Avoiding the Addiction Affliction

Westwords Consulting, LLC

When does it stop being a party and start becoming a problem? Is there a way to steer clear of addiction? Every Wednesday, Mike McGowan explores substance use disorders with expert guests.

  1. 11H AGO

    "We're Not A Car Wash" with Joe Henderson

    It is safe to say that addiction and mental health services are needed across the country and that providing those services, while incredibly rewarding, is also extremely challenging. Joe Henderson, the CEO of Sierra Health + Wellness Centers and founder of the Elijah House Foundation in California, talks about those rewards and challenges. His approach to Addiction Treatment centers on identity reconstruction, stigma reduction, and community-based healing. Joe is a skilled and passionate leader who has direct oversight of all aspects of Sierra Health + Wellness. Sierra Health + Wellness can be contacted at Sierra Health + Wellness | Addiction + Mental Health Treatment | CA. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

    26 min
  2. APR 29

    "Hunger for More in Life" with JD Tremblay

    Everyone copes with depression and life stress differently. JD Tremblay coped by pushing his body athletically to limits few ever experience. Tremblay is the Director of Human Performance at Hungry Warrior Academy, a Canadian human performance specialist, Naturopathic practitioner, Integrated Engineering graduate, and military veteran with over a decade of service. He is also the author of "Hunger for More in Life." In his spare time, JD serves as a firefighter and is an ultra-endurance athlete recognized worldwide for numerous extreme endurance achievements. JD's contact information and publications are available at JD Tremblay – Hunger for More in Life. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

    36 min
  3. APR 15

    "Less Stress" with Dr. Gary Sprouse

    Stress is a common concern across all ages and demographics. It causes some to seek relief by engaging in destructive behaviors. Dr. Gary Sprouse, or as he is better known across the country, "The Less Stress Doc," discusses how he helps clients alleviate the stress in their lives with the goal of living in their Happy Place. Dr. Sprouse is a former primary care physician from Maryland who retired from private practice after 38 years. He is the author of the award-winning books, "Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress" and "Mindset Matters." He also has developed his Stress Reducer Loop Model as a replacement for how we define addiction. Dr. Sprouse's contact information, socials, and publications are available at The Less Stress Doc. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

    39 min
  4. APR 8

    "Apricity, Whole Life Recovery" with Michelle Devine Giese, Dan Haak, and Jolie VerVoort

    In 2018, STEP Industries and The Mooring Programs merged to become Apricity, a progressive recovery community in Wisconsin. The leadership team brought to life the vision of a one-of-a-kind recovery organization that offers treatment, employment, transitional living, and education. Michelle Devine Giese, the CEO of Apricity, Dan Haak, the President of Apricity Contract Packaging and Recovery Support, and Jolie VerVoort, the President of Residential Treatment Services, discuss their unique, innovative program of recovery, work, and support. Apricity can be reached at Apricity - Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Employment. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

    27 min
  5. APR 1

    "Both Can Be True" with Jessica Guerrieri

    Recovery, like life, is full of what seems like contradictions. Love and resentment, passion and despair. Jessica Guerrieri details the complexities of recovery brilliantly in her new novel, "Both Can Be True." Jessica is a writer and novelist who lives in Northern California with her husband and three daughters. With a background in special education, Jessica left the field to pursue a career in writing and raise her children. With over a decade of sobriety, she is a fierce advocate for addiction recovery. In this podcast, she discusses her recovery and her new book, "Both Can Be True." Jessica's book, other works, and contact information can be accessed at Jessica Guerrieri. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

    32 min
  6. MAR 25

    "Always At Choice -- Coping With Grief and Loss" with Larry Freeborg

    We may not be able to choose the circumstances we're in, but we always have a choice regarding how we respond. That is just one of the life lessons Larry Freeborg talks about in his book, "Always At Choice: Strategies for Moving on After the Death of a Spouse or Life Trauma." Larry was forty years old when his wife died from acute leukemia on the day after Christmas. He became a widower with four young children. Larry started his life over during a recession, with no job, no money, and no partner to help him raise his children. He discusses what he learned, what helped, and what's important. Larry's book and contact information can be found at alwaysatchoice.net. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

    31 min
  7. MAR 18

    "Who I'm Becoming" with Jonathan Schwartz

    Jonathan Schwartz was at the top of his game serving as a business manager to celebrities including Beyonce, Alanis Morisette, Gwenyth Paltrow, Mariah Carey, Linkin Park, and others. But he kept a dark secret: he was a compulsive gambler and cocaine addict. Over the course of six years he embezzled over $7 million from his clients to fund these addictions. Jonathan's criminal behavior earned him a six-year sentence in prison. He returned to society in 2020, went back to school, and got a degree in alcohol & other drug counseling, followed by an advanced degree as a therapist. Today, he makes a living as the Director of Programing at Altus Rehab, a top-tier, luxury treatment facility in Encino, California. Find Jonathan on Instagram. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

When does it stop being a party and start becoming a problem? Is there a way to steer clear of addiction? Every Wednesday, Mike McGowan explores substance use disorders with expert guests.