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
Kind Enough to Tell You the Truth
Hope Wesley-Early used to spend her days immersed in the chaotic cycle that is substance abuse. Using drugs, recovering from their effects, and lying to those around her was the daily routine. The chaos took its toll; Hope persevered and turned her life around. Today she spends her days helping people get the information and the help they need to battle their own substance use disorders. If you need help due to substance abuse, help is available. To contact the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse, call 262-658-8166 or email them at [email protected]. Learn more about the agency’s services at hopecouncil.org.
Starting Over
Amber and Chloe are a mother-daughter duo who persevered through the addictions of Chloe’s father to start a new life. When is it time to say enough is enough? Amber shares her story of walking on eggshells while trying to keep the peace at the same time that Chloe was navigating adolescence and trying to be Mom’s support. For millions of children and families, their journey is an all too familiar one. If you are concerned, Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are free and available: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/
I Don’t Remember, but I Can’t Forget
Shane Urness describes January 18, 2004 as a day he doesn’t remember, but one he will never forget. That evening when he and his friends left a party, Shane drove drunk and struck another car. Three people were killed, including his best friend. Shane went to prison, is out now on extended supervision and chooses to tell his sobering story as a cautionary tale of reckless, poor decision making.
If you need help with substance use, help is available. It can start with a phone call: 262-554-6611; You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://namilwaukee.org/meetings/
Worth the Wait
Adam Crivello shares his experiences growing up in a family where substance use took center stage. After several rounds of sobriety and relapse, Adam’s mother has been in recovery for over a decade. For millions of children and families, substance use disorder is one of the constants in their lives. All that is predictable is the chaos and feeling of helplessness. For family members concerned about loved ones’ substance use, taking care of themselves is difficult but necessary. If you are concerned, Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are free and available: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/
Nowhere To Run
Montee Ball, former University of Wisconsin and NFL running back talks candidly about his journey from alcoholism and depression to sobriety. Incredible success on the field did not insulate Montee from the devastating effects of substance use. Now five years into recovery, Montee works with Wisconsin Voices for Recovery helping build trust and provide resources for individuals and communities that need assistance.
Montee can be contacted through Wisconsin Voices for Recovery,
http://wisconsinvoicesforrecovery.org 608-262-9791
The Road Chosen
William C. Moyers talks about his road to recovery, which he says was full of “curves, potholes, dead ends, and sharp turns.” He discusses the role of parents in their children’s journey and staying focused on being with them but also the need for parents to stay in their own lane. Mr. Moyers is the Vice President of Public Affairs and Community Relations for Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. He is a renowned speaker and author of several books, including the New York Times best seller Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption. He and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation can be reached at https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org.
I’ll Win It All Back Next Time
Rose Blozinski discusses problem and compulsive gambling. Rose is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling. Sometimes referred to as a “hidden compulsion,” problem gambling affects people of all ages and demographics, their family members, and their friends. There is help. If you have a concern about yourself or a loved one contact:
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLE-5 or 1-800-426-2535
Chat Line: www.wi-problemgamblers.org
Text: 1-850-888-HOPE or 1-850-888-4673
A New Everything
Kelly and Stormie were in trouble with the law, their families and with substances. Both of them chose to enter and work through the Kenosha County Treatment Court program and are recent graduates. They discuss their expectations, experiences, hiccups and success with the program. Best of all, they discuss their new lease on life and becoming the people they never thought they could become.
High Risk, Higher Rewards
Jodi Meier, Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge for the Kenosha County Drug Treatment Court, discusses the opportunities that court provides for those who are in legal trouble but who ask for help. Designed to help those high risk, high needs individuals who have substance use disorders and legal issues, the program offers a chance to create a different and better life.
The Smallest Victims
Laura Baker, a Supervisor with the Drug Affected Infant and Unborn Child Abuse Program, discusses how substance abuse affects infants, children, and their families. More than 75% of infants exposed to drugs have major medical problems, and, in America, every twenty minutes an infant suffering from drug withdrawal is born. Ms. Baker talks about the department’s goal of giving mothers, infants, and families support and services so they can all move forward together.
