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
It Can Be a Wonderful Life
For many, spending time with family during the holidays is joyful and fulfilling. For others, spending time with family is emotionally challenging as they navigate varying degrees of disease, disinformation and dysfunction. Guida Brown talks about how we can take care of ourselves, set healthy boundaries, and handle relationship dysfunction with honesty and respect. Guida is the Principal for Guided by Guida and serves as the Community Relations Consultant for the US Drug Testing Laboratories in Des Plaines, Illinois. She has been an adjunct faculty member for Carthage College, University of Wisconsin — Parkside, Concordia University, and Gateway Technical College. Guida is certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Substance Abuse Counselor, a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder trainer, and an Intoxicated Driver Program Assessor. She is also a Kenosha (Wisconsin) County Board Supervisor. She can be reached at https://guidedbyguida.guide/
Drawing a Hard Line
Jordan Davis found himself at a crossroads between his passion and his addiction. He discusses the decision he made to get his life back on the road to success. Jordan is the director of operations of The Chocolate Moose, a restaurant and creamery in Bloomington, Indiana. He is also the host of the podcast “No Dishes,” a discussion dedicated to finding Bloomington’s culinary gems. He can be reached at The Chocolate Moose | Best Dessert in IN, and his podcast can be found at No Dishes Podcast | The Bloomington Food Scene.
Alternatives – Ketamine Therapy
DJ is in recovery from a substance use disorder but experienced ongoing depression and occasional anxiety. After discussing options with his partner and sponsor, he decided to try ketamine therapy. He discusses his experience and results. The FDA has warned that ketamine and compounded ketamine products aren’t approved to treat any psychiatric disorders, although a ketamine-derived drug called esketamine is approved for some people as part of treatment-resistant depression in a certified clinical setting. More information about the use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression can be found here: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression-when-and-where-is-it-safe-202208092797 and here: FDA warns about compounded ketamine for psychiatric disorders. DJ’s previous podcast can be found here: We Have a Problem – Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
Climbing the Rope
There are many roads to long-term recovery. Janice Claps discusses the road she took and her belief that predicaments are wholly self imposed through our own thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Janice is an Expressive Therapist at Lake Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois. She is also a yoga instructor, CrossFit coach, meditation teacher, and recovery mentor. She is an Active member of The Phoenix Sober-Active Community and describes herself in her bio as “a sober health and wellness professional with a dark sense of humor who enjoys candy and mischief from time to time.” The Phoenix Sober-Active Community information can be found at National Sober Active Community | The Phoenix
More Than Perfect
The holidays are often a time of reflection and gratitude. Troy Schaefer shares a story about a moment with his father and how each of them viewed that moment moving forward. Troy is the Principal of Sevastopol, Wisconsin, Middle and High School. He was also a college pitcher and professional bowler, but, for this story, he was a son with a deep love and appreciation for the gift his father gave him.
Watch the Bowling With The Champs video clips:
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz6eHuj3Ms4
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZhCPf-vbe0
Curveballs
Losing her father early in her life created a trauma that took Gail Taylor on a lifelong journey full of curveballs. Gail talks about turning that trauma into inspiration. Initially working in finance and experiencing remarkable success as an investment advisor, Gail fearlessly embarked on a profound second act in life that transformed her into a prolific songwriter, motivational speaker, and philanthropic force. She is the author of Curveballs: Unlocking Your Potential Through Personal Growth and Inspirational Music. Gail Taylor’s work and contact information can be found at https://www.gailtaylormusic.com/
Light Up the Longest Night
December 21 is the longest night of the calendar year. Michelle Sandberg, the Executive Director of the Hope Council in Kenosha, Wisconsin, discusses their second annual, “Light Up the Longest Night” event, remembering those who are suffering from or who have succumbed to addiction as well as honoring those in recovery. Michelle also talks about the challenges that organizations like the Hope Council face and the many programs they offer to help and heal local communities. Michelle and the Hope Council can be reached at https://www.hopecouncil.org/. Light Up the Longest Night registration and support information can be found at https://www.hopecouncil.org/how-you-can-help/special-events/
Generational Learning
Daniel Ciccarone, MD, talks about the apparent decline of fentanyl deaths across the country in 2023 and early 2024 and the reasons why, if the data is accurate, that the decline might be happening. Dr. Ciccarone is a Professor of Family Community Medicine in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his work with addiction medicine, street drugs, particularly heroin and its many derivatives, and his work with the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and related diseases in socially-marginalized populations. Dr. Ciccarone discusses what steps might be most effective to end the fentanyl spiral. Dr. Ciccarone can be contacted at Daniel Ciccarone • UCSF Profiles
Making a Meaningful Impact
Stephanie Short began drinking in elementary school. By the time she dropped out of high school in her junior year, her use had intensified, and so did the problems that came with it. Taking whatever drugs were trending at the time, Stephanie’s use and difficulties continued until she got into enough trouble to end up in prison. And then she said, “enough.” Now, six years into recovery, she discusses how she got to a place of recovery and serenity. Stephanie is now a Certified Peer Specialist and Recovery Coach and the owner of Esares Wellness Services. She is also a Community Impact Coordinator for Health with the United Way of Door County, Wisconsin. Stephanie and Esares Wellness can be reached at linkedin.com/in/stephanie-
The Love Habit
If we are to have a better understanding of our relationships with family, friends, society, and ourselves, we need a way forward. Rainie Howard, an award-winning CEO, bestselling author, and relationship expert, discusses her book, The Love Habit. Because a person’s self-image directly influences daily habits (emotional, mental, and physical), which then directly impact relationships with others, Rainie talks about how to develop habits that lead to a healthier sense of self. Rainie is a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and award-winning humanitarian. She is the host of her own podcast, The Rainie Howard Show. Her groundbreaking work has been featured on major platforms like FOX, NBC, and ABC, reinforcing her status as a leading authority on emotional intelligence, mental health, and spiritual growth. Rainie’s book, socials, and her other works can be accessed at Rainie Howard | St Louis Keynote Speaker | Motivational Speaker | Motivational Speakers
