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’s Never Too Late
Substance abuse wreaks havoc on the entire family, including, most tragically, the children. How do you reconnect with your family and repair the damage in recovery? James “Dimitri” Topitzes, PhD, talks about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the impact growing up in adversity has on our youth and families. Dr. Topitzes is on the faculty of the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He teaches trauma counseling to master’s students and philosophy of science to doctoral students. If you would like to find out more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, go to, https://acestoohigh.com. You can reach Dr. Topitzes at [email protected].
It Was Worth the Wait
Relationships can be difficult. Relationships with someone in recovery can be challenging and wonderful at the same time. Stacy and Matthew met when Stacy was a couple of years into her recovery. They discuss their relationship and the importance of healthy communication, honesty, love, and trust. As Matthew says, “You can wait for a long time for a relationship that has all four of those components, but when you find it, it was worth the wait.” If you are in a relationship with someone with substance abuse issues you can learn more at https://al-anon.org. If you are concerned about your use, you can call: 262-564-6611. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://namilwaukee.org/meetings/
Covering All the Bases
A recent study found that half of all young adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) also experience alcohol and other drug abuse. That is double the rate of the population in general. Dr. Nathan Valentine discusses the dynamics of working with ADHD and substance use disorders concurrently. Getting a better handle on substance abuse, effectively treating the ADHD, understanding the issues, and working together with the family and mental health professionals means covering all the bases in recovery. Nathan Valentine, MD, FAPA, is board-certified in addiction medicine and general psychiatry. Dr. Valentine serves as the medical director of the Herrington Center for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery at Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He can be reached at https://rogersbh.org.
The Wow Factor
Dottie and Dick are a married couple who have both been in recovery for a long time. They talk about their relationship and the importance of communicating, sharing feelings, trusting each other, and respecting each other’s recovery journey. What makes the journey worth it, they tell us, are all the “wows” experienced along the way. If you are concerned about your use, you can call: 262-564-6611. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/
Making It Safe to Be Me
Dr. Dana Ballewske discusses mental health and substance abuse challenges among the LGBTQ+ community. Recent studies have found that sexual minorities have higher rates of substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) than people who identify as heterosexual. The population experiences more social stigma and discrimination, and rates of depression and anxiety are also high. Dr. Ballewske talks about what families, schools, allies, and communities can do to help support the LGBTQ+ community in accessing treatment and support services. Dr Ballewske is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Coordinator of School-Based Services for Professional Services Group. Dana currently heads the school-based mental health clinic program for Kenosha Unified School District, and she can be reached at https://www.psgcip.com
Breaking the Cycle
Miriam Falk discusses the devastating and sometimes deadly cycle of violence and substance abuse that victims of human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence must overcome in order to get help. Empowering individuals, having available resources, and building a support network are critical to breaking the cycle. Ms. Falk is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin; her emphasis is Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. Her office can be reached at https://wilenet.widoj.gov/directory/tsb/miriam-falk
A Cinderella Christmas
Substance abuse creates incredible stress for families. That is never more true than during the holidays. Mike McGowan, the host of this podcast, shares a holiday story from his past that serves as a reminder that the best gifts are the ones we never see coming. In addition to hosting the “Avoiding the Addiction Affliction” podcast, Mike is an insightful and engaging consultant, trainer and motivational speaker. He can be reached at [email protected]. If you grew up in a home with substance abuse issues you can learn more at https://adultchildren.org. If you are concerned about your use, you can call: 262-564-6611. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/
It’s All About Love and Connectedness
Dr. Shilagh Mirgain discusses the roles that attitude and gratitude play in our mental and emotional health. While holidays and life in general can be stressful, there are ways we can improve our mood and control our emotions. Giving ourselves the gift of positivity is a great place to start. Dr. Mirgain is a Health and Sport Psychologist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and can be reached at https://www.uwhealth.org/findadoctor/profile/shilagh-a-mirgain-phd/6930
A Deeper Dive
More than one out of every three adults grew up in a house where someone had a substance use disorder. Stacy was among them. As a child she became a doer, a people pleaser, and a protecter for her siblings. As an adult, she developed her own substance use disorder. After five years of recovery, she was introduced to ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) issues. Another deeper door into recovery opened. Stacy shares her journey of discovery and ongoing work to connect with her feelings. If you grew up in a home with a person who abused substances you can learn more at https://adultchildren.org. If you are concerned about your use, you can call 262-564-6611. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://namilwaukee.org/meetings/
Don’t Forget to Play
Cami Peggar speaks about the staggering increase in mental health issues among young people. Cami is the Community Impact Coordinator with the United Way of Door County. She works with schools, agencies, and mental health providers to bridge the gap between the need and access for mental health assistance. Cami coordinates prevention and intervention programs that build a support network for adults and children in an area that has only twenty-five percent of the resources that are typically available in communities nationwide. More information about the STRIDE program can be found at https://www.stridecreativedc.com, and Cami and the United Way of Door County can be reached at https://unitedwaydc.com/.
