Talking Addiction & Recovery

Gambling Disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often dismissed as a lack of control rather than a serious disorder. In this special episode for Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2025, we explore the theme “Seeking Understanding” by shedding light on the realities of problem gambling, breaking down myths, and sharing real numbers behind the problem. Through interactive...

Harm reduction vending machines are a polarizing topic, often criticized as enabling risky behaviors.  When a news article announced that a local community has a harm reduction vending machine now available it sparked uproar in the comments section.  This becomes an opportunity to break the stigma as it hits closer to home. In this episode, we dive into the debate, separating myths from facts with...

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of the opioid crisis with Dr. Elizabeth Chiarello, associate professor of sociology and author of Policing Patients: Treatment and Surveillance on the Frontlines of the Opioid Crisis . Drawing from hundreds of interviews with physicians, pharmacists, and law enforcement agents, Dr. Chiarello explores how prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) a...

In this episode , Saul Malek shares his compelling story of transitioning from a casual love of fantasy sports to the dangerous world of sports betting. Saul opens up about how he shares his personal story of the rapid decline he experienced during his college years that ultimately led to life-changing consequences and his path to recovery. He discusses his mission to educate youth, adolescents, a...

In this episode we dive into the Gift Responsibly Campaign, an initiative dedicated to educating communities about the risks of gifting lottery tickets to children and raising awareness about youth gambling. We explore the harm of early exposure to gambling, the psychology behind gifting gambling-related items, and provide alternative gift ideas for loved ones. Join us as we share resources for re...

What does it take to advocate on behalf of others who are impacted by substance use?  Sarah Laurel, Executive Director of Savage Sisters, begins where it matters most: the community.  She joins this episode to share about her own journey and how it led to developing services related to housing, harm reduction, developing the first Xylazine training, and addressing public health issues that go unno...

To many individuals, the mission of bringing awareness to problem gambling does not have a start and end date.  For those people, it is a never ending campaign to speak up and shine a light in an area that is … Episode 113: On a Mission to Raise Problem Gambling Awareness (featuring Dave Yeager) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recover...

Every September we recognize “National Recovery Month” and that means recognizing in all its possible forms.  We have heard more people talk about “many paths”, “several ways”, and recognizing how people celebrate their own recovery.  While this progress represents any … Episode 117: Discovering Millions of Paths (Recovery Month Episode) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this...

One might think getting access to a phone number that could help with any issue or problem might be quite easy with today’s technology, platforms, and ability to find things.  While this may be true for some issues, it continues … Episode 116: Can We Get a Number? Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about t...

How does a town hall approach turn into filming a Night of Recovery?  Christopher Dreisbach wanted to find a way to share powerful stories to his communities.  He believed that compassionate and genuine vulnerability is what can heal us and … Episode 115: A Night FOR Recovery (featuring Chris Dreisbach) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction &...

What happens when there is a substantial gap in how we currently approach substance use?  Sheila P. Vakharia is an author, sought-after speaker, and national expert on harm reduction and drug policy.  Her recent book, “The Harm Reduction Gap” provides … Episode 114: Filling the Harm Reduction Gap (featuring Sheila P. Vakharia) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of...

How do family remembers and loved ones react to someone’s substance use, gambling, pornography, and other behaviors?  As a system, the impact can be understandably overwhelming and what happens can result in trauma.  For many family and loved ones, that …   Episode 112: Working in a System of Trauma (featuring Dr. Michael Barnes) Read More »   www.barnesedandconsulting.com   Support the show Thank...

When it comes to some substances and behaviors (particularly alcohol), there appears to be only two sides to stand on: complete abstinence or all aboard consumption. What if there was another way to learn more about one’s relationship with a substance? What if we began to step closer to being curious about what we want when it comes to changing a behavior? Amy Fox, a master nutritionist, joins the...

What would you say to someone if you only had a minute or two to talk about the importance of overdose awareness?  Sometimes that is all the time we have and you want to make those moments count.  To support … Episode 110: Elevator to International Overdose Awareness Day Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more...

Talking about substance use and mental health would also mean discussions around relationships.  Sarah Michaud, author of Co-Crazy, joins this episode to talk about codependency not only with the connection between substance use and relationships but in general within human … Episode 109: Where Are We With Codependency (featuring Sarah Michaud)? Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening...

Ann Real, author of Discovery of Recovery, talks about how her book provides a guidebook for rebuilding your life in recovery.  She discusses how to get more comfortable with self-discovery, the difference between behavior and self, and in order to … Episode 108: Discovery of Recovery (featuring Ann Real) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction &am...

Marsha Stone is the CEO and founder of Foundation Stone and joins us to talk about setting the foundation for crucial components for treatment programs addressing substance use, mental health, and families.  Learn about the transition into evidence-based treatment, substance … Episode 107: Setting the Foundation (featuring Marsha Stone) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this...

March concluded and that means the end of problem gambling awareness month; but that doesn’t mean we stop talking about gambling.  This episode will reflect on what specific areas people can focus on in order to keep helping those impacted … Episode 106: PGAM2023 & Beyond Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn...

What is all the talk about psychedelics?  Let us take a journey into learning more with our guest Mark Rizkallah. We talk about why they are moving more into the discussion surrounding treatment of mental health and substance use.  He … Episode 105: A Journey About Psychedelics (featuring Mark Rizkallah) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction &amp...

Group facilitation and attendance is a hallmark component when it comes to recovery from substance use and other behaviors.  While many facilitators focus on providing evidence-based curriculums, does it mean they are leading to effective outcomes for patients?  Andrew Bordt, … Episode 104: Improving Group Experience (featuring Andrew Bordt) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to...

Higher power is strongly connected with the addiction field when it comes to change and recovery.  This has been described by numerous support groups in helping to achieve change from a life controlled by substance use.  Author, Dr. Peg O’Connor, … Episode 103: Philosophy & Transformation Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery P...

When someone contemplates making a change in their behavior it is common for others to look at the benefits of a new behavior as well as being hyper focused on the consequences of the old behavior.  This is especially routine … Episode 102: With Change, Comes Loss Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about t...

Talking Addiction & Recovery reached one hundred episodes.  All this time, having that professional intro and outro were never prioritized.  Why do it now?  This episode shares four reflections that finally led to adding this professional touch to the podcast. Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast. To learn more about the podcast v...

How do we manage the flow of breath and fire?  The ability to burn down, calm ourselves, and ignite passion is vital for those dealing with substance use and mental health.  Movement is part of everyday life; yet we often … Episode 100: The Power of Movement (featuring Michelle Hillier) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast...

The path to success can appear unlikely at times.  How do we maintain hope when we are surrounded by darkness?  How does someone go from being homeless and struggling with addiction to CEO?  Roger Smith, author of “The Most Unlikely … Episode 99: The Most Unlikely Leader (featuring Roger Smith) Read More » Support the show Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery...