65 episodes

Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas is a production from Partnership to End Addiction. Heart of the Matter is an interview series that gives guests the opportunity to share their personal, candid stories about addiction. This podcast offers a space to open up about addiction, substance use and mental health, to share the ways in which people are shifting their narrative – in their own relationships and across communities – to support the cause of ending addiction in our country. Worried about your child or loved one? Partnership to End Addiction's helpline is here for you and anyone else playing a supportive role in the life of a person struggling with substance use. Get one on one support by texting CONNECT to 55753 or visit https://helphope.net/3koi6Kh to learn more. Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from the following link. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. https://drugfree.org/article/shouldnt-use-word-addict/

Heart of the Matter Partnership to End Addiction

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.8 • 5 Ratings

Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas is a production from Partnership to End Addiction. Heart of the Matter is an interview series that gives guests the opportunity to share their personal, candid stories about addiction. This podcast offers a space to open up about addiction, substance use and mental health, to share the ways in which people are shifting their narrative – in their own relationships and across communities – to support the cause of ending addiction in our country. Worried about your child or loved one? Partnership to End Addiction's helpline is here for you and anyone else playing a supportive role in the life of a person struggling with substance use. Get one on one support by texting CONNECT to 55753 or visit https://helphope.net/3koi6Kh to learn more. Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from the following link. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. https://drugfree.org/article/shouldnt-use-word-addict/

    Author David Ambroz: On his journey from foster care to giving back

    Author David Ambroz: On his journey from foster care to giving back

    In this episode of “Heart of the Matter”, award-winning author David Ambroz joins Elizabeth Vargas to share his incredible journey of overcoming poverty and homelessness and rising to become a successful lawyer and advocate for change.  David’s childhood was marked by hardship and a system that failed him. Yet, he defied the odds, achieving remarkable success and using his experience to fight for a better future for vulnerable youth. 
    Tune into this special episode to hear David’s inspiring story and his powerful message about investing in our children early on before they fall victim to a broken system. 


    Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.  


    Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: 
    Parental Modeling: The Most Powerful Parenting Tool in Fostering Youth Mental Health and Resilience A Parent’s Guide to Raising Resilient Kids Is Your Child at Risk? A Substance Use Risk Assessment 
    Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on “Heart of the Matter” are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.
    To learn more:
    Partnership to End Addiction website
    Donate today to help us provide free resources to families

    • 43 min
    State Attorney Dave Aronberg: On how to find treatment centers

    State Attorney Dave Aronberg: On how to find treatment centers

    Dave Aronberg, who serves as the Palm Beach County State Attorney in Florida, speaks with Elizabeth Vargas about navigating the treatment system. They discuss things people should look for when researching treatment centers, as well as things to avoid. He also explains the “Florida Shuffle” and what patient brokering is – and how this is happening all over the country. In addition, Dave shares ways to find legitimate treatment centers.


     Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: 
    Find support and treatment for you or your loved one Seeing Help: What to Look For, What to Avoid What Types of Addiction Treatment are Available? Navigating the Treatment Center 
    Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on “Heart of the Matter” are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.
    To learn more:
    Partnership to End Addiction website
    Donate today to help us provide free resources to families

    • 35 min
    Chef Ashish Alfred gets personal about his addiction

    Chef Ashish Alfred gets personal about his addiction

    Award-winning chef Ashish Alfred joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss his family history with substance use – including his own addiction. Now that he’s in recovery, he is focused on transforming the restaurant industry for those who don’t drink alcohol. 


    Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode: 
    Is Your Child at Risk? A Substance Use Risk Assessment Having Tough Conversations Continuing Care: Life and Recovery After Treatment 
    Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on “Heart of the Matter” are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 
     
    To learn more:
    Partnership to End Addiction website
    Donate today to help us provide free resources to families

    • 43 min
    Lady A’s Charles Kelley: On Honesty in Recovery

    Lady A’s Charles Kelley: On Honesty in Recovery

    Charles Kelley joins Elizabeth Vargas to talk about his recovery journey. He discloses why he often hid his drinking from those closest to him, how his wife supported his recovery, and why it was important for Charles to be honest about Lady A’s 2022 tour postponement. 
     
    Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:
    Navigating the Treatment SystemSuggesting Treatment to a Loved OneAlcohol Screening and Abstinence and Moderation Mobile MessagingTo learn more:
    Partnership to End Addiction website
    Donate today to help us provide free resources to families

    • 44 min
    Actor and producer Frankie Grande: Overcoming addiction and finding support

    Actor and producer Frankie Grande: Overcoming addiction and finding support

    From a young age, actor and producer Frankie Grande found himself addicted to achievements, craving praise from teachers and his mother. When he was cast in the Broadway show “Mamma Mia!” in his early 20s, Frankie felt like his career hit its peak. He found himself misusing alcohol and other substances - something that would continue for years.
    Frankie joins Elizabeth Vargas on “Heart of the Matter” to discuss how the tragic bombing at his sister Ariana Grande’s 2017 concert was the turning point for him to address his substance use, how he has been able to build a healthy support system in his recovery journey and the advice he’d give to anyone who is struggling or who has a loved one struggling with addiction. 

    Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:
    Alcohol: What You Need to Know to Help Protect Children, Teens and Young AdultsPrescription Medication and Over-the-Counter Medicine: What You Need to Know to Help Protect Children, Teens and Young AdultsLGBTQ+, Family & Substance Use
    Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on “Heart of the Matter” are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.
    To learn more:
    Partnership to End Addiction website
    Donate today to help us provide free resources to families

    • 36 min
    TikTok’s Recovery Community with Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton

    TikTok’s Recovery Community with Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton

    We often hear about the negative impacts social media can have on mental health, but Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton’s lives changed for the better because of the community they found on TikTok. Ryann and Jordan both decided to stop drinking in their 20s after coming to terms with the fact that alcohol was negatively affecting them. They each posted about their experiences on TikTok and received not only generous support from viewers, but also many messages from people who had similar stories.
    Ryann and Jordan join Elizabeth Vargas on “Heart of the Matter” to talk about why they decided to stop drinking, the tie between storytelling and connection and how their vulnerability has allowed them to find supportive communities on social media. 


    Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:  
    Alcohol: What Parents Need to Know to Help Protect Children, Teens and Young AdultsLong Term Recovery from AddictionAlcohol Screening and Abstinence and Moderation Mobile MessagingEditor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on “Heart of the Matter” are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 
    To learn more:
    Partnership to End Addiction website
    Donate today to help us provide free resources to families

    • 44 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

AdeleKathryn ,

Powerful

Brave, inspiring and fascinating guests with Elizabeth Vargas, of course, a masterful interviewer.

Red Earth Reptiles ,

I am so grateful for every single episode

I have listened to about 5 of these podcasts so far. Every single one has bought me to tears, bought more understanding around addiction and also gives me more hope. I cannot thank you enough for hosting this show and also to every single person who is so vulnerable on your podcast. If you are trying to understand addiction or in my case love someone who is struggling through addiction, these podcasts are gold.

Thank you so much. So much.

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