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
Life is Wonderful Now
The adage “three strikes and you’re out” too often is applied to getting help for substance use disorders and mental health. But not at The Bridge House/Grace House in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dennis Farmer was in and out of the program four times before he found long-term recovery. He talks about that recovery and his unique job at Bridge House/Grace House: he runs their used car lot. Dennis went from living under a bridge to working for Bridge House. Dennis and Bridge House/Grace House can be reached at Treatment | Bridge House/Grace House (https://www.bridgehouse.org/treatment/).
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm).
Us 2
Study after study has shown a drop in mental health. That is especially true of young people and women. Sheng Lee Yang discusses her work with underserved, marginalized populations and the need for culturally sensitive therapy. Sheng is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Perinatal Mental Health therapist. She is a former professor who taught social justice issues, mental health, and advocacy to social work students. She is a first generation Hmong refugee and, most importantly she says, a proud mom. Us 2 Behavioral Health Care and Sheng can be contacted at Mental Health Services, Diversity & Inclusion Training in Appleton (https://us2bhc.org)
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm).
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill (https://www.dea.gov/onepill)
Bridges and Grace
The Bridge House/Grace House in New Orleans, Louisiana, has a wonderful mission. Simply stated, it is to help rebuild with dignity, honesty, and respect the lives of men and women, in order to help those who have literally lost everything. Kevin Gardere discusses that mission and the challenges, as well as opportunities, that treatment centers encounter. Kevin has been with Bridge House/Grace House since 2002 and is presently the CEO. He is also in long-term recovery. Kevin and Bridge House/Grace House can be reached at https://www.bridgehouse.org/treatment/
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opioid crisis can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill
Life is So Sweet Sober
Talent alone doesn’t lead to success, not when that talent gets lost in an ocean of alcohol and lost opportunities. Michael Massey is an accomplished, award-winning musician, speaker, author, composer, and producer. He’s also a recovering alcoholic, whose book, “More: A Memoir,” chronicles his downward spiral into addiction and his climb out of it. Michael, his book, and all of his music can be reached at https://www.mikemasseymusic.com.
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm
More information about the federal response to the ongoing opioid crisis can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill
Getting Off the Generational-Trauma Bus
.When people experience trauma, they often share that trauma and their reactions to it with those closest to them. Research has also shown that response to trauma and the resulting mental health issues that come with it can be passed down generationally. Dr. Ghazaleh Bailey discusses how trauma is passed down generationally and even epigenetically. Dr. Bailey is a certified therapist, couple’s therapist, supervisor, and trainer with a PhD in Psychology. She is based in Berlin, Germany, and has a unique multi-cultural background and approach that she uses to help people overcome childhood and generational trauma. Her work and research focuses on the healing power of emotion transformation and self-compassion. Dr. Bailey can be reached at https://individual-therapy-berlin.de/about-me/ and her YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE2DGM97OgfKz-CIvGaYCoA.
Dr. Bailey’s online courses can be accessed at https://individual-therapy-berlin.de/online-courses/ Listeners can receive a 30% discount using the code HEAL.
Additional information on the epigenetic research discussed can be found at https://www.research.va.gov/currents/1016-3.cfm The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm More information about the federal response to the ongoing opioid crisis can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill
Imagine a New Way to Live
Creating healthy lifestyles and healing relationships and learning a new way to live are great goals for anyone in recovery from substance use disorders. It is also the mission of Imagine Recovery and Imagine House in New Orleans, Louisiana. Felicia Montiforte talks about those goals and her work with the recovering community. Felicia is a Co-Founder and CEO of Imagine Recovery and a Co-Founder of Imagine House. She is a graduate of Tulane University. She is also a former board member of ARHE (Association of Recovery in Higher Education)(https://collegiaterecovery.org/) and works closely with and supports Tulane University’s Collegiate Recovery Program (https://campushealth.tulane.edu/departments/recovery-community) Felicia is also, importantly, a grateful person in long-term recovery. Imagine House can be reached at Imagine House (https://www.imaginehousenola.com/) and Imagine Recovery (https://www.imaginerecovery.com/). Felicia can be reached at [email protected] and at 225-937-1132. The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm).
Giving Voice to the Voiceless
When federal funding is slashed for addiction treatment, education, and research, it affects millions of Americans struggling with substance use disorders and those who work with them. Libby Jones discusses the importance of working with and educating those who make policy and funding decisions. Ms. Jones is the Program Director at the Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI). She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree with an emphasis on government from William & Mary, and a Master’s of Science degree with an emphasis on human rights from the London School of Economics. Libby leads OPI’s work to advance federal policies that reduce opioid overdose deaths through expanding access to treatment, championing harm reduction, and equipping lawmakers with the tools they need to make meaningful change. She continues to be a key voice in pushing for policies that make treatment accessible for all. She and the Overdose Prevention Initiative can be reached at Overdose Prevention Initiative: https://actionforoverdose.org
The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm More information about the federal response to the ongoing opioid crisis can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill
Step Out of the Disease and Into the Solution
For many people in recovery, there is a specific moment in time they can point to when their lives turn around. At that moment, life one becomes life two. Dr. Robb Kelly discuss that moment in his life and how life two has led him to a career of helping people. Robb Kelly was born in Manchester, England, into a family that had a history of alcoholism. He obtained his Doctorate in Psychology from Oxford and is now the founder of The Robb Kelly Recovery Group, in addition to being an accomplished author and internationally sought-out speaker. The Robb Kelly Recovery Group and all of their services can be reached at https://robbkelly.com/ The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill
It’s in the Genes
Different cultures look at health in different ways. Sometimes we are enticed by quick fixes and marketing. Lis Schmelzer discusses the role genetics plays on our health and the effects on our health from the choices we make. What we consume affects all our bodies’ systems. The only long-term solution is developing healthy habits and choices. Lis is a Clinical Nutritionist, Nutrition Sales Executive, and wellness advocate. Additional information and Lis’s contact information can be found at https://nourishwisconsin.com/
Oregon Cares — Empowering Students
Good things happen when young people are informed and empowered. The students at Oregon High School in Wisconsin discuss their initiative to educate the community about the health and environmental risks of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Gavin Smith and Tim Grice are high school seniors and are joined in the discussion by Amy Miller, Community Education Director & Advanced Learning Coordinator, and Cynthia DiCamelli, Family Resource Coordinator, both at the Oregon School District. Additional information about all of the coalition initiatives can be found at https://oregonareacares.org/
