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
Your Whole Self
When people experience decline in their mental health, every part of their lives is affected. Sydney Reece discusses the need for an integrated approach in addressing a person’s mental, emotional, and physical selves. Sydney is the Vice President of Operations at Mind Body Optimization. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from University of North Texas and has worked in multiple settings across the healthcare industry, including private practice, outpatient clinics, and inpatient hospitals. Mind Body Optimization is based out of greater Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas. They and Sydney can be reached at Mental Health Treatment Centers – Mind Body Optimization or by calling 972-590-9909.
Not On My Watch
What would you do if your life’s partner, the father of your children, was planning on ending his life? That was the situation facing Jenny Prochut when she discovered that her husband, Chris, a police commander, had made plans to do just that. Jenny tells the story of what she did to gather the resources necessary to save Chris’s life. Chris Prochut is a mental health advocate and law enforcement suicide prevention trainer whose own mental health issues led to his starting “Talk2EndStigma,” a training and resource firm dedicated to starting the conversation to end the stigma of mental illness. He and Jenny occasionally co-present trainings to help law enforcement understand mental health trauma. They and “Talk2EndStigma” can be reached here: http://www.talk2endstigma.com/home.html Chris’s podcast, discussing his ordeal, can be found here: https://ataapodcast.com/episode/there-is-no-shame-asking-for-help/
Turning the Page
Jacob Jansen and Douglas Darby embody their company’s mission of “connection, strength, and hope.” Both Jake and Doug are survivors in long-term recovery. Separately, they established several businesses focused on recovery and then collaborated in 2020, forming Turning the Page, a company that offers educational programs about mental health, substance use disorders, and behavioral change. Jake, Douglas, and Turning the Page can be reached at Turning The Page Now.
Voices for Recovery
Recovery from Substance Use Disorder is everything from a challenge to a celebration. The recovering community is ever-present to support folks through the challenges and to celebrate together every step of the way. Cindy Burzinski discusses her work with the recovering community and the many programs available at Wisconsin Voices for Recovery. Cindy is the current Director of Wisconsin Voices for Recovery, part of the UW-Madison Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH). She is also a licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, person in long-term recovery, and researcher interested in increasing access to supportive resources within the recovery community. Cindy and Wisconsin Voices for Recovery can be reached at https://wisconsinvoicesforrecovery.org/
There is No Shame Asking for Help
Who helps the helpers when the helpers need help? And what if the helpers are law enforcement officers and first responders? Chris Prochut, a mental health advocate and law enforcement suicide prevention trainer, discusses his own mental health issues that precipitated in his starting “Talk2EndStigma,” a training and resource firm dedicated to starting the conversation to end the stigma of mental illness. Chris is a former Bolingbrook, Illinois, police commander, and recipient of numerous mental health awards. Chris and “Talk2EndStigma” can be reached at http://www.talk2endstigma.com/home.html
Keep No Secrets, Carry No Shame
An increasing number of sober, sober curious, and recovering people have found that alcohol is not necessary. Kristi Tanner is a single mother of four in long-term recovery who serves as a recovery coach and the driving force behind Sober Social, a non-alcoholic bottle shop (AKA a “package store” or “party store”) in Middleton, Wisconsin. Kristi is a passionate advocate for sober living and community inclusion. She discusses her recovery and her decision to open the first non-alcoholic bottle shop in the state of Wisconsin. Sober Social and Kristi can be reached at Sober Social, and Kristi’s Instagram is at @mocktailmommy.
No More Victims: Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
Since the inception in 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) has worked tirelessly to end impaired driving. In 2022 almost fourteen thousand people were killed by an impaired driver. Erin Payton and Karl Krull discuss MADD’s mission and work. Erin is a Director of Mission Operations for MADD, providing support and guidance to about twenty percent of the country. Karl is a Program Specialist for MADD in Madison, Wisconsin. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers’ national website is at Home – MADD. Walk Like MADD, Madison, Wisconsin, registration is at: 2024 Walk like MADD Madison
Learning Gratitude
Saturday, September 21, is World Gratitude Day. The benefits of expressing gratitude for our physical and emotional well being are many, but how do children learn gratitude, especially when so many are surrounded by negativity? Jacqui Letran, Author, Speaker, Nurse Practitioner, and Teen Confidence Expert discusses her latest book, Have You Ever Thanked Your Nose, a work geared towards helping young children, and their parents, begin to express appreciation for all that surrounds them. Jacqui’s multi-award-winning Words of Wisdom for Teens book series is considered a go-to resource for teens, parents of teens, and anyone working with teens. Jacqui’s contact information, socials, and many books, including her new series about gratitude, can be accessed at Your Mind. Your Life.
Survive & Thrive
Indigenous educator and mental health advocate Tim Decorah discusses coping with undiagnosed mental health issues and his dedication to helping others. Tim is a Coach, Teacher, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Mentor. He is a former University of Wisconsin-Platteville basketball player who played under Hall of Fame Coach Bo Ryan. As a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Tim hopes to serve as a face for those within indigenous communities who are struggling with mental health issues. He can be reached at https://www.coachdecorahllc.com/. The 2024 Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Seminar where Tim will be a keynote speaker can be found here: https://www.wisconsinconnect.org/2024aps.html
The Number One Drug? Alcohol.
When people think of drugs, they often think of the headline drugs: opiates, cocaine, meth. They rarely think of the drug they have at home in their refrigerators. Maureen Busalacchi discusses the number one drug in the country, alcohol. Maureen is the Director of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP) and has decades of experience in public health policy. She works at the Medical College of Wisconsin and is currently President-elect for the Wisconsin Public Health Association, having served as Chair of the ad hoc Workgroup on Alcohol Prevention for the Wisconsin State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. The purpose of the Council was to develop evidence-based recommendations to reduce excessive alcohol use. Maureen can be reached at Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP) | Medical College of Wisconsin. Information for the upcoming Alcohol Policy Seminar can be found at Alcohol Policy Seminar
