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
Making a Home for the Holidays
When everyone around you is talking about family and “home for the holidays,” what do you do if you’re not in that place in your own life? Ryan Clevenger talks about forming recovery families, where support and gratitude can be found in abundance. Ryan is an Outreach Worker for Oxford Houses, Inc. Oxford Houses are long-term, self-managing, and self-supporting recovery houses. For further information about Oxford Houses for sober living, go to https://www.oxfordhouse.org Ryan can be reached for assistance at [email protected].
Surrounding Myself with Winners
Shelly Becker began drinking at age eleven and using heroin at age seventeen. The journey that followed was predictably full of chaos and pain, but those challenges led her to a place of hope and recovery. Shelly shares her story of falling down and getting back up, again and again, each time learning from the last mistake. By surrounding herself with winners, Shelly has become a beacon of hope for her community and the women she sponsors, 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/
Peace, Be Still
Tiffany used her stimulant medication as directed, until she didn’t. Before long she was buying additional medication on the street and then began using methamphetamine. Legal trouble followed, and Tiffany faced a life-changing, fork in road, decision. She talks about choosing life and recovery. 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/
The Sun Always Rises
Val describes herself as a “chronic relapser.” She found that drinking, even at an early age, was a quick fix for powerful emotions. In recovery now and feeling stronger than ever, Val shares her story of perseverance and hope. 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/
Playing the Hand You’re Dealt
Cindy Czarnik-Neimeyer, M.S., talks about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the impact that growing up in adversity has on our youth. Nearly 1 in 6 adults report experiencing at least four types of ACEs while growing up. Cindy is a therapist and certified prevention specialist with Catalpa Health in Appleton, Wisconsin. She is contracted to the Appleton Area School District as the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Abuse & Mental Health Liaison and Prevention Specialist. Cindy can be reached at https://catalpahealth.org/profile/cindy-czarnik-neimeyer/. If you would like to find out more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, go to https://acestoohigh.com
Taking Off and Feeling Free
Stacy grew up surrounded by people with substance use disorders. She didn’t know that not drinking was even possible. Finally, a series of events made her take note and stop drinking. In recovery now, Stacy shares how she manages her relationships and the many messages around us that encourage us to use substances. 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/
Sewing My Soul Back On
Kathy Reiley, an attorney and a person with an alcohol use disorder, talks about the omnipresent drinking messages In our everyday lives and how they can trigger those in recovery. An event, a sight, a sound, or a smell can all create a sudden, unexpected craving for those in recovery. Learning coping mechanisms and developing a non-judgmental support network are essential to long-term recovery. There is a confidential resource available to those in the legal community who are concerned about their substance use. It is the Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Helpline and can be reached at (800) 543-2625. If you are concerned about your use but are not a lawyer, 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/
Blank Canvas
Kelly Petrusky talks about celebrating each day as the person she has become in recovery. Moving from abusing substances and not knowing who she was to becoming the person she always knew was inside her meant letting go of shame and self judgement. Learning to tell the truth, noticing the beauty in her world, and forming healthy relationships took time and a commitment to her recovery. Recovery from substance use disorders is possible. If you are concerned about your use, you can do what Kelly did: reach out for help. It can start with a phone 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/
The Shame Within Us
Dr. Robert Gruenberg talks about the sense of shame that is present within all of us and how we can resolve those feelings. Shame is us telling ourselves that we are flawed and not worthy. Those messages are old, destructive, and always right under the surface. Dr. Gruenberg is a clinical psychologist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and can be reached at (414) 352-1144.
Getting Me Back
Hope Wesley-Early discusses helping clients deal with past shame and life problems. Moving beyond “who I was” to “who I can be” takes time, commitment, and trust. Hope runs the Moral Reconation Therapy Program for the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse in Kenosha, Wisconsin. If you need help with substance use, help is available. To contact the Hope Council, call 262-658-8166 or explore their website at https://www.hopecouncil.org.
