Avoiding the Addiction Affliction

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 w...

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://mt...

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.

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://recoverycentersofam...

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 b...

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/sp...

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, a...

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 Coun...

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.

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/shil...

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/ ....

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

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.

Katie Oatsvall discusses her courageous journey to save her son and family from substance use disorder. What she has learned is that she has a journey of her own to travel and that the road is not always smooth. If you or anyone you know needs help with their journey, check out the Loved Ones Group at the Hope Council: https://www.hopecouncil.org/loved-ones-group/

Debbie Rueber, Health Services Coordinator for Kenosha County, talks about the upcoming Behavioral Health Resource Fair. In a time of increased substance use, depression, and stress, the Kenosha County Division of Aging and Disability Services is offering a Community Resource Fair on October 24th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Holy Spirit Community Church, 5900 11th Avenue. See the event flyer at ht...

Tod Ohnstad and Crystal Miller discuss the state's role in addressing substance use disorders. Mr. Ohnstad and Ms. Miller are candidates for Wisconsin's 65th Legislative Assembly District. They discuss the role of the state in prevention, intervention, and treatment.

"Erin" shares her journey into recovery from opiates and alcohol. While reaching out for help was scary and difficult for her, continuing to use mood-altering substances was intolerable. If you or anyone you know needs 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/...

David Galbis-Reig, MD, talks about treatment options and recovery from Substance Use Disorders. 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...

Gianna Anderson and Ryan Deglow discuss medication for addiction treatment options for opiate abuse. Gianna is a Public Health Nurse with Kenosha County Division of Health, and Ryan is the Supervisor at Professional Services Group's Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program/Opiate Diversion Program. Ryan can be contacted at 262-654-1004 or email, info@psgcip.com .

Dr. Michael McNett discusses the ongoing epidemic of prescription and opiate drug abuse in our country and what can be done to lead a healthy, fulfilled life. Dr. McNett is the Director for Aurora Hospital's Department of Non-Interventional Pain Management. Please go to https://www.saveliveskenosha.org/general-resources/ for local Kenosha resources.

Julia Sherman talks about the Wisconsin alcohol culture and what local communities can do about it. Julia is the Project Coordinator for the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project. Link to the Project's website: http://law.wisc.edu/wapp/

Floyd Asonwha discusses families coping with substance use disorders. Floyd is a retired Kenosha Unified School District counselor and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention Specialist.

Guida Brown on the need for honest, real discussions about substance use disorders.