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 Director with Edge Counseling Solutions and can be reached at http://www.eastlakemke.com or 414-364-...
Jul 07, 2021•28 min
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 Addictions Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Program Director with Edge Co...
Jun 30, 2021•24 min
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 a Story of Mental Illness can be purchased at https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jessie-close...
Jun 23, 2021•23 min
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. Vanessa's music and her writings can be accessed at https://vanessamcgowan.com...
Jun 16, 2021•26 min
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 from Adler University as well as a Certificate in Addictions Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Pr...
Jun 09, 2021•32 min
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@hopecouncil.org . Learn more about the agency's services at hopecouncil.org ....
Jun 02, 2021•25 min
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 Substance Abuse Counselor with Cedar Lake Counseling. Dana can be reached at dana@cedarlakecounseling.net or...
May 26, 2021•23 min
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 complex balancing of their substance use, life roles, concurrent disorders, and cultural expectations. ...
May 19, 2021•28 min
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 familiar and her recovery inspiring. If you or a loved one needs help with substance use disorders or...
May 12, 2021•30 min
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 desperation by being present and available are key factors in getting people the help they need. If you n...
May 05, 2021•26 min
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 need help due to substance abuse, help is available. To contact the Hope Council on Alcohol & Othe...
Apr 28, 2021•23 min
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 one. If you are concerned, Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are free and available: https://al-anon.org...
Apr 21, 2021•22 min
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 you need help with substance use, help is available. It can start with a phone call: 262-554-6611; ...
Apr 14, 2021•35 min
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 about loved ones' substance use, taking care of themselves is difficult but necessary. If you are concer...
Apr 07, 2021•29 min
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 that need assistance. Montee can be contacted through Wisconsin Voices for Recovery, http://wisconsinvo...
Mar 31, 2021•28 min
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 a renowned speaker and author of several books, including the New York Times best seller Broken: My ...
Mar 24, 2021•26 min
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 1-800-426-2535 Chat Line: www.wi-problemgamblers.org Text: 1-850-888-HOPE or 1-850-888-4673...
Mar 17, 2021•23 min
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.
Mar 10, 2021•26 min
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.
Mar 03, 2021•24 min
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 families support and services so they can all move forward together.
Feb 24, 2021•24 min
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 School District. She can be reached at https://www.psgcip.com...
Feb 17, 2021•25 min
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
Feb 10, 2021•36 min
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@CEDARLAKECOUNSELING.NET For more information on eating disorders, visit National Eating Disorders Associat...
Feb 03, 2021•24 min
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 world-wide as a counselor, interventionist, lecturer, trainer, teacher, author, and consultant specia...
Jan 27, 2021•24 min
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://mtg.area75.org/meetings.html?dist=7 and NA meetings here: https://www.sefana.net/meetings.php...
Jan 20, 2021•25 min
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.
Jan 13, 2021•22 min
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://recoverycentersofamerica.com/locations/st-charles-il/
Jan 06, 2021•23 min
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 be found on Amazon.
Dec 30, 2020•24 min
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/special-families-programming/loved-ones-group-craft/ or call 262-658-8166. If you are interested i...
Dec 23, 2020•23 min
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, and the prevention of alcohol, other drug use, and other risky behavior by youth. He can be contacted...
Dec 16, 2020•26 min
