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

Dec 22, 2021 · 21 min
"A Cinderella Christmas" with Mike McGowan
Substance abuse creates incredible stress for families. That is never more true than during the holidays. Mike McGowan, the host of this podcast, shares a holiday story from his past that serves as a reminder that the best gifts are the ones we never see coming. In addition to hosting the "Avoiding the Addiction Affliction" podcast, Mike is an insightful and engaging consultant, trainer and motivational speaker. He can be reached at michael07@aol.com. If you grew up in a home with substance abuse issues you can learn more at https://adultchildren.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
Dec 15, 2021 · 24 min
"It's All About Love and Connectedness" with Dr. Shilagh Mirgain
Dr. Shilagh Mirgain discusses the roles that attitude and gratitude play in our mental and emotional health. While holidays and life in general can be stressful, there are ways we can improve our mood and control our emotions. Giving ourselves the gift of positivity is a great place to start. 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
Dec 8, 2021 · 31 min
"A Deeper Dive" with Stacy
More than one out of every three adults grew up in a house where someone had a substance use disorder. Stacy was among them. As a child she became a doer, a people pleaser, and a protecter for her siblings. As an adult, she developed her own substance use disorder. After five years of recovery, she was introduced to ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) issues. Another deeper door into recovery opened. Stacy shares her journey of discovery and ongoing work to connect with her feelings. If you grew up in a home with a person who abused substances you can learn more at https://adultchildren.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
Dec 1, 2021 · 23 min
"Don't Forget to Play" with Cami Peggar
Cami Peggar speaks about the staggering increase in mental health issues among young people. Cami is the Community Impact Coordinator with the United Way of Door County. She works with schools, agencies, and mental health providers to bridge the gap between the need and access for mental health assistance. Cami coordinates prevention and intervention programs that build a support network for adults and children in an area that has only twenty-five percent of the resources that are typically available in communities nationwide. More information about the STRIDE program can be found at www.stridecreativedc.com, and Cami and the United Way of Door County can be reached at https://unitedwaydc.com/.
Nov 24, 2021 · 27 min
"Making a Home for the Holidays" with Ryan Clevenger
When everyone around you is talking about family and "home for the holidays," what do you do if you're not in that place in your own life? Ryan Clevenger talks about forming recovery families, where support and gratitude can be found in abundance. Ryan is an Outreach Worker for Oxford Houses, Inc. Oxford Houses are long-term, self-managing, and self-supporting recovery houses. For further information about Oxford Houses for sober living, go to https://www.oxfordhouse.org Ryan can be reached for assistance at ryan.clevenger@oxfordhouse.org.
Nov 17, 2021 · 21 min
"Surrounding Myself with Winners" with Shelly Becker
Shelly Becker began drinking at age eleven and using heroin at age seventeen. The journey that followed was predictably full of chaos and pain, but those challenges led her to a place of hope and recovery. Shelly shares her story of falling down and getting back up, again and again, each time learning from the last mistake. By surrounding herself with winners, Shelly has become a beacon of hope for her community and the women she sponsors, 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
Nov 10, 2021 · 28 min
"Peace, Be Still" with Tiffany
Tiffany used her stimulant medication as directed, until she didn't. Before long she was buying additional medication on the street and then began using methamphetamine. Legal trouble followed, and Tiffany faced a life-changing, fork in road, decision. She talks about choosing life and recovery. 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
Nov 3, 2021 · 26 min
"The Sun Always Rises" with Val
Val describes herself as a "chronic relapser." She found that drinking, even at an early age, was a quick fix for powerful emotions. In recovery now and feeling stronger than ever, Val shares her story of perseverance and hope. 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
Oct 27, 2021 · 19 min
"Playing the Hand You're Dealt" with Cindy Czarnik-Neimeyer, M.S.
Cindy Czarnik-Neimeyer, M.S., talks about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the impact that growing up in adversity has on our youth. Nearly 1 in 6 adults report experiencing at least four types of ACEs while growing up. Cindy is a therapist and certified prevention specialist with Catalpa Health in Appleton, Wisconsin. She is contracted to the Appleton Area School District as the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Abuse & Mental Health Liaison and Prevention Specialist. Cindy can be reached at https://catalpahealth.org/profile/cindy-czarnik-neimeyer/. If you would like to find out more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, go to https://acestoohigh.com
Oct 20, 2021 · 23 min
"Taking Off and Feeling Free" with Stacy
Stacy grew up surrounded by people with substance use disorders. She didn't know that not drinking was even possible. Finally, a series of events made her take note and stop drinking. In recovery now, Stacy shares how she manages her relationships and the many messages around us that encourage us to use substances. 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
Oct 13, 2021 · 25 min
"Sewing My Soul Back On" with Kathy Reiley
Kathy Reiley, an attorney and a person with an alcohol use disorder, talks about the omnipresent drinking messages In our everyday lives and how they can trigger those in recovery. An event, a sight, a sound, or a smell can all create a sudden, unexpected craving for those in recovery. Learning coping mechanisms and developing a non-judgmental support network are essential to long-term recovery. There is a confidential resource available to those in the legal community who are concerned about their substance use. It is the Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Helpline and can be reached at (800) 543-2625. If you are concerned about your use but are not a lawyer, 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
Oct 6, 2021 · 24 min
"Blank Canvas" with Kelly Petrusky
Kelly Petrusky talks about celebrating each day as the person she has become in recovery. Moving from abusing substances and not knowing who she was to becoming the person she always knew was inside her meant letting go of shame and self judgement. Learning to tell the truth, noticing the beauty in her world, and forming healthy relationships took time and a commitment to her recovery. Recovery from substance use disorders is possible. If you are concerned about your use, you can do what Kelly did: 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
Sep 29, 2021 · 26 min
"The Shame Within Us" with Robert Gruenberg, Psy.D.
Dr. Robert Gruenberg talks about the sense of shame that is present within all of us and how we can resolve those feelings. Shame is us telling ourselves that we are flawed and not worthy. Those messages are old, destructive, and always right under the surface. Dr. Gruenberg is a clinical psychologist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and can be reached at (414) 352-1144.
Sep 22, 2021 · 25 min
"Getting Me Back" with Hope Wesley-Early
Hope Wesley-Early discusses helping clients deal with past shame and life problems. Moving beyond "who I was" to "who I can be" takes time, commitment, and trust. Hope runs the Moral Reconation Therapy Program for the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse in Kenosha, Wisconsin. If you need help with substance use, help is available. To contact the Hope Council, call 262-658-8166 or explore their website at https://www.hopecouncil.org.
Sep 15, 2021 · 27 min
"Year One In the Books" with the Sophomore panel
A returning panel of college women discuss their first year of college and the role alcohol and other substance use had on their experiences. Substance use rose significantly during the pandemic as coping strategies for anxiety and stress were taxed. Grace, Maya, Aiden, Haley, Jackie, and Viv share their observations on college, substance use, and mental health. Every college has a student health center and access to counseling. If you are struggling with substance use or have mental health concerns, please seek assistance.
Sep 8, 2021 · 29 min
"Help Me See the World As You See It" with Dr. Dana Ballewske
Dana Ballewske, PsyD, talks about how to help young people navigate their worlds during unpredictable times. Young people are not immune to the rise in substance use disorders, depression, and mental health concerns in our society. How parents, mentors, school staff, and counselors respond makes all the difference. 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
Sep 1, 2021 · 21 min
"Game Changer" with Dana Emold, MS, LPC, CSAC
Dana Emold discusses developing a healthy lifestyle in recovery as a way to cope with stress and anxiety and as a way to develop a healthy, non-using social network. Recovery means finding a lifestyle where addiction doesn't fit. Dana is a Clinical Therapist and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with Cedar Lake Counseling. Dana can be reached at dana@cedarlakecounseling.net or 262-244-6177 ext.108.
Aug 25, 2021 · 22 min
"Every Life Can Be Saved" with Michael Graveley, District Attorney, Kenosha County
Michael Graveley talks about the legal and life risks of opioid and other drug use. Mr. Graveley has seen first hand what works and doesn't work to keep someone drug free and well out of harm's way. Mr. Graveley is the elected District Attorney for Kenosha County. He is an advocate for treatment and diversion programs for first-time drug offenders. If you or a loved one needs help with substance use disorders, help is available. There are many places to start, including your own doctor. 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
Aug 18, 2021 · 31 min
"The Long Run" with Ryan Clevenger
Ryan Clevenger shares his journey from addiction to sobriety, a journey that took him from a prison in Texas to a long-term recovery house in Wisconsin. Ryan is an Outreach Worker for Oxford Houses, Inc.. Oxford Houses are long-term, self-managing, and self-supporting recovery houses. For further information about Oxford Houses for sober living go to: https://www.oxfordhouse.org. Ryan can be reached for assistance at ryan.clevenger@oxfordhouse.org
Aug 11, 2021 · 23 min
"I Couldn't Be Happier" with Lee
Heroin, jail, sobriety, relapse, repeat. That is a cycle many families experience with opiate addiction. Lee is a mom whose daughter was enmeshed in that cycle. Today, her daughter is in-long term recovery, and Lee shares her journey towards joy and contentment. For family members concerned about loved ones' substance use, taking care of themselves is difficult but necessary. If you are concerned, Hope Council offers a Loved Ones Group (https://www.hopecouncil.org/programs-services/special-families-programming/loved-ones-group-craft/), and Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are free and available: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/