Avoiding the Addiction Affliction

Westwords Consulting, LLC

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.

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310 episodes
Updated July 29

Episodes310

Newest first

May 11, 2022 · 25 min
"We Have a Problem" with DJ
When your loved ones tell you that you have a drinking problem, you do. DJ didn't want to believe it, but he knew it was true and trusted those who loved him. He talks about making the decision to sign on to a virtual AA meeting. He has been in recovery since. If you are concerned about your use, you can choose life and recovery. To contact the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse, call 262-658-8166, or explore their website at https://www.hopecouncil.org. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
May 4, 2022 · 27 min
"50 Ways To Leave Your Problems" with Jeannie Seefeldt
Substance use delays emotional and social growth. The earlier and longer someone uses, the greater the need in recovery to discover new ways of coping with life and relationships. Jeannie Seefeldt talks about what works to help people with addiction acquire the skills they need to discover their moral, creative selves. Jeannie is a therapist and consultant with The Wellness Initiative in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She can be reached at jeannie.seefeldt@outlook.com. If you need help with your substance misuse or that of a loved one, help is available. To contact the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse, call 262-658-8166, or explore their website at https://www.hopecouncil.org.
Apr 27, 2022 · 26 min
"New Choices" with Tim
Tim's father gave him his first taste of alcohol at age seven. By age fifteen, Tim was drinking regularly and trying almost every drug he came into contact with. Several attempts at treatment and recovery ended in relapse. Decades later, Tim found SMART Recovery and has now been drug-free for the longest period in his life since adolescence. He discusses what he has learned and how he applies the program to his life. If you are interested in learning more about SMART Recovery, information is available at https://www.smartrecovery.org.
Apr 20, 2022 · 17 min
"Whatever Works" with Carrie Szulczewski
One size doesn't fit all in recovery. Finding people and programs that work for you is all that matters. Carrie Szulczewski is a Certified Recovery Coach and Program Coordinator for Bridges Community Center, a program of Kenosha Human Development Services. Carrie discusses SMART Recovery support groups and the many other programs available at Bridges Community Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin. If you are interested in learning more about SMART Recovery, information is available at https://www.smartrecovery.org and if you are interested in any of the Bridges Community Center services, more information is available on the website at https://www.namikenosha.org/bridges.html or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Bridges57187thave/
Apr 13, 2022 · 25 min
"Our Youth Are Not a Token" with Annie Lisowski
We hear it all the time: "Nothing works." "Kids will be kids." "They're going to do it anyway." Those statements, often repeated by adults, about prevention education for our youth could not be more wrong. Annie Lisowski is a Professor of Youth Development with the University of Wisconsin Extension. She discusses the role of prevention in helping our youth make good decisions and avoid the pitfalls of previous generations. Information about the Buffalo County Partnership and their youth development programs can be accessed at: https://buffalo.extension.wisc.edu/4hyd/yd/
Apr 6, 2022 · 22 min
"The Way Home" with Sister Elise Cholewinski
Sr. Elise Cholewinski is a member of the community of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She discusses the role of spirituality in recovery and the many opportunities for reflection offered through the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Reflection often brings us face to face with the issues we've tried to avoid but need to look at so we may forgive ourselves. For information about the retreats offered at the Jesuit Retreat House on Lake Winnebago, go to https://www.jesuitretreathouse.org
Mar 30, 2022 · 31 min
"A Power Greater Than Ourselves" with Beth, Nanci, and Sharon
Spirituality plays a large role for many individuals in recovery. Three women, Beth, Nanci, and Sharon, talk about the importance of spirituality in their lives, their recovery, and how they stay connected to that power greater than themselves. If you or a loved one has a substance use disorder, help is available. Locally, resources can be found at 211 Wisconsin: https://211wisconsin.communityos.org. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
Mar 23, 2022 · 25 min
"Choices Have Consequences" with Mark Sommerhauser
Over the past two years alcohol consumption increased dramatically. Mark Sommerhauser discusses the role alcohol consumption played in people's lives during the pandemic. Many people chose to deal with their isolation, increased stress, and anxiety by drinking more alcohol. In Wisconsin, all seventy two counties reported increases in excessive drinking. Mr. Sommerhauser is Communications Director/Policy Researcher for the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Their research can be accessed at https://wispolicyforum.org. If you are concerned about your use, you can reach out for help. It can start with a phone call: 262-564-6611. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
Mar 16, 2022 · 37 min
"Love You Kiddo" with Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Best selling author Jarrett J. Krosoczka talks about growing up in a family coping with opioid addiction. Over nine million children in the United States under the age of 17 live in households with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder. Substance abuse wreaks havoc on the entire family, and, most tragically, the children. Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series, and the graphic novel we discuss today, Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Jarrett can reached at StudioJJK.com. Jarrett also signs books ordered from his local indie book seller: https://www.highfivebooks.org/product/hey-kiddo-signed-jarrett-krosoczka/548
Mar 9, 2022 · 30 min
"See Me, Hear Me, Help Me" with Anna Bunker
Anna Bunker discusses the mental health crisis among young people in our country. A forty percent rise in emergency room visits for young women who have attempted suicide and a demand for mental health treatment that has not been met are indicators of a burgeoning mental health crisis for our youth. Anna Bunker is Prevention Education Manager and Youth/Teen Advocate at Reach Counseling Services in Neenah, Wisconsin, and a Youth and Teen Support Specialist at NAMI in Wisconsin's Fox Valley. If you need help with substance use or mental health problems, help is available. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Kenosha County can be reached at 262-652-3606 or namikenoshacounty@gmail.com. To contact the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse, call 262-658-8166, or email them at info@hopecouncil.org. Learn more about the agency's services at hopecouncil.org
Mar 2, 2022 · 32 min
"My Cup is Full" with Amanda
Amanda began drinking at age twelve. At twenty she knew she had to stop so she could keep on living. She talks about navigating a path to sobriety using online meetings, sponsors, and a growing recovering community. Healthy, happy, and dedicated to her recovery program, Amanda keeps her cup of water close and her support system closer. 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://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
Feb 23, 2022 · 27 min
"Kids and Chemicals" with Dr. Michelle Maloney and Dr. Sean LeNoue
When young people use substances, lots of things happen, all of them bad. Substance abuse adversely affects an adolescent's physical, emotional, and social development. Dr. Michelle Maloney and Dr. Sean LeNoue discuss the impact substance use disorders have on adolescents and their families. Michelle Maloney, PhD, is Executive Director of Addiction Services for Rogers Behavioral Health system. Sean LeNoue, MD, is the Associate Medical Director for the Regional Division at Rogers Behavioral Health. They can be reached at https://rogersbh.org.
Feb 16, 2022 · 23 min
"The Worst Nightmare" with Michelle Kullmann
Cade Reddington, an eighteen-year-old college freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee passed away after taking a pill he didn't know was one hundred percent fentanyl. His mother Michelle Kullmann talks about Cade's life, his tragic passing, and her fight to make sure no other mother wakes up to this nightmare. If you or a loved one has a substance use disorder, help is available. The documentary Michelle mentions is, dead on arrival, and can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJgPmrLjkuo. Locally, resources can be found at 211 Wisconsin: https://211wisconsin.communityos.org. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
Feb 9, 2022 · 21 min
"Staying the Course" with Paul Krupski
Over 100,000 Americans died from drug overdose in the past year. Paul Krupski talks about the ongoing epidemic of opiate use, the prevalence of fentanyl in street drugs, and what works to stem the tide. Mr. Krupski is the Director of Opioid Initiatives with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. He can be reached at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/people/krupski-paul. Resilient Wisconsin can be found at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/resilient/index.htm. If you or a loved one needs help with a substance use disorder, help is available. Locally, you can reach 211 Wisconsin at https://211wisconsin.communityos.org. You can also find AA meetings here: https://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
Feb 2, 2022 · 26 min
"It's Never Too Late" with James "Dimitri" Topitzes, PhD.
Substance abuse wreaks havoc on the entire family, including, most tragically, the children. How do you reconnect with your family and repair the damage in recovery? James "Dimitri" Topitzes, PhD, talks about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the impact growing up in adversity has on our youth and families. Dr. Topitzes is on the faculty of the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He teaches trauma counseling to master's students and philosophy of science to doctoral students. If you would like to find out more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, go to, https://acestoohigh.com. You can reach Dr. Topitzes at topitzes@uwm.edu.
Jan 26, 2022 · 27 min
"It Was Worth the Wait" with Stacy and Matthew
Relationships can be difficult. Relationships with someone in recovery can be challenging and wonderful at the same time. Stacy and Matthew met when Stacy was a couple of years into her recovery. They discuss their relationship and the importance of healthy communication, honesty, love, and trust. As Matthew says, "You can wait for a long time for a relationship that has all four of those components, but when you find it, it was worth the wait." If you are in a relationship with someone with substance abuse issues you can learn more at https://al-anon.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://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
Jan 19, 2022 · 31 min
"Covering All the Bases" with Dr. Nathan Valentine
A recent study found that half of all young adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) also experience alcohol and other drug abuse. That is double the rate of the population in general. Dr. Nathan Valentine discusses the dynamics of working with ADHD and substance use disorders concurrently. Getting a better handle on substance abuse, effectively treating the ADHD, understanding the issues, and working together with the family and mental health professionals means covering all the bases in recovery. Nathan Valentine, MD, FAPA, is board-certified in addiction medicine and general psychiatry. Dr. Valentine serves as the medical director of the Herrington Center for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery at Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He can be reached at https://rogersbh.org.
Jan 12, 2022 · 26 min
"The Wow Factor" with Dottie and Dick
Dottie and Dick are a married couple who have both been in recovery for a long time. They talk about their relationship and the importance of communicating, sharing feelings, trusting each other, and respecting each other's recovery journey. What makes the journey worth it, they tell us, are all the "wows" experienced along the way. 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://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
Jan 5, 2022 · 28 min
"Making It Safe to Be Me" with Dr. Dana Ballewske
Dr. Dana Ballewske discusses mental health and substance abuse challenges among the LGBTQ+ community. Recent studies have found that sexual minorities have higher rates of substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) than people who identify as heterosexual. The population experiences more social stigma and discrimination, and rates of depression and anxiety are also high. Dr. Ballewske talks about what families, schools, allies, and communities can do to help support the LGBTQ+ community in accessing treatment and support services. Dr Ballewske is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Coordinator of School-Based Services for Professional Services Group. Dana currently heads the school-based mental health clinic program for Kenosha Unified School District, and she can be reached at https://www.psgcip.com
Dec 29, 2021 · 27 min
"Breaking the Cycle" with Miriam Falk
Miriam Falk discusses the devastating and sometimes deadly cycle of violence and substance abuse that victims of human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence must overcome in order to get help. Empowering individuals, having available resources, and building a support network are critical to breaking the cycle. Ms. Falk is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin; her emphasis is Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. Her office can be reached at https://wilenet.widoj.gov/directory/tsb/miriam-falk