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 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/.
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/
