A man, woman and personified microphone standing on a grassy hill overlooking water and an orange sky.

When does it stop being a party and start becoming a problem? Is there a way to steer clear of addiction?

Every Wednesday, Mike McGowan explores substance use disorders with expert guests.

Latest Episodes

Shouting Into the Darkness

May 20, 2026

Matthew Laughrin wrote his memoir, “Shouting into the Darkness: Life as a Mentally Ill Drug Addict in the 21st Century,” while incarcerated. On March 1, 2009, Matthew woke to a police tactical team bursting into his home. He was arrested for the fatal drug overdose of a teenage girl who had died in his house…

Does Rehab Really Work

May 13, 2026

Rehab is a word used to describe everything from a short detox to a long residential stay. Jim Savage discusses what constitutes rehab and what makes for a successful program. Jim is the owner of Rehab Works! Family Support Program and Jim Savage Consulting. He is the author of “Rehab Works! A Parent’s Guide to…

We’re Not A Car Wash

May 6, 2026

It is safe to say that addiction and mental health services are needed across the country and that providing those services, while incredibly rewarding, is also extremely challenging. Joe Henderson, the Founder and CEO of Sierra Health + Wellness Centers and the Elijah House Foundation in California, talks about those rewards and challenges. His approach…

Shouting Into the Darkness

May 20, 2026

Matthew Laughrin wrote his memoir, “Shouting into the Darkness: Life as a Mentally Ill Drug Addict in the 21st Century,” while incarcerated. On March 1, 2009, Matthew woke to a police tactical team bursting into his home. He was arrested for the fatal drug overdose of a teenage girl who had died in his house…

Does Rehab Really Work

May 13, 2026

Rehab is a word used to describe everything from a short detox to a long residential stay. Jim Savage discusses what constitutes rehab and what makes for a successful program. Jim is the owner of Rehab Works! Family Support Program and Jim Savage Consulting. He is the author of “Rehab Works! A Parent’s Guide to…

We’re Not A Car Wash

May 6, 2026

It is safe to say that addiction and mental health services are needed across the country and that providing those services, while incredibly rewarding, is also extremely challenging. Joe Henderson, the Founder and CEO of Sierra Health + Wellness Centers and the Elijah House Foundation in California, talks about those rewards and challenges. His approach…

Hunger for More in Life

April 29, 2026

Everyone copes with depression and life stress differently. JD Tremblay coped by pushing his body athletically to limits few ever experience. Tremblay is the Director of Human Performance at Hungry Warrior Academy, a Canadian human performance specialist, Naturopathic practitioner, Integrated Engineering graduate, and military veteran with over a decade of service. He is also the…

Meet Your Host

Michael McGowan is President of McGowan and Associates, a training and consultation firm specializing in workplace, school, and family issues. He works with helping agencies, companies, schools, parent groups, and students as a trainer, consultant, and motivational speaker.

Mr. McGowan has spent the last twenty-five years working with families and children. He worked as an educator, a family and addiction counselor, an administrator, and a trainer. He has directed state-certified training and rehabilitation programs. And he is host of the national podcast, "Avoiding the Addiction Affliction." During the last twenty years he has given presentations and keynote addresses to tens of thousands of people annually and has trained thousands of social service workers, educators, students, coaches, and administrators worldwide. Additionally, he has worked with the Department of Corrections, professional athletes and teams from the NFL and MLB, and dozens of private companies as a trainer and consultant.

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