Unique programs at Hazelden Betty Ford treatment centers bring medical students, physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers and other professionals to campus for intensive, week-long educational "residencies" on addiction and recovery. Listen in as the program director, Joseph Skrajewski, talks with host William C. Moyers about the importance of equipping more health and human services professionals with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to the challenges of addiction...
Aug 07, 2019•20 min•Ep. 33
Learn why outpatient addiction treatment has become an increasingly viable option, especially for people with opioid use disorder. Recovery expert and clinician Matthew Polacheck, PsyD, joins host William C. Moyers to discuss the growth of outpatient addiction treatment programs, the importance of individualized care, and the vital role of peer support and for a healthy and thriving recovery.
Jul 24, 2019•14 min•Ep. 32
Listen in as Joseph Skrajewski, Wall-Streeter-turned-addiction-educator, talks with host William C. Moyers about the difference between being sober and being in recovery. Discover why sobriety from alcohol or other drug use becomes, for many, the starting place for ongoing personal transformation. Learn more about the role of addiction treatment, the risk of relapse and the importance of addiction recovery support.
Jul 10, 2019•15 min•Ep. 31
Why is alcohol withdrawal so dangerous? How long does alcohol detox take? What's involved in treatment for alcoholism? Listen in as host William C. Moyers asks addiction recovery expert Marvin D. Seppala, MD, about the symptoms and complications of alcohol withdrawal, the process for safely detoxing from alcohol and the most effective ways to treat mild, moderate or severe alcohol use disorder.
Jun 26, 2019•16 min•Ep. 30
Get the facts about methamphetamine, the powerfully addictive street drug made from combinations of unspecified dangerous chemicals. Methamphetamine is inexpensive, illegal and goes by names like crystal meth, speed, crank, ice and glass. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with addiction expert Christopher Yadron, PhD, about the health risks and side effects of using crystal meth, signs and symptoms of meth addiction, and effective options for treatment and recovery.
Jun 12, 2019•12 min•Ep. 29
Addiction to alcohol or other drugs takes a heavy toll on families, including the loving relationship between a parent and young child. Children's counselors Jerry Moe and Helene Photias join host William C. Moyers to discuss the impact of a loved one's alcoholism or other drug addiction from a child's perspective. Learn why addiction is described as a family disease, what kinds of help and support are most effective, and how to involve children in the recovery process.
May 29, 2019•17 min•Ep. 28
While the long-term public health impact of marijuana legalization is yet to be determined, many experts agree that marijuana use is risky for some people and addictive for others. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with psychiatrist Marvin D. Seppala, MD, about the health risks of marijuana (especially for teens), the difference between heavy use and marijuana addiction, and how to find help if you're concerned about marijuana use or dependence.
May 15, 2019•15 min•Ep. 27
Listen in as Sandy Swenson—author, advocate and mom of an addicted child—shares her story and lived experiences with host William C. Moyers. Sandy talks about how understanding the distinction between her son and the disease enabled her to love her child and help him fight the disease. She also shares the importance of self-care as a mom of an addicted child—shedding the shame, blame and guilt to heal and transition from a place of helplessness to a place of strength and hope.
May 01, 2019•17 min•Ep. 26
As anyone who has searched for addiction treatment knows, there's no shortage of options, approaches and specialty programs available. What's missing are quality standards that consumers can use to determine the most effective care for their situation. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with psychiatrist and author Joseph Lee, MD, about what consumers need to know—and should expect—when considering treatment providers and programs.
May 01, 2019•13 min•Ep. 25
Learn where to find help if your family is faced with addiction. Just as the alcoholic or addict needs help to get well, families need support to heal from the harm of addiction. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with therapists Sarah Schwalbach and Julia Edelman about the importance of addiction recovery support for families. They will discuss the recovery process, rebuilding trusting relationships, relapse prevention and helpful resources.
Apr 17, 2019•16 min•Ep. 24
Addiction is defined as a disease of the body, mind and spirit, but the spiritual aspects of recovery often take a backseat to treating the physical and psychological symptoms. Listen in as noted psychiatrist and addiction recovery expert Marvin D. Seppala, MD, talks with host William C. Moyers about spirituality and healing: practicing honesty, humility and compassion; leaning on others for help; experiencing positive emotions (joy, love, awe); and living with greater purpose and meaning....
Apr 03, 2019•17 min•Ep. 23
Learn how addiction to alcohol or other drugs hijacks the brain and why people in active addiction continue drinking or using substances despite devastating effects. Recovery expert Marvin D. Seppala, MD, joins host William C. Moyers to discuss the disease of addiction in easily understandable terms: the role of dopamine in the brain's reward center; effects of alcohol and other drugs on the brain, liver, heart and mental health; genetic and other risk factors for addiction.
Mar 20, 2019•22 min•Ep. 22
Vaping nicotine rather than smoking the drug is widely promoted as a safe way to wean off cigarettes, but the popular practice is exposing a new generation to risky substance use. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with President and CEO Joseph Lee, MD, about the difference between vaping and smoking, types of vaping devices used for nicotine and other drugs, and the harmful health effects of vaping—especially for teens.
Mar 07, 2019•15 min•Ep. 21
With the best of intentions, families can fall into unhealthy roles when attempting to cope with a loved one's alcohol or drug addiction. Enabling, denying, blaming and preoccupation are common coping behaviors. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with therapists Sarah Schwalbach and Julia Edelman about how addiction affects the family system, what it means to "detach with love" and why helping a loved one who has addiction starts with getting help for yourself.
Feb 20, 2019•17 min•Ep. 20
Two different types of activities—substance use and compulsive behavior—increase dopamine output, producing a "feel good" sensation that can trigger and reinforce addiction. Host William C. Moyers talks with recovery expert Brenda Iliff about cross addiction (addiction interaction disorder), the condition of replacing one problematic substance or behavior with another. Iliff explains why addictive behaviors around food, sex or gaming thrive in secrecy and where to find recovery help and support....
Feb 06, 2019•13 min•Ep. 19
America's older generations are increasingly at risk of developing substance use disorders. Listen in as Brenda Iliff, executive director of the Hazelden Betty Ford treatment center in Naples, Florida, joins host William C. Moyers to discuss the growing prevalence of addiction among older adults. She describes how age-related issues can hasten problematic drinking or drug use and offers helpful advice about initiating a conversation if you're concerned that your loved one may need treatment....
Nov 21, 2018•13 min•Ep. 14
Some of the most promising approaches to the nation's opioid epidemic are being forged in courthouses, correctional institutions, hospital emergency rooms and town hall meetings in communities across the country. Jordan Hansen, manager of clinical strategies and programming for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, joins host William C. Moyers to report on several successful efforts at the local level to effect change, advance addiction recovery and build a healthier tomorrow.
Nov 07, 2018•13 min•Ep. 13
When Linda P. was prescribed Percocet to relieve her debilitating migraine headaches, the powerful opioid drug quickly became her go-to remedy for all of life's struggles. Listen in as Linda tells host William C. Moyers why shame kept her trapped in addiction for years until she was able to ask for help. Linda also discusses why a medication-assisted treatment program along with a combination of inpatient and outpatient rehab proved the best path for her in finding lasting freedom from opioid ad...
Oct 10, 2018•17 min•Ep. 12
While a "cure" for alcohol and drug addiction remains elusive, clinicians are getting closer to understanding how to help more people successfully reclaim their lives from the chronic disease. John Driscoll, senior vice president of recovery services for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, joins host William C. Moyers to discuss evidence-based rehab advancements and core elements of effective treatment designed to help patients learn how to successfully manage the symptoms of their disease....
Sep 27, 2018•17 min•Ep. 11
Psychologist Michael Tkach, director of recovery management for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, joins host William C. Moyers to discuss the latest research and science on what it takes to stay sober. Three factors seem to make the biggest difference in building lasting recovery from addiction: meaningful engagement with a supportive community, healthy new routines and structure, and enough self-compassion to overcome negative emotions and thought patterns that can lead to a setback.
Sep 12, 2018•19 min•Ep. 10
A car accident left Josh C. paralyzed at age 18, crushing his plans to play college football along with his sense of self and purpose. Listen in as Josh shares his story of opioid addiction, treatment and recovery with host William C. Moyers. Josh explains how years of heroin use did a number on his physical, mental and emotional health and undermined his attempts to stay clean, and he describes how a comprehensive, medication-assisted treatment program helped him get into long-term recovery....
Aug 29, 2018•18 min•Ep. 9
Psychiatrist and author Joseph Lee, MD, medical director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation's Youth Continuum, joins host William C. Moyers to discuss what puts young people at risk for substance use and what parents can do to minimize the probability of addiction. By modeling certain values in the home, parents can create a culture that encourages children to develop the communication, relationship and resiliency skills they need to make healthy choices in adolescence and beyond.
Aug 15, 2018•17 min•Ep. 8
The faster, smarter, more mobile technologies used by teens are changing so rapidly that the impact on adolescent development isn't fully understood. But there are plenty of early warning signs—from an increased risk of sleep disorders and anxiety to a greater susceptibility to drug addiction. Prevention expert Jessica Wong joins host William C. Moyers to look at emerging research around risks associated with too much tech use and to discuss practical ways parents can foster healthier behaviors....
Jul 31, 2018•17 min•Ep. 6
Researchers are beginning to identify how the use of smartphones, computers and other technology changes the way the adolescent brain develops—especially areas of the brain responsible for decision-making, risk assessment, impulse control and processing emotions. Prevention expert Jessica Wong joins host William C. Moyers to discuss the potential consequences of overuse and overreliance, including feelings of isolation, anxiety or depression.
Jul 31, 2018•18 min•Ep. 7
In the midst of the nation's opioid addiction epidemic, advancements in treatment that combine evidence-based psychotherapies along with use of certain medications offer patients and families cause for real hope. As a clinical innovator in the field of addiction treatment, psychiatrist Marvin D. Seppala, MD, joins host William C. Moyers to explain why medication alone isn't an effective solution in treating such a complex, chronic condition.
Jul 06, 2018•10 min•Ep. 5
From insurance fraud to deceptive marketing to patient brokering, the largely unregulated field of addiction treatment is rife with unscrupulous and unethical—even illegal—business practices. Mark Mishek, JD, president and CEO of the nonprofit Hazelden Betty Ford treatment centers, and Marvin D. Seppala, MD, chief medical officer, join host William C. Moyers to discuss the need for industry reforms, professional standards and consumer protections. Until such reforms are in place, consumers shoul...
Jul 06, 2018•22 min•Ep. 4
Millions of women in the U.S. engage in drinking behavior that poses a substantial risk to their health and well-being, particularly young women in their late teens and early twenties. Addiction researcher Audrey Klein, PhD., joins host William C. Moyers to take a closer look at what's behind the increased rates of binge and heavy drinking among women, why addiction progresses more rapidly for women than men, and what kinds of medical, mental health and other complications are associated with ha...
May 31, 2018•25 min•Ep. 3
Comparing addiction treatment success rates across different care providers and approaches might seem like an apples-to-apples assessment, but it's not. For the most part, the addiction treatment field lacks consistently reported—and, in some cases, scientifically valid—ways of measuring the impact of treatment services. Psychiatrist Marvin D. Seppala, MD, and addiction researcher Audrey Klein, PhD, join host William C. Moyers armed with key questions consumers should ask treatment providers abo...
May 31, 2018•31 min•Ep. 2
Why are opioids so addictive? What makes opioid drugs so lethal? Is rehab effective for opioid addiction? From the frontlines of the nation’s opioid epidemic, psychiatrist Marvin D. Seppala, MD, joins host William C. Moyers to discuss the role of science and compassion in responding to the opioid addiction crisis. As chief medical officer for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Dr. Seppala led the organization’s development of innovative protocols targeting opioid use disorders. Hospitals and tr...
May 20, 2018•33 min•Ep. 1
