Cheryl Burke of “Dancing with the Stars” on therapeutic honesty, addiction in the family and life in the spotlight

Heart of the Matter

To the fans who watch her on their TV screens, Cheryl Burke leads the picture-perfect life, dancing her way across countless stages and starring on national broadcasts. However, there is more to the “Dancing with the Stars” competitor than may meet the eye: Beneath the impressive veneer is someone who is unafraid to open up about her struggles with alcohol, mental health and abuse.

As a competitor, Cheryl was taught that showing emotions is a sign of weakness, and turned to alcohol as a way to soothe anxiety and uncertainty. Tune in as Elizabeth and Cheryl talk about the ways drinking fosters emotional disconnection, growing up with addiction in the family, the events that led Cheryl to put down alcohol for good and how she has come to find strength in vulnerability.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

• When Addiction is in Your Family Tree
• Substance Use + Mental Health: Your Guide to Addressing Co-occurring Disorders
• I Know I Need to Take Care of Myself Too, but How?

To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
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