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
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.
Generation At Risk
Dr. Dana Ballewske discusses the dramatic rise in substance use disorders, depression, and mental health concerns among young people and how schools and service providers can help. Dr Ballewske is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Coordinator of School-Based Services for Professional Services Group. Dana also currently heads the school-based mental health clinic program for Kenosha Unified School District. She can be reached at https://www.psgcip.com
Clean and Sober in the Fast Lane
Singer and songwriting legend Dion DiMucci of “Dion and the Belmonts” fame discusses his decades-long sobriety and how recovery has impacted his life, relationships, and music. As he says in his classic song “Your Own Backyard,” “I can do anything that I wanna do. I do it straight, I do it so much better, too.” Dion’s website is https://diondimucci.com
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Nanci Schiman discusses the life challenges facing people dealing with eating disorders. Nanci is a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker with Cedar Lake Counseling. She works with families, couples, and individuals with all manner of mental health concerns including: addictions, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Nanci can be reached at (262)-244-6177 and [email protected] For more information on eating disorders, visit National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign
Roland F. Williams, MA, discusses relapse, relapse prevention, and the work that needs to be done to stay in recovery. Long before the drug or drink enters the body of a person in recovery, relapse can already be occurring. Mr. Williams is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, an Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist, and Director of Training for the CENAPS Corporation. Roland works world-wide as a counselor, interventionist, lecturer, trainer, teacher, author, and consultant specializing in addiction-related issues. Roland and CENAPS can be reached for additional information at https://www.cenaps.com
The Real Rocky Mountain High
Jessica is a young woman from Colorado who got into recovery at a young age after spiraling down quickly when she began to use in her teens. Jess shares her story of burned bridges, new hopes, and gratitude for a sober life. If you are concerned about your use, you can do what Jess did: reach out for help. 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/
