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.
Episodes
Needed Angels
When people find themselves without shelter, warmth, or food, having angels on the streets helps. Eva Welch is a Co-Founder and Director of Street Angels in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Eva is a fierce advocate, action activator, and self-described fun instigator. She studied psychology and earned her BA from Ottawa University. Together with Shelly Sarasin, Eva co-founded Street Angels and expanded the mission of feeding and assisting our neighbors without homes. Find out more about Street Angels and how to help.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
Standby
After thirty years on television, Beth McDonough’s life unraveled in the harshest spotlight: two DUIs, a public firing, and national headlines. What the world saw was her mugshot. She talks about her fight to get sober, the years of shame and silence, and the strength it took to rebuild her life. Beth is an author and former TV crime reporter who chronicles her addiction and recovery in her memoir “Standby.” View Beth’s work, book, and links.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
Living with Schizophrenia
There are some parenting challenges that don’t show up in the guidebooks we all consume when we have children. Chrisa Hickey ran into that head on when her son Timothy was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of eleven. She talks about the challenges of raising children with special needs, finding a healthy rest-of-life balance, and the complexities of finding quality mental healthcare in Rural America. Chrisa Hickey is an author, speaker, and advocate specializing in supporting families raising children with serious mental illnesses like childhood onset schizophrenia, childhood onset bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Chrisa can be contacted at her website.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
Assisting Those Who Served
Veterans encounter physical, mental health, and substance use challenges at a greater rate than the general population. Rebekka Cary discusses helping them access the benefits and assistance they are rightfully due. Rebekka is a County Veterans Service Officer for Columbia County in Portage, Wisconsin. She was a First Sergeant in the Illinois Air National Guard and is a member of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. The Wisconsin Association of County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers website can be found at County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers (CVSO/TVSO) – Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. The NACVSO (National Association of County Veterans Service Officers) can be reached at Organization – National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
Culture is Contagious
When good leaders use powerful, positive attitudes and actions to promote healthy community building, that “vibe” is contagious and spreads. Peggy Eserkaln talks about how, as an educator and improvisational performer, she helps establish a school or workplace culture that encourages creativity, respect, and positive mental health. Peggy is a Founder of Educational Improvisation, an award-winning educator, author, speaker, entertainer, and mom with a Master’s Degree and a professionally-trained funny bone. Peggy can be contacted at [email protected]. Her book, “Sydney Owns a School,” can be ordered on Amazon.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
Unlocking Your Inner Superhero
Being a kid today has its challenges, and being a kid who has learning disabilities, ADHD, NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), or anxiety related to academic performance certainly adds an element of complexity to navigating one’s academic career and life. Hannah Bookbinder discusses her work with neurodivergent clients, the challenges and the successes. Hannah is a licensed social worker and owner of AcademicAlly, LLC. She is also the author of “Unlock Your Inner Superhero: Conquering the Challenges of ADHD” and developer of the My TOAD App which focuses on executive functioning skills. Hannah’s work and links can be found at Achieve Success with Academic Coaching – Academic Ally. Download the MyToad app and enter the code ADDICTIONAFFLICTION10.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
Honoring Veterans by Providing Help
The mental health and substance use disorders that challenge veterans are not unusual, and they occasionally lead to homelessness. Recently in Wisconsin, funding for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) was removed from the two-year state budget, and, as a result, two transitional homes for veterans were closed. Wisconsin State Senator Jeff Smith has introduced legislation to reopen — and keep open — those homes. He discusses those efforts, political obstacles, and other issues around mental health and substance use disorders that veterans are facing. Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) currently serves as the 31st Senate District State Senator and is the Senate Democratic Assistant Leader. He also serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health. Senator Smith can be reached at Senator Jeff Smith | Senate District 31.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
The Way Forward
Stress, anxiety, and depression are seemingly everywhere and ever-present. Kelli O’Rourke Wall started her mental health journey as a patient and is now a therapist. She talks about the journey from client to helper and discusses her approach to the challenges all of us face in getting the help we need for our mental health. Kelli is a California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families, empowering and supporting them through actionable healing strategies. Kelli’s work and links can be found at Kelli O’Rourke Wall, LMFT.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
After the Trident
Tony Dice’s road to a doctorate was anything but straight. He discusses his addiction, recovery, and memoir, “After the Trident.” Dr. Dice’s Holistic Change Model is designed to heal the invisible wounds of those who serve. Dr. Dice and his many services can be reached at Bishop & Dice Defense.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin.
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill.
Kind Habits
Trevor Shick was experiencing declining mental health and increasing problems with substance use. Seeking help, he and his family encountered numerous obstacles. Trevor talks about his recovery and his new venture, Kind Habit Labs, a software system designed to help facilities that help people with substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Trevor is the Founder & CEO of Kind Habit Labs, Inc. Trevor’s mom Lisa Gennosa was previously on this podcast. Listen to that conversation here.
