Avoiding the Addiction Affliction

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 tha...

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...

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-...

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.

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.

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...

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 Scho...

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

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@CEDARL...

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.