Fear or excitement can activate the production of adrenaline, serotonin, endorphins and other neurotransmitters, similar to cocaine or alcohol. Binge eating or other indulgences can create dopamine, etc. It often represents the chaos adult children may unconsciously create as a coping mechanism to achieve these "highs". Visiting the inner drug store via use of external substances can be a gateway to other addictions.
“
In moments of emotional turmoil, instead of seeking help or using healthy coping mechanisms, I unknowingly tap into my Inner Drug Store, creating a whirlwind of chaos to mimic the adrenaline highs I'm accustomed to.
Integrating the Traits(IN-tuh-gray-ting thuh trayts): The process of recognizing and accepting both the functional and dysfunctional traits within.
“
Through therapy, I'm integrating the Traits I've developed, both good and bad.
Invisible Child(in-VIZ-uh-bul CHYLD): The family member who avoids attention to minimize conflict or stress.
“
As the Invisible Child, I learned to keep a low profile to avoid my parents.