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.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

310 episodes
Updated July 29

Episodes310

Newest first

Aug 28, 2024 · 30 min
"Drunk on Your Dollars" with Guida Brown
A drug is a drug is a drug, unless that drug is alcohol, in which case it is, or is not, considered a drug, depending on where you live, how you grew up, and what part of the family you come from. Guida Brown discusses the difficulty in diagnosing Alcohol Use Disorder and the ongoing efforts to treat it as a disease. Guida is the Principal for Guided by Guida and serves as the Community Relations Consultant for the US Drug Testing Laboratories in Des Plaines Illinois. She has served as adjunct faculty for Carthage College, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Concordia University, and Gateway Technical College. Guida is certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Substance Abuse Counselor, a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder trainer, and an Intoxicated Driver Program Assessor. She is also a Kenosha, Wisconsin, County Board Supervisor. Guided by Guida The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Aug 21, 2024 · 28 min
"Post Traumatic Growth" with Felicia Labatore
How does a mother recover from the loss of a child? Felicia Labatore talks about losing her son Clay, who took his own life at age sixteen, and her emotional recovery from that trauma. Professionally, Felicia is a police officer, speaker, and mental health advocate. Felicia can be reached through The Clay Davison Legacy Scholarship Fund at https://kenoshafoundation.org/scholarships/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 and the YouTube video from the Los Angeles Dodgers in memory of Clay Davison at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw7cDJLKHE8 The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Aug 14, 2024 · 32 min
"Peaceful Confidence" with Jacqui Letran
Growing up isn't easy. With so many social messages and daily reminders that you aren't a finished product, it's difficult to keep the negative messages out of your head. Jacqui Letran discusses her early-life obstacles and the work she has done to help young people find a positive path in their own lives. Jacqui is an Author, Speaker, Nurse Practitioner, and Teen Confidence Expert. She blends over twenty years of experience working with teens in the medical and holistic settings to provide time-tested, practical guidance to help teens embody Peaceful Confidence™. Her 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 can be accessed at Your Mind. Your Life. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Aug 7, 2024 · 36 min
"What We Don't Know Can Kill Us" with Dr. Phillip Randy Torralva
Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues (FFAs), like all opioids, cause respiratory depression, but FFAs also cause a phenomenon called wooden chest syndrome (WCS). Dr. Torralva (Randy) discusses his research to reverse FFA overdose. Dr. Torralva is a board-certified anesthesiologist and specialist in Addiction Medicine with over 30 years in clinical medicine. He has extensive expertise in pharmacology, invasive monitoring, and CNS drug delivery of potent opioids and anesthetic agents, specifically fentanyl and its analogues. In 2018, seeing the need for new responses to fentanyl and fentanyl analogue overdose treatment, he started TORRALVA MEDICAL THERAPUETICS LLC (TMT-rx) and began self-funded, contract research work with the Portland VA to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of fentanyl toxicity. Dr. Torralva can be reached at Phillip R. Torralva, MD — tmt-rx.com. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jul 31, 2024 · 20 min
"Stepping Up, Being a Father" with James Murdock Jr.
James Murdock, Jr., talks about his experience being part of the DAD Project, a City of Milwaukee Health Department program that works to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children. Through weekly in-home visits and group sessions, the program supports Milwaukee fathers in engaging in early literacy activities, tracking their child's development, and building a community of fathers. James is, as he says, a father, his most important job. The DAD Project can be accessed at DAD Project. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jul 24, 2024 · 30 min
"Develop Healthy Relationships in Recovery" with Mark Sanders
Substance use disorders and dysfunctional relationships often go hand in hand. In recovery, learning new, healthy relationship patterns is essential for long-term recovery and mental health. Mark Sanders discusses the trauma caused by toxic relationships and the healing that can — and must — take place. Mark is an international speaker, trainer, consultant, and the author of numerous books on behavioral health, including Relationship Detox: Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships in Recovery. Mark has been a certified addictions counselor for over three decades and has received numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois Addiction Counselor Certification Board. Mr. Sanders can be reached at On The Mark Consulting. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jul 17, 2024 · 28 min
"Trauma. It Helps to Share" with Jim Scarpace
Trauma is a word used a lot today. Whether caused by events that happen naturally or through human ineptitude and cruelty, studies show an increase in people dealing with trauma. Jim Scarpace is the Chief Clinical Officer and Interim Community Division President at Gateway Foundation, one of the nation's largest providers of behavioral health services for clients diagnosed with co-occurring mental health disorders, and in this podcast he discusses how to recognize trauma, what it does to us, and what to do about it. Jim has over 25 years in administration, operations, and the treatment of mental health, substance use disorders, and criminal justice programs. Jim is also an assistant professor of Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University. Gateway Foundation can be contacted at their 24-hour hotline 855-925-GATE (4283) or at www.gatewayfoundation.org. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jul 10, 2024 · 26 min
"Trying All of That (and then some) in a Small Town" with Rachel Stankowski and Danielle Luther
Substance use and misuse and mental health issues within a rural community can present many problems. From lack of available services and resources to economics and privacy issues, working in small towns and rural areas presents many challenges. Rachel Stankowski and Danielle Luther discuss those challenges and what the Family Health Center of Marshfield, Wisconsin, is doing about them. Rachel Stankowski, PhD, is an Operations Project Manager, and Danielle Luther, MPH, is a Senior Project Manager. Both work at Family Health Center of Marshfield, Wisconsin. The Family Health Center and its services can be reached at Family Health Center of Marshfield. The HOPE Consortium, its upcoming conference, and the webinar series can be accessed at HOPE Consortium – Supporting Treatment and Recovery in the Northwoods The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jul 3, 2024 · 27 min
"Never Too Old to Get Help" with Alexandra Plante
Substance Use Disorders affect every demographic, but the impact on some groups has received less attention. An estimated one million older people in the United States have a substance use challenge. Alexandra Plante discusses her article "Substance Use Challenges in Older Adults" and the substance use issues facing older adults. Ms. Plante is a Senior Advisor of Substance Use Disorder in the Strategy and Growth Office of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She is a recipient of a Fulbright Specialist Award in Substance Use Disorder, leads the National Substance Use Interest Group, and volunteers her time with the Maine Recovery Advocacy Project. She has served as a consultant to U.S. federal agencies and state policymakers as well as to international agencies such as the United Nations Office of Drug Control and Crime (UNODC). The National Council for Mental Wellbeing, its resources, and Ms. Plante can be reached at https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/. For those in need of assisted living, Caring.com, https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/assisted-living-and-addiction/, has put together a guide of questions that patients and families can ask of assisted living facilities about substance use disorder support. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jun 26, 2024 · 27 min
"Crazy" with Michael Rebellino
Michael Rebellino talks about Crazy, his followup novel to his critically-acclaimed novel of recovery, Clean. In Crazy, Rebellino uses a creative mix of prose and poetry to examine the challenges of caring for a loved one's mental health while managing one's own recovery and mental health. Where is the line between self care and selfless care for others? Michael is a writer, a professional civil engineer, and a substance use disorder/mental health advocate. Michael's information and his book can be found at Michael Rebellino The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jun 19, 2024 · 27 min
"American Madness: The Broken Mental Health System" with Dr. Alice Feller
Dr. Alice Feller grew up in a family affected by mental illness and then made it her life's work. She discusses her work within the mental health system and her thoughts on the state of care available to those who need it. Her book, American Madness: Fighting for Patients In a Broken Mental Health System, is an honest examination of a system in need of overhaul. Dr. Alice Feller is a board-certified clinical psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and author. She has worked in private practice, hospital emergency rooms, psychiatric wards, chemical dependency programs, and public clinics in East Oakland, California, and beyond. Dr. Feller's contact information can be found at Alice Feller, M.D. | Author of American Madness. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jun 12, 2024 · 29 min
"Surviving Alex" with Patricia Roos
Patricia Roos, Professor Emerita of Sociology, was at Rutgers University when, in 2015, she lost her son Alex, who was 25 years of age, to a heroin overdose. As a professor who had devoted her career to the study and research of work, gender, inequalities, stratification, work/family dynamics, and addiction, Patricia shifted her research and advocacy interests, turning grief into activism. In her new book Surviving Alex, Patricia weaves together the personal and the sociological as she examines the broader set of factors implicated in mental health and substance use disorders. Patricia's book, her other works, and contact information, can be accessed at Patricia A. Roos The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Jun 5, 2024 · 27 min
"How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life" with Jeanie Y. Chang
When one is stressed and under pressure, there are many paths towards healing and mental health. Jeanie Y. Chang discusses the unique role that K-dramas (Korean dramas) might play in that process. Jeanie Y. Chang is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and author of the new book, "How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health." She is an accomplished international speaker, providing keynotes and workshops for corporations, community organizations, and universities addressing the intersectionality of mental health and identity, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), and psychological safety, as well as education about topics such as burnout, resilience, mindfulness, stress, and mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. Jeanie's contact information, socials, and book can be accessed at Noonas Noonchi. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
May 29, 2024 · 26 min
"Communities That Care" with Timmie Sinclair
It may take a village to raise a child, but how do you organize the village to care and work together? Timmie Sinclair talks about a prevention initiative called Communities That Care and what it takes to get it going and keep it going as well as how programs like these make a difference in people's lives. Timmie Sinclair is a Community Impact Coordinator for the United Way of Door County Wisconsin. Communities That Care is part of the Social Development Research Group, an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary team of researchers and practitioners united in a common mission to understand and promote healthy behaviors and positive social development among children, adolescents, and young adults. Information about Communities That Care can be found at The Center for Communities That Care. Timmie Sinclair and The United Way of Door County Wisconsin can be reached at United Way of Door County – United We Fight. United We Win. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
May 22, 2024 · 25 min
"Big Boys Do Cry" with Ryan Joesph Kopyar
"Suck it up" and "Deal with it" were phrases many men heard if they began to express their feelings while growing up. Ryan Kopyar saw multiple generations of men in his family live out those phrases. Ryan discusses his new book, Big Boys Do Cry: A Man's Guide to Navigating Emotions and Showing Up More Vulnerable in Relationships, and the importance in expressing difficult emotions. Ryan is an internationally-licensed counselor and acclaimed author with a diverse background in holistic healing, counseling, and hypnotherapy. Ryan's books, his other works, and contact information, including event speaking and booking, can be accessed at Ryan Kopyar Holistic Healing and Counseling The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
May 15, 2024 · 31 min
"Love is Love" with Kelly and Andrew
Despite a growing acceptance, in many parts of our society, of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA+) community, this subset of the population has a significantly elevated risk of addiction and mental health difficulties compared to the general U.S. adult population. Recent studies have also shown that significant differences even exist among individual LGBQ and T subgroups. Kelly and Andrew, a mother - son duo, team up to educate folks about understanding and accepting gender dysphoria. Educational materials can be found at: 5 Short Videos for Teaching Students About What It Means to Be Transgender The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
May 8, 2024 · 26 min
"ThePeerNetwork.com" with Kurt Schmidt
Loneliness, isolation, and stigma are hallmarks of substance use disorders and mental illness, yet recovery requires understanding and support. In the midst of his own recovery, Kurt Schmidt recognized that need and went about the business of meeting it. Kurt is the Founder and CEO of the PeerNetwork.com, which is a tele-health platform where recovering individuals who are self-determined in their journeys from mental illness and substance use disorders have access to online peer support and resources to empower them to lead fulfilling lives. Kurt is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Licensed Master Social Worker. Kurt and The Peer Network can be reached at https://thepeernetwork.com/ The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
May 1, 2024 · 22 min
"The DAD Project" with David Comer
David Comer talks about the DAD Project, a City of Milwaukee Health Department program that works to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children. Through weekly in-home visits and group sessions, the program supports Milwaukee fathers in engaging in early literacy activities, tracking their child's development, and building a community of fathers. David is a Health Project Supervisor for the DAD Project and holds a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling. The DAD Project can be accessed at DAD Project. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Apr 24, 2024 · 32 min
"Recovery Has Given Me Peace" with Chrissy Dunn
Chrissy Dunn began drinking and using marijuana in early high school. Before she graduated she discovered heroin and crack cocaine. What followed was a series of failed rehabs, relapses, and a pregnancy. Now five years into recovery, Chrissy discusses how she got to a place of peace. Chrissy got help at The Horizons Program at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. It is a substance use disorder treatment program for pregnant and/or parenting women and their children, including those whose lives have been touched by abuse and violence. Chrissy and the program can be reached at https://www.med.unc.edu/obgyn/horizons/ The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!
Apr 17, 2024 · 36 min
"Recovery Doesn't Happen in a Vacuum" with Jim Savage
Recovery doesn't happen in a vacuum any more than addiction does. Family, friends, and coworkers are all affected by the disease. Jim Savage discusses the importance of family education and support in recovery. Jim is the owner of "Rehab Works! Family Support Program" and Jim Savage Consulting. He is the author of Rehab Works! A Parent's Guide to Drug Treatment and a new ebook, Sobriety Doesn't Have To Suck: A Guide To Finding Happiness, Excitement, And Spiritual Fulfillment In Recovery. Jim has been helping individuals and families in recovery for over three decades. Jim's' contact information, video series, trainings, and other works can be accessed at Jim Savage, LCDC The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host, Westwords Consulting or the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!