Laura Baker, a Supervisor with the Drug Affected Infant and Unborn Child Abuse Program, discusses how substance abuse affects infants, children, and their families. More than 75% of infants exposed to drugs have major medical problems, and, in America, every twenty minutes an infant suffering from drug withdrawal is born. Ms. Baker talks about the…

Dr. Dana Ballewske discusses the dramatic rise in substance use disorders, depression, and mental health concerns among young people and how schools and service providers can help. Dr Ballewske is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Coordinator of School-Based Services for Professional Services Group. Dana also currently heads the school-based mental health clinic program for Kenosha…

Singer and songwriting legend Dion DiMucci of “Dion and the Belmonts” fame discusses his decades-long sobriety and how recovery has impacted his life, relationships, and music. As he says in his classic song “Your Own Backyard,” “I can do anything that I wanna do. I do it straight, I do it so much better, too.”…

Nanci Schiman discusses the life challenges facing people dealing with eating disorders. Nanci is a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker with Cedar Lake Counseling. She works with families, couples, and individuals with all manner of mental health concerns including: addictions, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Nanci can be reached at (262)-244-6177 and [email protected]…

Roland F. Williams, MA, discusses relapse, relapse prevention, and the work that needs to be done to stay in recovery. Long before the drug or drink enters the body of a person in recovery, relapse can already be occurring. Mr. Williams is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, an Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist, and…

Jessica is a young woman from Colorado who got into recovery at a young age after spiraling down quickly when she began to use in her teens. Jess shares her story of burned bridges, new hopes, and gratitude for a sober life. If you are concerned about your use, you can do what Jess did:…

Kenosha Circuit Court Judge Mary K. Wagner discusses the impact substance use has had on the individuals, families, and children she has seen come before her over her decades-long, storied career as a public servant. Judge Wagner has served for thirty years as a Circuit Court Judge and will be leaving the bench at the…

Ross Bacon talks about his winding road towards recovery. Ross was a pastor turned salesperson who hid his use from everyone. Until one day he didn’t. Ross now works as a Treatment Advocate for the Recovery Centers of America in suburban Chicago. In his work he helps people get the help they need and want.…

Joshua Andrus discusses media addiction and the effects it has on young people and their families. Joshua is a Senior Addiction Counselor who works with active military personnel and veterans experiencing homelessness. He is also an author of a children’s book series aimed at helping young people and their families overcome the obstacle of tech…

Ruth Donalds talks about the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse’s “Loved Ones” program, a support group that focuses on education and practical strategies that concerned others can use to reclaim their lives and regain their own happiness while also working on getting their loved ones into treatment. For more information about the…