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

Mar 17, 2021 · 22 min
"I'll Win It All Back Next Time" with Rose Blozinski of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling
Rose Blozinski discusses problem and compulsive gambling. Rose is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling. Sometimes referred to as a "hidden compulsion," problem gambling affects people of all ages and demographics, their family members, and their friends. There is help. If you have a concern about yourself or a loved one contact: Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLE-5 or 1-800-426-2535 Chat Line: www.wi-problemgamblers.org Text: 1-850-888-HOPE or 1-850-888-4673
Mar 10, 2021 · 26 min
"A New Everything" with Kelly and Stormie
Kelly and Stormie were in trouble with the law, their families and with substances. Both of them chose to enter and work through the Kenosha County Treatment Court program and are recent graduates. They discuss their expectations, experiences, hiccups and success with the program. Best of all, they discuss their new lease on life and becoming the people they never thought they could become.
Mar 3, 2021 · 23 min
"High Risk, Higher Rewards" with Judge Jodi Meier
Jodi Meier, Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge for the Kenosha County Drug Treatment Court, discusses the opportunities that court provides for those who are in legal trouble but who ask for help. Designed to help those high risk, high needs individuals who have substance use disorders and legal issues, the program offers a chance to create a different and better life.
Feb 24, 2021 · 24 min
"The Smallest Victims" with Laura Baker
Laura Baker, a Supervisor with the Drug Affected Infant and Unborn Child Abuse Program, discusses how substance abuse affects infants, children, and their families. More than 75% of infants exposed to drugs have major medical problems, and, in America, every twenty minutes an infant suffering from drug withdrawal is born. Ms. Baker talks about the department's goal of giving mothers, infants, and families support and services so they can all move forward together.
Feb 17, 2021 · 24 min
"Generation At Risk" with Dr. Dana Ballewske
Dr. Dana Ballewske discusses the dramatic rise in substance use disorders, depression, and mental health concerns among young people and how schools and service providers can help. 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
Feb 10, 2021 · 35 min
"Clean and Sober in the Fast Lane" with Dion DiMucci
Singer and songwriting legend Dion DiMucci of "Dion and the Belmonts" fame discusses his decades-long sobriety and how recovery has impacted his life, relationships, and music. As he says in his classic song "Your Own Backyard," "I can do anything that I wanna do. I do it straight, I do it so much better, too." Dion's website is https://diondimucci.com
Feb 3, 2021 · 23 min
"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" with Nanci Schiman
Nanci Schiman discusses the life challenges facing people dealing with eating disorders. Nanci is a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker with Cedar Lake Counseling. She works with families, couples, and individuals with all manner of mental health concerns including: addictions, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Nanci can be reached at (262)-244-6177 and NANCI@CEDARLAKECOUNSELING.NET For more information on eating disorders, visit National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Jan 27, 2021 · 24 min
"Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign" with Roland F. Williams
Roland F. Williams, MA, discusses relapse, relapse prevention, and the work that needs to be done to stay in recovery. Long before the drug or drink enters the body of a person in recovery, relapse can already be occurring. Mr. Williams is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, an Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist, and Director of Training for the CENAPS Corporation. Roland works world-wide as a counselor, interventionist, lecturer, trainer, teacher, author, and consultant specializing in addiction-related issues. Roland and CENAPS can be reached for additional information at https://www.cenaps.com
Jan 20, 2021 · 24 min
"The Real Rocky Mountain High" with Jessica
Jessica is a young woman from Colorado who got into recovery at a young age after spiraling down quickly when she began to use in her teens. Jess shares her story of burned bridges, new hopes, and gratitude for a sober life. If you are concerned about your use, you can do what Jess did: reach out for help. 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
Jan 13, 2021 · 21 min
"All Rise" with Judge Mary K. Wagner
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.
Jan 6, 2021 · 22 min
"The Day the Foolishness Ends" with Ross Bacon
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/
Dec 30, 2020 · 23 min
"Just One More Level" with Joshua Andrus
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.
Dec 23, 2020 · 22 min
"A Gift for Myself" with Ruth Donalds
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.
Dec 16, 2020 · 26 min
"But What if My Kids Won't Like Me?" with Andy Duran
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 info@golead.co
Dec 9, 2020 · 21 min
"Higher Education" with Marcy Hufendick
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.
Dec 2, 2020 · 23 min
"The Spirit Lives On" with Robin Monson-Dupuis
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.
Nov 25, 2020 · 21 min
"Silver Linings" with Dr. Shilagh Mirgain
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
Nov 18, 2020 · 24 min
"Always Be a Light" with Felicia Labatore
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
Nov 11, 2020 · 20 min
"Long Division" with Dr. Leah Featherstone
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 info@psgcip.com
Nov 4, 2020 · 25 min
Freshman Orientation
A panel of college freshman women discuss the impact that alcohol and other substance use had on the first weeks of their unique college experience in the midst of a pandemic . While there aren't always answers to life's questions, there are always opportunities for discussions.