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
I Couldn’t Be Happier
Heroin, jail, sobriety, relapse, repeat. That is a cycle many families experience with opiate addiction. Lee is a mom whose daughter was enmeshed in that cycle. Today, her daughter is in-long term recovery, and Lee shares her journey towards joy and contentment. For family members concerned about loved ones’ substance use, taking care of themselves is difficult but necessary. If you are concerned, Hope Council offers a Loved Ones Group (https://www.hopecouncil.org/programs-services/special-families-programming/loved-ones-group-craft/), and Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are free and available: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/
A Different Place
After years of trying to control her addiction to opiates and the chaos drugs created, Katie decided that she wanted to live, and to live clean and sober. The cycle of arrests, prison, craving, and withdrawal left her with a choice to make. She chose life. She chose love. If you or a loved one needs help with substance use disorders, help is available. There are many places to start, including your own doctor. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://namilwaukee.org/meetings/
Slaying the Dragon
Dr. David Galbis-Reig talks about the growing epidemic of opiate use and the infusion of fentanyl in street drugs. Fentanyl creates all sorts of challenges for treatment and medical professionals, from the medications used to withdraw from the drug to the increased possibility the person using will overdose and die. Dr. Galbis-Reig is the Medical Director of Addiction Services at Ascension Wisconsin All Saints and the President of the Wisconsin Society of Addiction Medicine. He is passionate about providing education and treatment resources to decrease prescription drug abuse and the burden of addiction to opioids in Kenosha and Racine Counties in Wisconsin. He can be reached at Ascension All Saints-Addiction Medicine, 1320 Wisconsin Ave, #300, Racine, WI 53403, (262) 687-2222
Just the Facts
Dr. Krista Lisdahl discusses the neurocognitive consequences of chronic cannabis and other drug use during adolescence and early adulthood. Her research examines the effects of marijuana, alcohol, nicotine, and ecstasy use on brain structure and function. Dr. Lisdahl is the Director of the University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee’s Brain Imaging and Neuropsychology (BraIN) Laboratory. Dr. Lisdahl and her teams research can be accessed at https://uwm.edu/psychology/people/lisdahl-krista-m/
Programmed to Succeed
Chris Wardlow talks about resiliency and the importance of having caring, nurturing people in the lives of young people living in families experiencing substance use disorders. Chris is a substance abuse prevention specialist with Catalpa Health in Appleton, Wisconsin. He works with communities, schools, agencies, and organizations that are seeking to incorporate evidence-based strategies and services to prevent and reduce substance abuse among young people. Chris can be reached at https://catalpahealth.org/profile/chris-wardlow/
It’s a Miracle
Roy Bishop discusses the personality changes that take place when Substance Use Disorders are addressed. The transition from being guarded, self centered, and manipulative to honest, considerate, and thoughtful is a journey, but it’s a trip worth taking. A psychotherapist with Eastlake Counseling and Consulting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Roy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Program Director with Edge Counseling Solutions and can be reached at http://www.eastlakemke.com or 414-364-2264.
Where Do ‘I’ Begin?
Helen Kobrin discusses the dynamics of codependency and how to break patterns of unhealthy behaviors that focus on others’ wants and needs at the expense of our own. Taking care of ourselves is not selfish; rather, it allows us to be a whole, healthy person in all our relationships. Helen holds a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University as well as a Certificate in Addictions Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Program Director with Edge Counseling Solutions. Helen can be reached at http://edgecounselingsolutions.com/helen-kobrin/ or 224-676-2317.
Just Talk About It
Jessie Close talks about her diagnosis for bi-polar disorder and how she and her family have worked to eliminate the stigma around mental illness. By sharing her journey and through the additional commitment and dedication of her sister Glenn and the Bring Change 2 Mind organization, Jessie is working to “Change a mind and change a life.” Jessie’s gripping autobiography, Resilience:Two Sisters and a Story of Mental Illness can be purchased at https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jessie-close/resilience/9781455548828/biography, and “Bring Change 2 Mind” resources can be accessed at https://bringchange2mind.org.
A Song of Reflection
Vanessa McGowan talks about the choices we make to cope with our challenges in life. Vanessa is a New Zealand-born musician, writer, and entrepreneur based in Nashville, Tennessee, and Door County, Wisconsin. She discusses the highs and lows of life on the road and the discoveries she made while researching and writing about the culture of alcohol while being stuck at home during the pandemic. Vanessa’s music and her writings can be accessed at https://vanessamcgowan.com
The View from the Peak is Worth the Journey
Helen Kobrin discusses how individuals and couples can break patterns of unhealthy communication and behavior and establish a healthy, honest, and respectful relationship. If we have the courage and willingness to look in the mirror and address our own “stuff,” a relationship can transform from hurtful and raw to loving and beautiful. Helen holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University as well as a Certificate in Addictions Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Program Director with Edge Counseling Solutions. Helen can be reached at http://edgecounselingsolutions.com/helen-kobrin/ or 224-676-2317
