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

Aug 4, 2021 · 21 min
"A Different Place" with Katie
After years of trying to control her addiction to opiates and the chaos drugs created, Katie decided that she wanted to live, and to live clean and sober. The cycle of arrests, prison, craving, and withdrawal left her with a choice to make. She chose life. She chose love. 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
Jul 28, 2021 · 32 min
"Slaying the Dragon" with David Galbis-Reig, MD
Dr. David Galbis-Reig talks about the growing epidemic of opiate use and the infusion of fentanyl in street drugs. Fentanyl creates all sorts of challenges for treatment and medical professionals, from the medications used to withdraw from the drug to the increased possibility the person using will overdose and die. Dr. Galbis-Reig is the Medical Director of Addiction Services at Ascension Wisconsin All Saints and the President of the Wisconsin Society of Addiction Medicine. He is passionate about providing education and treatment resources to decrease prescription drug abuse and the burden of addiction to opioids in Kenosha and Racine Counties in Wisconsin. He can be reached at Ascension All Saints-Addiction Medicine, 1320 Wisconsin Ave, #300, Racine, WI 53403, (262) 687-2222
Jul 21, 2021 · 29 min
"Just the Facts" with Dr. Krista Lisdahl
Dr. Krista Lisdahl discusses the neurocognitive consequences of chronic cannabis and other drug use during adolescence and early adulthood. Her research examines the effects of marijuana, alcohol, nicotine, and ecstasy use on brain structure and function. Dr. Lisdahl is the Director of the University of Wisconsin -- Milwaukee's Brain Imaging and Neuropsychology (BraIN) Laboratory. Dr. Lisdahl and her teams research can be accessed at https://uwm.edu/psychology/people/lisdahl-krista-m/
Jul 14, 2021 · 30 min
"Programmed to Succeed" with Chris Wardlow
Chris Wardlow talks about resiliency and the importance of having caring, nurturing people in the lives of young people living in families experiencing substance use disorders. Chris is a substance abuse prevention specialist with Catalpa Health in Appleton, Wisconsin. He works with communities, schools, agencies, and organizations that are seeking to incorporate evidence-based strategies and services to prevent and reduce substance abuse among young people. Chris can be reached at https://catalpahealth.org/profile/chris-wardlow/
Jul 7, 2021 · 27 min
"It's a Miracle" with Roy Bishop, MSW, LCSW-SA
Roy Bishop discusses the personality changes that take place when Substance Use Disorders are addressed. The transition from being guarded, self centered, and manipulative to honest, considerate, and thoughtful is a journey, but it's a trip worth taking. A psychotherapist with Eastlake Counseling and Consulting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Roy is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Program Director with Edge Counseling Solutions and can be reached at http://www.eastlakemke.com or 414-364-2264.
Jun 30, 2021 · 23 min
"Where Do 'I' Begin?" with Helen Kobrin, LCPC, CADC
Helen Kobrin discusses the dynamics of codependency and how to break patterns of unhealthy behaviors that focus on others' wants and needs at the expense of our own. Taking care of ourselves is not selfish; rather, it allows us to be a whole, healthy person in all our relationships. Helen holds a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University as well as a Certificate in Addictions Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Program Director with Edge Counseling Solutions. Helen can be reached at http://edgecounselingsolutions.com/helen-kobrin/ or 224-676-2317.
Jun 23, 2021 · 23 min
"Just Talk About It" with Jessie Close
Jessie Close talks about her diagnosis for bi-polar disorder and how she and her family have worked to eliminate the stigma around mental illness. By sharing her journey and through the additional commitment and dedication of her sister Glenn and the Bring Change 2 Mind organization, Jessie is working to "Change a mind and change a life." Jessie's gripping autobiography, Resilience:Two Sisters and a Story of Mental Illness can be purchased at https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jessie-close/resilience/9781455548828/biography, and "Bring Change 2 Mind" resources can be accessed at https://bringchange2mind.org.
Jun 16, 2021 · 25 min
"A Song of Reflection" with Vanessa McGowan
Vanessa McGowan talks about the choices we make to cope with our challenges in life. Vanessa is a New Zealand-born musician, writer, and entrepreneur based in Nashville, Tennessee, and Door County, Wisconsin. She discusses the highs and lows of life on the road and the discoveries she made while researching and writing about the culture of alcohol while being stuck at home during the pandemic. Vanessa's music and her writings can be accessed at https://vanessamcgowan.com
Jun 9, 2021 · 31 min
"The View from the Peak is Worth the Journey" with Helen Kobrin, LCPC, CADC
Helen Kobrin discusses how individuals and couples can break patterns of unhealthy communication and behavior and establish a healthy, honest, and respectful relationship. If we have the courage and willingness to look in the mirror and address our own "stuff," a relationship can transform from hurtful and raw to loving and beautiful. Helen holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University as well as a Certificate in Addictions Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Program Director with Edge Counseling Solutions. Helen can be reached at http://edgecounselingsolutions.com/helen-kobrin/ or 224-676-2317
Jun 2, 2021 · 24 min
"The State of the State" with Guida Brown
Guida Brown discusses the substance abuse increases Wisconsin has seen during the pandemic and how helping agencies are addressing the need for services. Guida is the Executive Director of the Hope Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse. If you need help due to substance abuse, help is available. 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.
May 26, 2021 · 23 min
"Taking a New Path" with Dana Emold, MS, LPC, CSAC
Dana Emold discusses working towards healthy relationships for recovering individuals, couples, and families. After years and sometimes generations of unhealthy communication and relationships, the transition from walking on eggshells to concrete and moving from deceit to honest, healthy communication in recovery involves time, work, and trust. 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.
May 19, 2021 · 28 min
"Taking Care of Everyone by Taking Care of Me" with Christine Ullstrup
Christine Ullstrup talks about the benefits of providing women a safe and secure environment to deal with their substance abuse. Christine is the Vice President of Clinical Services at Meta House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a treatment facility that has been dedicated to empowering women to overcome substance use disorder since 1963. Recovery for women from substance use disorders often entails a complex balancing of their substance use, life roles, concurrent disorders, and cultural expectations. For more information about Meta House and the programs they offer, contact Meta House at info@metahouse.org. or 414-962-1200.
May 12, 2021 · 29 min
"All the Marbles" with Sharon
Sharon is a mother whose story of perseverance and recovery from substance use and bipolar disorders are remarkable. Substance use disorders and mental illness often go hand in hand. Recovery means addressing all those concerns, a seemingly monumental task until tackled one step at a time. For millions of people struggling with substance use disorders and mental illness, Sharon's story will seem familiar and her recovery inspiring. If you or a loved one needs help with substance use disorders or mental illness, help is available. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Kenosha County can be reached at 262-652-3606 or namikenoshacounty@gmail.com. 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 5, 2021 · 26 min
"The World Is a Better Place With You In It" with Kathy Verstegen and Johnny Scott
Kathy and Johnny are part of a powerful training team at Kimberly (Wisconsin) High School. They train student leaders to help their classmates cope with difficult life issues, including substance use, depression, and suicidal thoughts. One of the most powerful techniques they train the student leaders to use is showing compassion through the use of empathy. Breaking through the isolation and desperation by being present and available are key factors in getting people the help they need. If you need help with substance use or mental health issues, 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.
Apr 28, 2021 · 23 min
"Kind Enough to Tell You the Truth" with Hope Wesley-Early
Hope Wesley-Early used to spend her days immersed in the chaotic cycle that is substance abuse. Using drugs, recovering from their effects, and lying to those around her was the daily routine. The chaos took its toll; Hope persevered and turned her life around. Today she spends her days helping people get the information and the help they need to battle their own substance use disorders. If you need help due to substance abuse, help is available. 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.
Apr 21, 2021 · 22 min
"Starting Over" with Amber and Chloe
Amber and Chloe are a mother-daughter duo who persevered through the addictions of Chloe's father to start a new life. When is it time to say enough is enough? Amber shares her story of walking on eggshells while trying to keep the peace at the same time that Chloe was navigating adolescence and trying to be Mom's support. For millions of children and families, their journey is an all too familiar one. If you are concerned, Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are free and available: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/
Apr 14, 2021 · 34 min
"I Don't Remember, but I Can't Forget" with Shane Urness
Shane Urness describes January 18, 2004 as a day he doesn't remember, but one he will never forget. That evening when he and his friends left a party, Shane drove drunk and struck another car. Three people were killed, including his best friend. Shane went to prison, is out now on extended supervision and chooses to tell his sobering story as a cautionary tale of reckless, poor decision making. If you need help with substance use, help is available. 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://www.sefana.net/meetings.php
Apr 7, 2021 · 29 min
"Worth the Wait" with Adam Crivello
Adam Crivello shares his experiences growing up in a family where substance use took center stage. After several rounds of sobriety and relapse, Adam's mother has been in recovery for over a decade. For millions of children and families, substance use disorder is one of the constants in their lives. All that is predictable is the chaos and feeling of helplessness. For family members concerned about loved ones' substance use, taking care of themselves is difficult but necessary. If you are concerned, Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are free and available: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/
Mar 31, 2021 · 28 min
"Nowhere To Run" with Montee Ball
Montee Ball, former University of Wisconsin and NFL running back talks candidly about his journey from alcoholism and depression to sobriety. Incredible success on the field did not insulate Montee from the devastating effects of substance use. Now five years into recovery, Montee works with Wisconsin Voices for Recovery helping build trust and provide resources for individuals and communities that need assistance. Montee can be contacted through Wisconsin Voices for Recovery, http://wisconsinvoicesforrecovery.org 608-262-9791
Mar 24, 2021 · 25 min
"The Road Chosen" with William C. Moyers
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.