Avoiding the Addiction Affliction

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...

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 serv...

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...

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 Addict...

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...

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. Van...

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 fr...

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@hope...

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 Substanc...

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 com...

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 f...

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 despe...

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 ne...

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...

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...

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 abou...

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...