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
All Rise
Kenosha Circuit Court Judge Mary K. Wagner discusses the impact substance use has had on the individuals, families, and children she has seen come before her over her decades-long, storied career as a public servant. Judge Wagner has served for thirty years as a Circuit Court Judge and will be leaving the bench at the end of her current term.
The Day the Foolishness Ends
Ross Bacon talks about his winding road towards recovery. Ross was a pastor turned salesperson who hid his use from everyone. Until one day he didn’t. Ross now works as a Treatment Advocate for the Recovery Centers of America in suburban Chicago. In his work he helps people get the help they need and want. Ross can be contacted through the Recovery Centers of America at https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/locations/st-charles-il/
Just One More Level
Joshua Andrus discusses media addiction and the effects it has on young people and their families. Joshua is a Senior Addiction Counselor who works with active military personnel and veterans experiencing homelessness. He is also an author of a children’s book series aimed at helping young people and their families overcome the obstacle of tech addiction and live healthier lives. Those books can be found on Amazon.
A Gift for Myself
Ruth Donalds talks about the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse’s “Loved Ones” program, a support group that focuses on education and practical strategies that concerned others can use to reclaim their lives and regain their own happiness while also working on getting their loved ones into treatment. For more information about the group, see https://www.hopecouncil.org/programs-services/special-families-programming/loved-ones-group-craft/ or call 262-658-8166. If you are interested in the book Ruth mentions, it is Baffled By Addiction? Successful Strategies to Help Your Addicted Loved One by Ed Hughes and Ronald Turner and is available at the Hope Council and on Amazon.
But What if My Kids Won’t Like Me?
Andy Duran talks about parents’ and caregivers’ roles in helping their children avoid the pitfalls of substance use. The conversations and relationships parents have with their children are the primary reason young people stay away from drinking and other drug use. Andy is the chief executive of LEAD, an organization dedicated to the promotion of healthy family relationships, emotional wellness, and the prevention of alcohol, other drug use, and other risky behavior by youth. He can be contacted at [email protected]
Higher Education
Marcy Hufendick, Program Director and Senior Counselor at the University of Wisconsin Parkside, discusses the role universities play in addressing substance use on campus. As universities attempt to keep instruction and campus life as normal as possible during the pandemic, substance use and partying have contributed to a change in how college students experience college life. The UW Parkside Counseling Center can be reached at 262-595-2366.
The Spirit Lives On
Robin Monson-Dupuis talks about surviving her immeasurable pain and her journey to heal and even grow after the traumatic loss of her son to heroin. Robin can be reached at rmmwellness.com, and her book, Spirit Son: A Mother’s Journey to Reconnect with Her Son After His Death From Heroin Overdose, is available on Amazon and from other book retailers.
Silver Linings
Dr. Shilagh Mirgain discusses the importance of gratitude for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Thanksgiving is a perfect time, even in difficult times, to shift our focus from our problems to our gifts. 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
Always Be a Light
Felicia Labatore’s son Clay was a shining light to all who knew him. Then, at age sixteen he took his life. Felicia discusses surviving her incredible pain and her journey to heal and help others address depression and substance use head on. Felicia can be reached through The Clay Davison Legacy Scholarship Fund at http://www.kenoshafoundation.org/scholarship-information/the-clay-davison-legacy/. Felicia’s YouTube video, “Fighting It’s in your DNA,” can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiPebVybkf8&feature=emb_logo
Long Division
Dr. Leah Featherstone talks about how to manage contentious conversations and feelings around a variety of issues, from the Election to the Pandemic to Substance Use. Healthy boundaries and clear communication are keys to positive mental health. Dr. Featherstone can be reached at PSG CIP, 6233 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53142. (262) 654-1004 [email protected]
