Talk Recovery Radio: Recent Episodes
Giuseppe Ganci
Live from Vancouver's Infamous Downtown Eastside, a block away from North America's first safe injection site. Join us live every Thursday for Talk Recovery Radio 100.5 FM. We bring addiction and recovery issues to the airways every Thursday on Vancouver Co-op Radio.
Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday June 1st. 2023 @ 12pm PST This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome some of the cast from "Visions" a play about addiction and recovery. “Visions” is a powerful play on substance abuse and recovery. The play depicts bottoms from the use and abuse of substances, the “awakening” or realization of the problem and coming into treatment and Twelve Step programs. Joining us on the show will be Andrew, Nate and Bob for the full hour. Be sure to catch the full interview LIVE on Talk Recovery 's Facebook page at 12-1pm PST. Show will be played on CO-OP Radio 100.5fm the next week.
“Visions” The Play On Addiction and Recovery “Visions” is a powerful play on substance abuse and recovery. The play depicts bottoms from the use and abuse of substances, the “awakening” or realization of the problem and coming into treatment and Twelve Step programs.
“Visions” has reached tens of thousands of people. The “Visions” troupe performs where few actors would ever dare, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, shelters, youth houses and correction centers. The cast and crew set up amidst the cafeterias, beds and conference rooms of treatment centers using the powerful medium of theater to educate about drug/alcohol addiction and show that recovery is possible. In the wake of the play the cast and crew of “Visions” are witnessing men and women, many who are caught in the wake of addiction, weeping after the performances, for they are given a renewed sense of hope. These special performances are usually “closed” to protect the anonymity of the clients. When the opportunity arises and we are able to acquire a large area with a stage for a performance, the clients are bused in from various rehabilitation centers and shelters and treated to a free night of theater, coffee and cake. It is not unusual to bring in four to five hundred people to witness a “Visions” show. If we can’t come to them, we bring them to us.
The play has also been presented to churches, schools and those at risk. It has been shown to educators and open to communities. There is rarely a fee to see the play, except to raise money for charitable organizations, and any donations received are used to bring the play to those who have nothing. to continue our work in the prevention field a not for profit organization, Visions Recovery Inc was formed in 1993 dedicated to substance abuse prevention and recovery education.
Visions Social Media
Website | Facebook
Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday April 20th @ 12pm PST This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two guests, first on the show is Kevin Kraussler, a person in recovery who is a registered clinical counsellor at Skylark Counselling Clinic, he is going to share how he helps people who struggle with addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, depression and anxiety. Second on the show Franky shares his personal story of being a gay man in recovery who is settling in Canada from Mexico. Franky will talk about his journey in recovery and what he does to enjoy his life in recovery. Join us for the full hour from 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio Facebook page.
Guest one
Kevin Kraussler Born and raised in Vancouver’s lower mainland, Kevin Kraussler is a compassionate and experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor at Skylark Counselling Clinic. He completed his Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of British Columbia.
Kevin's approach to therapy is client-centered and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. He has a wide range of experience helping clients with a variety of issues, including addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, depression and anxiety. As a person in recovery, Kevin brings a unique perspective to his work and incorporates his personal experience with addiction to complement his professional training.
If you're looking for a therapist who is both empathetic and knowledgeable, Kevin can provide you with the guidance and support you need to overcome life's challenges.
Why Choose Skylark Counselling? Our team has been handpicked as the best trauma therapists throughout the Lower Mainland. We work together to ensure you receive the latest in psychological research, counselling techniques, and transparent care. We define trauma as any life circumstances that have negatively changed the way you see the world. We are the people you can talk to about anything.
Skylark Social Media
Website | Facebook |Instagram
Guest 2
Franklin's Personal Story Franklin is a person in long term recovery who moved to Canada from Mexico. He is part of the LGBT community in Vancouver and is very entusiastic in the recovery community helping with many events as a volunteer. Hear Franky's story live this week on Talk Recovery.
Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday March 30th @12pm PST
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Andy C a person in long term recovery and author of multiple books joins us to talk about Meditation and Addiction Recovery. Catch the whole show on our Facebook page LIVE from 12-1pm PST.
About Andy
My name is Andy C., and I am an alcoholic. I have been sober since November 3rd, 1977. I am sponsored, have sponsees, am involved in service work and use the Steps. In keeping with our traditions and principles of anonymity, I have not published my last name. But I am eager to engage with you. Send me a note by clicking on the ‘message’ button below. I will get back to you as soon as I can. You know you are in AA when you don’t know the last names of all your best friends. There can be too much anonymity. The apocryphal story of the guy showing up at the hospital admission desk asking for “Big Mike from the Monday night meeting” is a story that shows the problem with too much anonymity. We are not a secret society; we are an anonymous society. So, feel free to contact me. I will reply.
Andy's Books
“Gems: Meditations on Addiction and Recovery”
Where did these GEMS come from? When I am listening to fellow alcoholics share at Meetings, I take notes. Not transcriptions, just notes of things that catch my attention. By jotting a reminder, I can later recall the thought. One night, my sponsor asked me, “what do you do with your notes?” “I keep them and reread them, often the next morning during my morning quiet time,” I replied. “They bring to mind the wisdom and humor that I heard. I meditate on the comments and see the insights that I missed. I feel grateful all over again… then I throw them away.” “You should write your thoughts down and share them,” he said, “you might have some fun and it might do some good.” So I started writing my meditations. In the beginning, I only shared them with my sponsees, who passed the notes to their sponsees, and then others in the Program. A couple of the recipients, involved in treatment centers with newsletters, reposted them in their newsletters and websites. They seemed to attract attention, so I started a website the4thdimension.ca and posted them online. One day I thought, “maybe a book is a good idea.”
“More Gems: A Second Volume of Meditations on Addiction and Recovery”
My wife and I were walking together. I glanced at my watch as we walked along the boardwalk and took note of the time. Two steps later, she asked, “what time is it?” I could not remember; I had just looked at my watch, noted the time, but I could not recall it when asked. I had to look again. Memory is strange. I look at my watch and immediately forget the time. I hear shares at AA meetings and admire the insights, but they slip from my mind. Likewise, wisdom seen in AA conversations evaporates within minutes. These books, GEMS and More GEMS, catch and retain AA shares at meetings and thoughts that come up in conversations. We can recall the wit and wisdom and feel the love of AA meetings and conversations. Each of these GEMS is an AA share or thought among people recovering or recovered from a seemingly hopeless condition of mind and body. They are worth remembering.
“Still More Gems: 12 Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts”
Discover the power of recovery and spiritual growth through Still More GEMS: 12-Step Meeting Shares, Notes and Thoughts. Written by alcoholic old-timer Andy C., this helpful guide provides readers with a collection of meditations on recovery in the 12-Step Recovery Community. Deepen Recovery with Still More GEMS, 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts This powerful collection of reflections and insights offers a unique look at the spiritual growth that happens in 12-step programs together with ways to support and foster it. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone in recovery.
Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday March 23rd @ 12pm PST This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome John Clerides, a business owner downtown Vancouver who advocates that the city needs to be safer for members of the community as well as business owners. John has been a business owner for decades in the downtown core and says it has never been as bad as it has been recently when it comes to safety. You can catch the whole interview on Facebook live from 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page.
About John John was the first president of the Davie Village BIA, when it ran from Burrard to Jervis Street only. The budget was $40,000 a year so we had to save in order to spend money on capital improvements. Now it is called the West End BIA with a full time ED and a larger budget.
John is an advocate for safety in Vancouver "we all have right to walk down any street in Vancouver, like we use to, without the fear of getting attacked & helping those who need help"
John’s daughter started a Facebook group called “Vancouver Break-Ins & Crime Collective” the group purpose is the following.
“This page aims to support small businesses and citizens alike who have experienced and/or witnessed break-ins and criminal activity in the city of Vancouver.”
John's Social media
Facebook | Twitter
Media Attention Below are some articles that John has been interviewed for as a business owner in Vancouver
‘Worst I have ever seen it’: Vancouver business owner says city not taking crime seriously.
Windows smashed, storefronts vandalized in Vancouver's West End overnight
Vancouver vandalism the 'worst ever seen' by West End shop owner
Mayor claims Vancouver is one of the world’s safest cities, but is he right?
Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode – Thursday February 16th @ 12pm PST This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Johanna O'Flaherty, Johanna, is a psychologist, author, consultant and keynote speaker. She is the former CEO of Central Recovery Treatment (CRT) and Vice President of Treatment Services at the Betty Ford Center. Currently, Johanna spends much of her time traveling and speaking to audiences throughout the behavioral health industry about generational trauma. Catch the full hour interview with Johanna on our Facebook page Talk Recovery Radio or next week on 100.5fm.
About Johanna Dr. Johanna O’ Flaherty, PhD, is an expert in crisis management from a psychological perspective, and a renowned expert in the field of trauma, addiction and recovery. She was the Vice President of Treatment Services at the Betty Ford Center from 2006 to 2013, before serving as CEO of the Las Vegas Recovery Center, Senior Fellow of Clinical Services, from 2013 to 2016. She is an Advanced Level Nationally Certified Addiction Specialist, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and a Certified Trainer for Critical Incident Crisis Debriefing Programs. She received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in California. In addition, Dr. O’Flaherty adds her 40 years of personal recovery to her long list of accomplishments.
Dr. O’ Flaherty developed and implemented Crisis Response Programs for Pan American World Airlines, TWA Airlines, and has facilitated the training of Crisis Response Teams for several other airlines as well. In her role as Corporate Manager of Pan American Airways’ Management of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’s), she was responsible for the oversight of bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of the 1988 Lockerbie disaster.
This experience led her to become a pioneer in the aviation industry, organizing, training, and responding to aviation disasters, and facilitating trauma processing, grief counseling, and critical incident stress debriefing. In 1988, she also founded an educational program for chemically dependent women in Calcutta, India through Catholic Charities. In 1996, she provided counseling services to the family members of 230 individuals who perished in New York on TWA Flight 800, the third-deadliest aviation accident in US history. In 2000, she received the FBI’s “Exceptional Service in the Public Interest” award. In 2001, Dr. O’Flaherty was again called to New York to assist with counseling airline employees and facilitating the Crisis Response training for the New York City Transit Authority after the terrorist attacks of September 11th. She has conducted critical incident response training for the FBI and first responders.
At the time of this writing, Dr. O’Flaherty is providing counseling to the first and last responders of the October 1, 2017, massacre at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on the Las Vegas Strip, at which 58 people were killed and another 546 injured. The incident is the deadliest mass shooting committed by an individual in the US and has reignited the debate over gun laws. She is the author of two previous books: “The Correlation Between Trauma and Addiction” (2014) and “Daddy Goes to Meetings” (2015). She maintains a consulting practice and an active schedule as a keynote speaker in crisis management and addiction.
Dr. O’Flaherty has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC and CNN as well as several podcasts as an expert in her field.
Dr. O’Flaherty lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Johanna's Social media and Website
Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Johanna's Book My intention in writing this book is to share with you the story of my own trauma and the difficult, often circuitous and self-destructive path I took to acceptance, forgiveness, and love. First, tenuously, acceptance of those who had hurt me. Acceptance, in time, unfolded into forgiveness. The longer, harder path was to learn to love myself: it can be easier to love others than it is to truly love our own flawed, fragile selves. My hope is to show that suffering is not meaningless, and that, in fact, the very thing that brings us pain can, in time and with care, bring us a sense of liberation and purpose. I believe that inherent in suffering is an opportunity to transform pain and consciously use the experience as a progenitor of a new way of being, a new way of living, a new way of seeing the world, and perhaps being able to help others do the same. We are all unique individuals, many of us with deep wounds from our pasts. But we do not need to let those scars define, or defeat us.
The shape of my life, including my career as a psychologist and specialist in community-wide crisis management, was imprinted on my psyche by traumatic events in my early childhood. My journey of self-exploration, of learning and deeply knowing myself, required, requires still, years of reflection and personal reckoning. Looking back at my formative years and experiences, my travels in search of spiritual meaning and comfort, and the arduous route to recovery from alcoholism, I know that all these elements in time formed my perspective, my work, and my very soul. While my life was filled with poor decisions and bad choices, my experiences created the tapestry of Me.
Colored in hues dark and brooding alongside bright tones of lightness and hope, all threads twist and intertwine. I can no sooner disentangle this complicated tapestry now than I can predict its completion.
Buy the Book Here
Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode – Thursday Feb 2nd, 2023 @ 12pm PST
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two tattoo artists in recovery from addiction, Dre Gail and Riley Maten. They will both share their stories of recovery and talk about how they got into tattooing and how it has effected their recovery journey. Babydoll tattoos has been around since 2017 and has grown to a fully equipped multi artist shop in 2022. Catch it all on our Facebook page Thursday at 12pm. The show will be replayed on radio at 12pm PST on Thursday February 9th, 2023.
Dre Gail - BabyDoll Tattoos Owner
Babydoll Tattoos, as a business, originated with Dré acting as a one woman show and slowly building her brand over the first few years. In 2017, she built and licensed her first shop in a simple office space (with a sink of course). From there, in 2020, miraculously post lock-down, Dré expanded the studio and moved it into a location where multiple artists could work. Finally, in January of 2022, Babydoll Tattoos recognized their opportunity to achieve their five-year goal of opening a storefront, fully-equipped, multi artist shop. Meet Dré Gail aka Babydoll of Babydoll Tattoos. After a long relationship with art, Babydoll Tattoos was born out of a simple desire - to tattoo one’s knuckles.
Dré had a love for the movie Sucker Punch and identified with the character, Babydoll’s, descent into dreamy fight scenes at times of discomfort. While exploring appearance modification, Dré wanted to tattoo “baby” and “doll” on her knuckles but her resumé at the time did not accommodate such tattoos. Wanting to maintain employment, and with her qualifications thus far landing mainly in the corporate professional world - she decided to build her own empire that suited her own wants and needs and to spread that empowerment to others. She created a job that would allow her the flexibility to express her creativity in a financially beneficial way. On a deeper level, after struggling with severe body dysmorphia and a feeling of displeasure within her own skin, Dré changed the means by which she tried to take control of her body. Rather than starving, belittling and hating - she embraced it with art. Treating her body as a partner and an expression of her experiences was therapeutic and a love for tattoos began.
Her dream grew and she transferred her artistic education, corporate experience, and empathic nature, to tattooing. Babydoll Tattoos intends to offer all clients an opportunity to embrace their bodies and physical appearances in which ever way they choose and coach them through the process. Tattoos are a personal and often spiritual experience and as an artist, Dré respects and appreciates her involvement in such an intimate experience. The client’s comfort and individual needs are put first and foremost by our skilled artist and she holds her artists to the same standards, hunting out employees who share her values and can embrace the shop philosophy.
Riley's Vision
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday Dec. 8 @ 12pm PST This week on Talk Recovery Radio we talk with Reed McCaskill about Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery program followed by David Pavlus on his 39 years in recovery.
Reed McCaskill - Behavioural Health Tech at Back2Basics Reed McCaskill was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He went through the Back2Basics program along with the Transition program in 2020. During that time he found a deep appreciation and level of gratitude for the community and values of the program. He took a three month internship with Back2Basics while in the Transition program and decided to join full time upon completion, to give back as best as he can. Working toward building his life further in Flagstaff, Reed plans to attend NAU in pursuit of a BA in Social Work while exploring new avenues to live a fulfilling sober life.
What is Back2Basics? Back2Basics is an outdoor adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males, from 18-35, with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program clients are exposed to a weekly combination of wilderness therapy and addiction treatment program that have proven to be successful in recovery.
Beyond the Basics is an additional 6-month transition program that follows the Back2Basics program and is focused on transitioning our clients into ‘real life’. In Beyond the Basics we provide for the groundwork to gradually transition our clients from rehabilitation and recovery into living real life with long-term sobriety.
Back2Basics is committed to the recovery of our clients through a series of concentrated hands-on therapy and life-skill building that is rooted by our unique programs, daily in-depth study of the 12-steps, and innovative and traditional therapeutic counseling modalities. Back2Basics is dedicated to providing personnel and professional expertise, along with the concrete recovery infrastructure, that is essential to the long-term transformation of our clients into a self-sustaining AND sober adult.
David Pavlus -Founder of Last Door Recovery Society David Pavlus is the founder of the Last Door Recovery Society, a New Westminster non-profit organization that has been providing long term residential addiction treatment and adjunct family services for over 30 years. David is a man who embodies both vision and the will to execute that which he believes in. His approach to all thing is life is equal measures of practicality and common sense. While others are still considering ideas David is well on his way to making his ideas a reality. While it can and has been said that David’s leadership style is unorthodox, the success of Last Door and its clients under his leadership is undeniable.
David has innate charisma tempered with humility and strong will; he is able to readily inspire others to his vision and excite them to action. He is man who is able to stay true to a course of action despite the incessant winds of change. Last Door itself is a reflection of his unusual leadership style. It is program filled with folks who produce excellent results while operating from the heart.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome five amazing woman who are making sure parents in early recovery have gifts to give to their kids this Christmas. Alexis, Kimberlea, Britt, Linda and Amanda from Recovery Kidz are talking about the importance of helping parents get gifts to their kids at Christmas. Join us Thursday from 12-1pm PST on Facebook Live and on 100.5fm Co-op Radio Recovery Kidz
WHO DOES RECOVERY KIDZ HELP?
Recovery Kidz is an organization that strives to provide resources to parents seeking a new way of life in recovery from addiction. We see parents in recovery as a people of worth and dignity and worthy of assistance in their journey. We also see addiction as a family disease and seek to help normalize the holiday season for children affected by addiction. Your donations of toys, gift cards and cash will bring a smile to so many children whose parents are, in some cases, unable to see them because they are in a treatment facility this year.
OUR HISTORY
Since 2013, Recovery Kidz has helped thousands of children by providing gifts for kids that have parents residing in recovery centres over the holiday season. This year our goal is 300 kids spanning over 7 recovery houses and treatment centres and we are asking for your support to create joy for them on Christmas morning regardless of what they might be experiencing.
OUR VISION Our vision is to see parents and families set free from addictions and relieved of the stress that comes when you’re not able to provide gifts for the holidays. It is our hope that every child will experience the joy of opening at least one Christmas gift on Christmas morning. In past years, with your support we have been able to do much more and we hope that this year is even better, but we need your help!
This week on Talk Recovery Radio, Candace Plattor joins the show to talk about her book "“Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: The Top 10 Survival Tips for Loving Someone with an Addiction”, also with the holidays coming up Candace will talk about loving and supporting an addict through the holiday season, one guest one full hour on Talk Recovery Radio. Catch the full show on Facebook Live on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page and on 100.5fm.
Loving an Addict
Loving someone who has an addiction problem is like being trapped on a roller-coaster of painful emotions. You never know what’s going to happen from one moment to the next. It can be like living a re-occurring nightmare that you can’t wake up from. The ongoing lies and the broken promises, the constant worry and fear, the dwindling hope that someday things will change. You know the story… It’s downright exasperating. Whether the addict in your life is your spouse, partner, parent, child, friend, or colleague, the goods news is there is a way to end your suffering and Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: The Top 10 Survival Tips for Loving Someone with an Addiction shows you how. It doesn’t matter what kind of addictive behavior your loved one is struggling with. It could be alcohol and drug misuse; an eating disorder; smoking; gambling; an Internet, relationship, or sex addiction; or compulsive shopping and over-spending. All addictions have negative consequences for loved ones. It’s not news that many family and friends get caught in the “cycle of addiction” and don’t know how to untangle themselves from the spiral of destruction the addict is engaging in. Candace shows you that the key to changing this painful reality for yourself lies in shifting your focus from your loved one’s addiction to your own self-care. She shows you how to stop doing the things that are not only making your own life miserable, but which are also “enabling” the addict to continue on the path of destruction. However, thanks to this ground-breaking book you can now discover how to help yourself disengage from the ugly path of addiction. Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself Shows You How to Stop the Cycle of Pain and Chaos Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself presents a dramatically fresh approach to help you get off your loved one’s roller-coaster chaos of addiction, maintain your own sanity and serenity, and live your best life.
About Candace
Candace Plattor is an Addictions Therapist in private practice, where she specializes in working with the family and other loved ones of people who are struggling with addiction, in her unique and signature Family Addiction Counselling and Therapy Program. As a former addict with over 35 years clean and sober, Candace has learned that overcoming addiction is a family condition: everyone in the family is affected by addiction and everyone needs to heal. For more than three decades, she has been helping both addicts and their loved ones understand their dysfunctional behaviors and make healthier life choices.
The results Candace achieves have been astounding: addicts stop using and families regain their lives from the ravages of addiction. Not only has her success led to a waiting list of clients but she is a sought-after leader in the field of addictions. As the developer of the Love With Boundaries Family Addiction Counselling and Therapy method, Candace now works with her team of top counsellors and coaches, helping both the families and their addicts break the devastating cycle of addiction for good. If addiction is causing pain and suffering in your family, and you’re ready to do what it takes to reclaim your sanity and serenity so you can live your best life, you can contact Candace for a free 30-minute consultation.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio, Emily, Kiola and Lainy join the show to talk about Sober Mom Squad. The Sober Mom Squad is just as it sounds: a Squad of Moms who are already sober, those who are just dipping their toes in exploring an alcohol free lifestyle, and everything in between! Join us on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page streamed live Thursday from 12-1pm PST
About Sober Mom Squad
Sober Mom Squad was formed during the pandemic of 2020. Many moms found they were feeling disconnected and were drinking more than ever. Messaging around alcohol and motherhood was rampant. Maybe you're sick of the wine-mom narrative. Maybe you want to explore what an alcohol-free life looks like. Maybe you just need a community that isn't focused on boozing! We are women like you, who don't want their kids to grow up with a mom who needs wine to survive them. Our common goal is to raise children in homes where alcohol is not the focus, and help other women do the same.
Meet the Squad!
Emily
Emily Lynn Paulson is the author of Highlight Real: Finding Honesty and Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life, and the forthcoming Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing (May 2023). She has given two powerful TEDx talks, both challenging the status quo of parenting, alcohol use, and feminism as we know it. Paulson has also been featured in major publications such as the Today Show, New York Times, Washington Post, The Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune, Next Question with Katie Couric, and the Tamron Hall Show. She resides in Central Oregon with her husband and their five children.
Kiola
I’m a certified nutrition coach and sober community facilitator. After working for over a decade in the fitness industry, I pivoted my coaching to serve exclusively in the recovery and sobriety space. As a woman in recovery, I’m passionate about teaching my community how to use fitness and nutrition to support our sobriety. I’m currently working towards the California state license as a Peer Support Specialist and I feel so grateful to be able to live out my life’s passion in a community that is so important to me.
Lainy
I work full time as a marketer in the financial services industry. While I do very much enjoy my day job, I have a passion for mentoring women in the recovery community. I have been sober since August 31, 2020; joining sober mom squad as a member at 90 days. I fell in love with the community and became a host 1.5 years ago. I have made the best friends through SMS and truly look forward to helping women every day. Sobriety, recovery work, and Sober Mom Squad has changed my life in so many beautiful ways.
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio Lester Morse joins the show, Lester is the director of Rehabs UK and East Coast Recovery, an online tool to help people access addiction treatment services. Joined by Lester, Sojna Pewter tells her story of addiction recovery. Tune in on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook live event, Thursday 12-1pm PST. Talk Recovery airs every Thursday from 12-1pm PST on 100.5 fm Co-op Radio.
About Lester Lester has worked in addiction treatment for over 30 years. He founded a sober living project in Watford for 9 years before opening a 45-bed residential rehab in Suffolk for 15 years. He is currently the director of East Coast Recovery online and RehabsUK. Lester’s projects & community programmes have countless success stories!
Rehabs UK and East Coast Recovery Rehabs UK is a free and confidential addiction recovery support service. Partnered with a broad range of trusted clinics throughout the UK and in Europe, the Rehabs UK team work to find the best possible match for each individual at the beginning of their recovery journey.
East Coast Recovery opened its doors on the peaceful Suffolk coast in 2001 and since that time we have supported thousands of people and their families into recovery. Our residential side of the company closed its doors at the end of May 2022. Due to the pandemic and thousands of people turning to the online world we made the move to create an online rehab programme which enables more people than ever before to get the help they need. We are not only an online rehab but our treatment advisors work collaboratively with our sister company, Rehabs UK, who can help to direct individuals to the right residential rehabilitation center.
Rehab UK and East Coast Recovery Social Media Pages Rehab UK
Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Website
East Coast Recovery
Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Website
Sonja's Story Sonja Pewter used Class A drugs for nearly two decades and has been to HMP approximately 13 times for various offences from shop lifting to street robberies. Her last sentence was long enough for her to have the opportunity to think about what she wanted from her life and is where her journey into new beginnings started. Sonja left HMP for last time on the 4th of February 2006 and went to treatment where she lasted 9 days before being introduced to Lester. Sonja joined a mature AA fellowship in Watford whom she is forever grateful to and although she ended up using a couple of times from February 2006 to October 2006, she still attended meetings, got herself a sponsor and started working through the steps. She has been clean since October 1st 2006 and continues to be actively involved in 12 step fellowships and has been in employment since getting clean. Sonja was ECR’s Recovery Centre Manager working alongside Lester before leaving in June 2022 to begin a new adventure back in her old home town, Southend. She has bought her own house, gained her level 5 in Leadership and Management along with other studies and training. Sonja has been all around the world on lovely holidays and her relationships – daughter included are better than she ever imagined.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Joel Soper author of "Never Enough Zeroes" He joins us to talk about his memoir and share his personal story of recovery from gambling addiction. Catch the show on Facebook Live Thursday at 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio, also catch Talk Recovery Radio weekly on 100.5fm co op Radio.
Never Enough Zeroes
About the book: When Joel Soper placed his first “sure thing” bet at the Detroit Race Course back in 1987, he never imagined that such an innocent gesture might lead him down the path to gambling addiction. But now, after tossing millions of dollars into the bonfire of unfulfilled dreams, Joel is stepping out of the shadows to bare his soul about the realities of compulsive sports betting. Never Enough Zeroes is an unflinching and searing portrayal that exposes the all-too-human foibles of a man trapped on the treadmill of obsession. Co-author Philip Wyeth captures the essence of Joel’s tortured existence by telling his unforgettable life story with compassion, humor, and literary flair. The result is a memoir that will touch readers from all backgrounds as it throws a lifeline to anyone caught in the relentless undertow of addiction who also dreams of creating a better version of themselves. “I’ve made millions of dollars with my silver tongue, but it always just slips through my fingers...” As more states legalize gambling across the nation, Joel’s story is an especially timely warning about this scourge where losses often extend beyond money into broken relationships and mental health issues.
The proliferation of live betting has the potential to turn a generation of unwitting sports fans into nothing more than rats frantically tapping their phone screens for the next dopamine rush. This book is a call to action! It raises a banner of hope amid a sea of desperation, and signals the start of a new alliance which is weaving a safety net so that addicts of all stripes might never hit rock bottom again. As Joel continues his difficult journey as a “work in progress,” he hopes that Never Enough Zeroes will be a worthy addition to the self-help canon, as well as a companion piece to the mental health professional’s bookshelf.
About the Author
Joel Soper grew up in Livonia, Michigan, the youngest of four siblings. After graduating from Western Michigan University he moved to San Diego, California. For nearly three decades Joel has run some of the most successful residential landscaping businesses across Southern California. He currently lives in Los Angeles.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Samir Baksh director of marketing for FAYYR which is a organization that supports charities, non-profit organizations and humanitarian causes through NFT fundraisers. Second on the show to join Samir is Alex O an artist in recovery, and Alex will share his story of recovery from addiction and how art helped Alex in his journey. Catch it all on our Facebook live video on Talk Recovery Radio Facebook page. Also on 100.5fm noon-1pm PST.
FAYYR
Our Purpose
We believe that everyone has a role in making the world a better place. Our vision is to empower global participation in supporting social good using emerging blockchain technology. To this end, we have created a platform that connects charities, artists, and their supporters to the crypto economy and to each other. Fayyr was created to support charities, non-profit organizations and humanitarian causes through NFT fundraisers. A non-fungible token, or NFT, is a unique digital asset that is stored on a cryptocurrency blockchain. Fundamentally, a blockchain is a digital database used for recording transactions that is distributed throughout a network of computers to keep information and assets safe. We use the NEAR blockchain because it is fast, cheap, and climate neutral.
Our Story
Our small, dedicated team has worked hard during the pandemic to make our vision a reality. While we’re driven by this vision, we have also had a lot of practical challenges to face. Unsurprisingly, this has meant enormous dedication, as well as learning all kinds of new technical tools, methods, processes, and underlying technologies. Luckily, this is exactly what we love to learn about, so while we’re working hard, we’re having a blast doing it! To accomplish our goal, we’ve leveraged our many complementary skills. We range from seasoned software veterans, to enthusiastic top of the class students; from mathematical gurus to marketing masters and everything else in between. We love sports, music, art, books, movies, video games, and hanging out with friends. We’re a bunch of keeners, and a bunch of campers, but you would probably find that at most startups. What keeps us going is our collective vision to support charities while celebrating digital art. It’s what we’re all about.
Personal Story
Alex O is an artist in recovery, Alex will join Talk Recovery to talk about his story of recovery from his addiction and how Art has helped him in his journey. Catch Alex on the radio and Facebook live this Thursday from 12:30-1:00pm.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Wendi Friesen, Wendi is a speaker, Author, Corporate Training. Since 1994, Expert in Hypnosis, Mindfulness and NLP. Join us on 100.5fm every Thursday from noon-1pm PST, or on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook Live.
About Wendi I am worldwide leader in creating rapid change for life's difficult problems. Since 1994 my site at Wendi.com has influenced the lives of millions worldwide and brought insight, wisdom and spiritual growth to people in need. I can help you.
I am often described by my colleagues as a powerful healer, teacher and a creative marketing expert, and they tell me I am one of the most loved transformational trainers in the world.
As a flat broke single mother of two, with no resources, money, help or partners, I created a transformation business for devoted followers who seek real change.
My work caught the attention of the media and I quickly became an authority on how to make rapid and massive change in your mind, body and spiritual life.
Wendi.com grew to experience millions in sales in a short time, reaching the hearts and minds of people who understood how her sincerity and passion could transform their lives. Wendi has created over 300 programs on audio and Video that will teach you how to really use your brain! The programs lead you through a process of changing your brain's neural networks, the chemicals of depression, and the habitual and compulsive thoughts that prevent them from being happy. I've been called a miracle worker and have helped doctors who refer their patients to me to do what they might consider impossible. My work with the medical hypnosis has freed people from chronic pain, ended debilitating phobias, released the effects of PTSD, ended the torture of relentless migraines, and cured many so called incurable conditions.
It is remarkable what the mind can do when given the right stuff. My recorded programs use powerful therapy that rewires the neural pathways in the brain and results in amazing outcomes. I am committed to breaking new ground in the treatment of addiction. After numerous frustrating attempts to help my son with years of addiction, I created a powerful program that is based on the new science of how the brain can be changed through meditation, hypnosis, NLP and energetic methods.
Everything that you experience affects your ability to be effective, happy, motivated and successful. Life is full of ups and downs and how you manage your experiences will determine how you react to new experiences in your life. You can be devastated by an event or empowered and determined. My experience with hypnosis has taught me how to shift the way the brain reacts and how I respond to life’s experiences.
Wendi's Website | Wendi's Facebook |Wendi's Twitter
WHAT IS NEXT?
I am on a mission to change the way the world treats addiction. The crisis of addiction is one I take personally. My success in helping those who've lost hope is proof that I can change the minds, hearts and lives of addicts and their families. It is not enough to just end your addiction, it is about building a valuable and exciting life and restoring your heart and soul. Locking someone in a treatment center for 30 days and driving them to AA meetings does nothing to change the emotional, mental and physical destruction that an addict endures. Loving family members have few choices when seeking a treatment that creates deep and lasting change. I am training therapists, counselors and addiction centers to use powerful methods that they can implement in their centers.
Canada’s Largest Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Day Festival. This Saturday Recovery Day BC – 10th Anniversary Noon to 6 pm, September 10th New Westminster BC.
Addiction Recovery Festival Festival Program 6th and 6th Stage Program 12:00– 1:00 Eagle Eyes – Eagles tribute band
2:00 – 3:00 Busty and the Bass
3:30 – 4:30 Snotty Nose Rez Kids
5:00 – 6:00 Tom Cochrane
Kids Stage at 5th Av and 6th street
12:00 – 12:15 Will’s Jams Opening
12:15 – 1:00 Penny Pom Pom
1:00 – 1:10Cosmo Circus
1:30 – 2:15 Karima Essa – Bollywood Star Workshop
2:15 – 2:25 Cosmo Circus
3:00 – 3:45 Fred Penner
4:00 – 4:50 Will’s Jam
4:50 – 5:00 Cosmo Circus
5:05 – 6:00 themagicguy.ca Gary Savard Kids Zone Korki Clown, facepainters, clowns, balloon artists, the Fun GymBus, LEGO TENT, Tumble City Cheer Parkour Gymnastics, Lollipop the Bubble Clown, COCO the parrot, and so much more. Adventure Zone Rock Climbing Wall Virtual Reality Experience Axe Throwing
BC Addiction Recovery Association Stage 12:00 Bungalow
1:15 Will Clements
2:30 Amber Tsang
3:35 Tess Anderson
5:00 Sugar Fungus Plus 2 more stages
My Uptown New West Stage features – Cakewalk Dance Band & Djs 5th St and 6th Ave Stage Royal City Swing Over 200 Vendor Spaces Booked
What is happening at Recovery Day?
Food Trucks Artisans Mental Health and Addiction Service Providers Adventure Zone with Rock Climbing, Virtual Reality Pods, Swing Dancing, and Axe Throwing Kids Zone with Facepainters, Clowns, Magicians, Balloon Art Overdose Memorial Tree to honour those lost too soon 4 Music Stages Recovery Day BC in New Westminster has become one of the world’s largest events celebrating recovery and raising awareness that recovery from addiction and mental health issues is possible. See you on September 10th, 2022 in the Uptown New West Neighborhood at 6th and 6th.
Talk Recovery Radio
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Colleen Allan to the show, Colleen is the executive director of St. Raphael Wellness Centre and has been teaching a course about Gender Differences of Alcohol Effects on Women for many years now. Colleen is joined by two women who will share their story of recovery with us as well. 3 guests one full hour on Talk Recovery Radio, catch it all on our Facebook page LIVE noon-1pm PST every Thursday or on Co-op Radio 100.5fm.
Alcohol Effects on Women
There has been widespread acceptance by the scientific community of alcohol’s effect on women, particularly the vulnerability of developing breast cancer, and the highest risk of reoccurrence, for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the fact that it is well documented in the literature and has been reported in two expose’s two years running by the CBC’s National News, there seems to be no recognition that women should be given this information. It has been recommended that warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages that have been instituted by some European countries. About
Elysia 41 years old, married no kids. Volunteer at SRWC, doing reception, outreach and intakes. Problem drinking started at about 30 years old and progressed full on alcohol dependency at 35. Sober 3 years this September. September, 2019, I was hospitalized with acute liver failure and cellulitis. I was given approximately 6 months to live without a liver transplant, but once the alcohol consumption stopped, my health gradually improved to the point where I am no longer in need of a liver transplant. I did, however suffer long term effects from the alcohol. I have moderate to severe alcoholic neuropathy in my feet and legs that make both standing or sitting for any extended period of time a problem. This is a marked improvement from three years ago, however, as initially, I was unable to walk without a walker or get up or down without assistance. I am also now peri-menopausal which takes away any option of having children.
About Taylor
My name is Taylor, I was diagnosed with end stage liver cirrhosis at the age of 28 in 2019. I had never heard of cirrhosis before, I knew alcohol from an early age wasn’t “good” for you and had plenty of talks growing up about how bad smoking, drugs, pills, etc. are but never really alcohol. Alcohol always seemed normal to me, it’s all around you. Especially these days, I find it’s around everywhere. I see it in nail salons, hair salons, weird places you wouldn’t normally see it. When I was diagnosed, it was explained to me and my parents from what I can remember, but I didn’t really have a guide on how to handle what was happening to me. I remember just being really confused and didn’t really know what to do with it all, or cared really at that point, that’s where my brain was at. I was confused, scared, lost. When I was at my worst with my battle with cirrhosis, I had every symptom possible on the list when you google it, except for the coma part, and coming back out of the hospital and into reality was really hard for me. I was using alcohol to escape from trauma, and to protect myself from a lot of things from my past. I didn’t know what to do with all of this, that’s when my auntie just took me to SRWC one day, and without knowing it was going to happen, as the more I attended, the better I started to slowly feel. They gave me a place to go when I didn’t think anyone else would understand what I was going through, I felt safe there immediately. I started doing 1:1 sessions with a counselor and when I got confident enough, which was something they also helped me build, because I had zero when I walked in those doors, I started to attend group sessions. I felt accepted by the other women in my group, I felt accepted by my counselors, and everyone else that worked at SRWC.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio Jeanette Yoffe executive director of the Celia Centre joins the show to talk about adoption, abandonment and mental health addiction recovery, then followed by Rebekah G a woman in Recovery with over 8 years clean shares her story of recovery from addiction. Catch it all on our Facebook page LIVE. #NewWestRecovery.
About Jeanette Yoffe
Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is the Executive Director and Founder of Celia Center. This is a support center that meets the critical needs of all those connected by Foster Care and Adoption. It supports those who serve the community in Los Angeles and beyond via support groups, mental health conferences, wolf healings, and art festivals. She is the clinical director of Yoffe Therapy, which provides psychotherapy to children, teens, and their families, treating attachment, trauma, grief, and loss challenges. She has been in the field for over 20 years.
She has worked as a psychotherapist, foster care social worker, clinical director, trainer for Los Angeles Child and Family Services, Department of Mental Health for parents, social workers, and therapists on adoption & foster care challenges, parenting, the impact of pre-adoption trauma, grief/loss, open adoption. She supports adult adoptees searching for extended lost family members and assists in reunions and family reunification. She was awarded the Foster Care Hero Award for her dedication to children and families in foster care in Los Angeles. Yoffe’s desire to become a therapist with a particular focus on adopted and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system in New York. Adoption and Abandonment It’s important to acknowledge that all adoption starts with some form of loss. It’s the invisible wound of adoption.
7 CORE ISSUES: rejection, guilt, shame, grief, identity and intimacy challenges, the distinctions – or battle – between implied identity and imposed identity, mastery and control. There’s difficulty with trust because their very first most significant relationship was severed, often traumatically. That inherited abandonment can often translate to a heightened sensitivity to rejection and feeling abandoned. There’s tremendous vulnerability, difficulty forming trusting relationships. “Am I good enough?” There’s an acute sense of alienation because they have become disenfranchised from their ancestral tribe: “Where did I come from? Who am I?” I often say we’re not adoptees, we’re adoptees. Often, I have found in my work with adoptees that there is a deep feeling of inner turmoil, disconnection, low self-worth, and overwhelming fear and anxiety. I believe what leads my adopted or fostered clients into addiction or compulsive behavior often stems from the suppression of inner pain. Sometimes this is a pain recognized, but sometimes this buried pain is not recognized and is a disenfranchised grief, that society doesn’t recognize as valid. But it is. Adoptees need to be encouraged to grieve. Substance abuse can be thought of as an attempt at a solution to the inner turmoil rather than the cause of it, as it can help to numb pain and keep it lodged within. The problem with this is that keeping the pain blocked prevents us from experiencing the growth we need to become our best selves
About Rebekah G
A member of the New Westminster recovery community, Bekah G. has been clean for 8.5 years and is a graduate of Westminster House Recovery Center for Women. She knows that she can only keep what she has by giving it away; Bekah serves as the secretary of her homegroup, sponsors women from the community and is on the fundraising committee for the 47th PNWCNA, to be held in October 2024. Bekah is an educator who loves babies, building community and feasting with friends.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio Jeanette Yoffe executive director of the Celia Centre joins the show to talk about adoption, abandonment and mental health addiction recovery, then followed by Rebekah G a woman in Recovery with over 8 years clean shares her story of recovery from addiction. Catch it all on our Facebook page LIVE. #NewWestRecovery.
About Jeanette Yoffe
Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is the Executive Director and Founder of Celia Center. This is a support center that meets the critical needs of all those connected by Foster Care and Adoption. It supports those who serve the community in Los Angeles and beyond via support groups, mental health conferences, wolf healings, and art festivals. She is the clinical director of Yoffe Therapy, which provides psychotherapy to children, teens, and their families, treating attachment, trauma, grief, and loss challenges. She has been in the field for over 20 years.
She has worked as a psychotherapist, foster care social worker, clinical director, trainer for Los Angeles Child and Family Services, Department of Mental Health for parents, social workers, and therapists on adoption & foster care challenges, parenting, the impact of pre-adoption trauma, grief/loss, open adoption. She supports adult adoptees searching for extended lost family members and assists in reunions and family reunification. She was awarded the Foster Care Hero Award for her dedication to children and families in foster care in Los Angeles. Yoffe’s desire to become a therapist with a particular focus on adopted and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system in New York. Adoption and Abandonment It’s important to acknowledge that all adoption starts with some form of loss. It’s the invisible wound of adoption.
7 CORE ISSUES: rejection, guilt, shame, grief, identity and intimacy challenges, the distinctions – or battle – between implied identity and imposed identity, mastery and control. There’s difficulty with trust because their very first most significant relationship was severed, often traumatically. That inherited abandonment can often translate to a heightened sensitivity to rejection and feeling abandoned. There’s tremendous vulnerability, difficulty forming trusting relationships. “Am I good enough?” There’s an acute sense of alienation because they have become disenfranchised from their ancestral tribe: “Where did I come from? Who am I?” I often say we’re not adoptees, we’re adoptees. Often, I have found in my work with adoptees that there is a deep feeling of inner turmoil, disconnection, low self-worth, and overwhelming fear and anxiety. I believe what leads my adopted or fostered clients into addiction or compulsive behavior often stems from the suppression of inner pain. Sometimes this is a pain recognized, but sometimes this buried pain is not recognized and is a disenfranchised grief, that society doesn’t recognize as valid. But it is. Adoptees need to be encouraged to grieve. Substance abuse can be thought of as an attempt at a solution to the inner turmoil rather than the cause of it, as it can help to numb pain and keep it lodged within. The problem with this is that keeping the pain blocked prevents us from experiencing the growth we need to become our best selves
About Rebekah G
A member of the New Westminster recovery community, Bekah G. has been clean for 8.5 years and is a graduate of Westminster House Recovery Center for Women. She knows that she can only keep what she has by giving it away; Bekah serves as the secretary of her homegroup, sponsors women from the community and is on the fundraising committee for the 47th PNWCNA, to be held in October 2024. Bekah is an educator who loves babies, building community and feasting with friends.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio Author, motivational speaker, recovery coach podcaster and founder of "Life is Wonderful" Hugo Vrsalovic joins the show for the full hour. Catch it all on Talk Recovery's Facebook page here.
About Hugo Hugo Vrsalovic is the founder of Life Is Wonderful. Hugo V. has met difficult challenges in his life that allows him to relate to people who are dealing with similar struggles. With over 20 years in recovery from gambling and alcohol along with being in therapy for 7 years, he truly believes that 12 Step meetings, therapy, and retreats work. Hugo V. is the son of immigrant parents and is fluent in Spanish. His family history is of Bolivian and Croatian background. Hugo V. has graduated with an MBA from Rice University, BBA from The University of Texas at Austin, and graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. He is a DTM Toastmaster. About Life is Wonderful Life Is Wonderful is a business that focuses on empowering people who are struggling with addiction by using methods of honest self-awareness. Self-awareness is defined as one's conscious knowledge of character, motives, desires, and feelings. Life Is Wonderful believes people who struggle with addiction and other matters such as family issues and spirituality can seek help only if they have the desire to do so.
The founder of Life Is Wonderful, Hugo Vrsalovic, has created a unique twist on "The 12 Steps" called "The 12 Steps - Explained," which explains each step in a different way, hoping to get people to understand the Steps and become grateful for the Steps since the Steps can transform lives and help you be content. The 12 Steps involve having honest self-reflection, having positive support, making positive changes, and maintaining that positive change.
Life Is Wonderful has a goal of transforming the lives of people who are struggling with addiction and life by practicing self-awareness. The founder, Hugo Vrsalovic, is the motivational public speaker for Life Is Wonderful and connects with audiences to help them think, feel, and see differently on life struggles. Hugo Vrsalovic uses personal experiences, humor, and scientific knowledge to make an impact. He speaks at middle schools, high schools, corporations, universities, and recovery centers. Currently, he is writing an audiobook.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two amazing guests, first on the show is Vancouver drag sensation Kendall Gender to talk about Untoxicated 2022 which is coming home to New Westminster at New West Pride this Saturday. Second on the show is Victoria H yoga teacher and person in recovery who will tell us her personal story of how yoga helped save her life. Catch it all on Facebook live this Thursday at 12pm PST. Kendall Gender As a performer, host, model and LGBTQIA2S+ activist, Kendall Gender is a bonafide Canadian drag sensation. With grassroots in Vancouver, she has performed coast to coast since 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down.
Kendall is best known for being on season 2 of Canada’s Drag Race, where she placed in the top 3. She is also known for being the queer ambassador for Fairmont Hotels, a member of infamous drag group ‘BRATPACK’ and a past winner of elite drag competition “Vancouver’s Next Drag Superstar” in 2017. She was also elected as the “Empress of Vancouver” and raised over $25,000 for various charities as a part of the Dogwood Monarchist Society. In 2020 she was also the first drag performer to do a halftime performance at the Rugby 7’s game, performing for a crowd of 50,000 people.
As a biracial artist, Kendall started the show ‘VISIBLE’ which is designed as a platform to raise money and awareness for visible minorities. In 2020, the events moved digital and raised over $9,000 for Black Lives Matter during a single event.
Kendall has been cast in the lead role of an upcoming film called “Stay”, playing the character Kaleb /Ivy Diamonds. The film is set to release in fall 2022.
Always dressed to the nines and known for her explosive and high-energy performances that radiate positivity and ooze sex appeal, Kendall is a powerhouse that continues to leave audiences wanting more as her star continues to rise.
Kendall's Social Media
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Untoxicated 2022 Last Door’s Clean Sober Proud initiative invites EVERYONE to substance-free spaces during Pride Season, people in recovery, recovery allies, sober curious people and anyone who wants to be part of is welcome to celebrate with us.
Dance with us at our highly anticipated UNTOXICATED Street festival.
This year the anticipated Untoxicated festival is coming home to New West in partnership with the New West Pride
These activities help foster healthy relationships for the LGBTQ2s+ Community while connecting people to Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services.
Thank you to the thousands of volunteers and the thousands of supporters over the years that have helped this initiative grow.
Where: Outside of Anvil Centre, New Westminster, BC
When: 3-8pm August 13th, 2022
Yoga and Addiction Recovery The second half of the show hear Victoria's personal story of addiction and recovery and how yoga helped save her life.
Recovery and yoga have saved my life. When in front of a class it is important to me to be authentic, with a non-judgmental teaching style and compassion-centered philosophy, adding in my sense of humor to make it fun. I encourage growth of the physical and spiritual, weaving yoga into the recovery process. This is my passion, and I am so happy to have found it.
Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 amazing guests. First on the show we welcome Bruce Rosenberg, co founder of Rosenberg Law, Bruce has made a name for himself in the area of healthcare fraud litigation defense. Second on the show is Steven Hall, a person in long term recovery sharing his personal story of recovery from addiction. Catch it all on Facebook Live on Talk Recovery's Facebook page. About Bruce Rosenberg Bruce Rosenberg is a founding partner of Rosenberg Law, P.A. With over 30 years of experience litigating in New York and Florida, Mr. Rosenberg now concentrates his practice in healthcare regulatory compliance and civil racketeering litigation. He has successfully litigated a wide array of cases on behalf of healthcare professionals and businesses. Mr. Rosenberg also frequently advises other general practice and criminal attorneys on issues of corporate compliance, HIPAA privacy compliance, contracts, medical staff issues, and billing issues.
Before specializing in healthcare law, Mr. Rosenberg represented insurance companies in subrogation cases and with defense issues. This experience allows him to serve healthcare providers more efficiently and effectively. His working knowledge includes complex commercial litigation, acquisitions, assignments, joint ventures, partnerships, civil defense of banking and leasing institutions as well as banking compliance.
Mr. Rosenberg is an active member of the Sarasota Bar Association. He also currently serves on the Florida Bar Technology Committee.
Rosenberg Law Socials
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
DRUG ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB COVERAGE The Affordable Care Act (ACA) eliminated addiction from the list of preexisting conditions, thus ensuring health insurance coverage for alcohol and drug rehabilitation services; this is because the ACA sought to improve access to medical health services during a time of rising widespread mental health issues.
The ACA classified addiction treatment as an "essential medical benefit".
Pursuant to the ACA, insurance plans cover addiction evaluation and treatment medication, alcohol and drug testing, anti-craving medication, clinic and home health visits, family counseling, certain interventions, and medical detox programs. Plans obtainable through the Health Insurance Marketplace provide varying degrees of coverage for rehabilitation–60% for Bronze plans, 70% for Silver plans, 80% for Gold plans, and 90% for
Platinum plans.
As a result, the ACA makes addiction treatment more affordable and allows patients to select a greater range of rehabilitation services. However, inpatient programs may be excluded by ACA/public plans. Since the passage of the ACA, private plans offer varying levels of coverage for rehabilitation. State laws that regulate private plans typically require insurance providers to cover substance abuse treatment and other mental health rehab services.
Though costlier than public insurance, private insurance ordinarily provides more options for treatment coverage than public plans, especially for alcohol and drug addiction rehab. However, some private plans do not cover substance abuse rehab, which makes public plans more favorable in those circumstances. Note that the difference between drug addiction and substance abuse–substance abuse is using a substance in a way not intended or more often/in higher amounts than necessary, while addiction is a chronic illness in which a person experiences neurochemical changes causing psychological dependence on a drug.
OFF-LABEL PRESCRIPTIONS
Insurance companies can sometimes deny coverage when physicians prescribe drugs–this occurs when the prescription is for an ailment omitted from the label, meaning that though the drug treats the ailment for which the drug has been prescribed, the drug was not specifically approved for treating said ailment.
Although the practice of off-label prescriptions is lawful and happens all the time, insurance providers deny coverage, except in limited circumstances where physicians provide convincing peer-reviewed research in favor of their prescription.
Even in cases where a physician can convincingly provide backing for the off-label prescription, insurance companies may deny coverage at their discretion.
Steven's Personal Story Steven made his way down from the West Kootenays to a residential treatment center in the lower mainland, he completed a 12-step based program which was 60 days in duration. Once he completed the program, he began to volunteer at the treatment facility and today is an employee there. His own experience and struggles with addiction and mental health, coupled with working in the field, has given Steven fresh perspectives on the impact addiction has had on his community, friends, family, and himself. By entering recovery, Steven was able to stabilize on medications, receive counselling and build a strong support network of friends and professionals that help him daily to overcome his own struggles. Steven is a strong believer that there is hope in recovery and a strong community of like-minded individuals can bring a solution to British Columbia’s growing substance misuse epidemic and overdose crisis. By creating more safe spaces in our community that provide access to professional mental and physical health care services, Steven believes everyone is capable and worth recovery from addiction.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Dr. Donna Marks to the show, Dr. Marks is an educator, author, concierge psychotherapist and addictions counsellor in Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Marks is also the author of “Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure" and will be joining us for the full hour on Facebook live on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page.
Dr. Donna Marks
Donna Marks is an educator and concierge psychotherapist and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owned an outpatient treatment program and is a consultant to treatment centers.
Donna is the author of the multi-award-winning, Exit the Maze-One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and created an online course for people who want to be cured of addiction. Her mission is to save a million lives in the next ten years. Her approach to addiction is unique. She believes that all addictions are a substitute for love. Her work in mental health and addictions centers on teaching people how to love themselves, and the more the pain is replaced with self-love, the need for any substitutes is forgotten. For 30 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles. Donna is the author of two books: Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, and the multi-award-winning title: Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure.
Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with hundreds of thousands of listeners on podcasts and radio shows. Exit the Maze About the book: Dr. Donna Marks is the Author of “Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure” In this easy-to-read revised and expanded edition of Exit the Maze, Dr. Donna Marks makes the revolutionary claim that there is only one addiction with many faces, and the key to overcoming addiction is self-love. Millions of lives are lost to addiction every year, causing more direct and indirect deaths than any other illness. In a world where many things are uncertain, we do know this: There are many kinds of addiction, and in spite of treatment and everything else we’re doing, addiction is only increasing.
Dr. Donna Marks, a renowned psychotherapist, addictions counselor, and teacher of A Course in Miracles for more than thirty years, merges her professional experience and her own personal history of substance dependency to offer a single revolutionary solution to all addictions in this expanded and revised edition of Exit the Maze. No matter what someone is addicted to—alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, smoking, working, gambling, and so forth—loving yourself is the key to recovery.
This doesn’t mean the road is easy or a few acts of self-care will do the trick; the journey to true self-love includes delving deep into your past trauma to understand where your addiction began, addressing those fear-based traumas with compassion and forgiveness, exchanging bad habits with beneficial ones, and staying committed to the recovery process. Allow love to guide you through the maze of addiction and back to living your best life.
Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio staff from the Last Door Youth Program join us for the first half of the show to talk about Last Door Youth Program and how it had evolved over the 25 years of serving youth who struggle with addiction and are needing to find recovery. The second half of the show Jeremy O joins us to tell his personal story of recovery from addiction and what it is like being a teenager with having almost multiple years in recovery. You can catch it all on Talk Recovery's Facebook page LIVE Thursday at noon-1pm.
Last Door Youth Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program provides addiction treatment services for youth ages 13 to 18 years and 19 to 25 years of age. Youth are supported to improve overall functioning via participation in long-term inpatient addiction treatment using a Social Model.
The program is located in New Westminster BC and Clients come from across Canada to participate. Last Door Youth Program is licensed by the Health Authority and accredited by Accreditation Canada. A continuum of care is provided that includes a mental health assessment, individual and group therapy, peer support, balanced diet and nutrition, recreation, positive socialization, family counseling, post-treatment continuing care, and access to educational opportunities. LDYP’s experience-based learning promotes change in youths’ values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that results in an increase in self-esteem and improved decision making. Programs are from 3 months to over 1 year in length, longer programs include a return to school support program, and other long-term life skills support.
Last Door Youth Program Celebrates 25 Years of Providing Service Celebrating and kicking off Last Door’s Youth Program’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations. Helping 13 to 18-year-old kids recover from addiction. Special thanks to everyone who has been part of this 25-year history. The Last Door Adult Program started in 1984, and about a decade later, a Youth Program started. Special thanks to people that have supported the Youth Program.
Jacob's Personal Story Tune in to listen to Last Door Youth Program Alumni Jacob G tell his personal story of addiction and recovery. Jacob went to residential treatment in his teen years and is now almost 2 years in recovery. Jacob inspires youth and adults in recovery on a daily basis with his constant care to help others in the recovery community.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery radio we have 2 great guests, first half of the show Serge Prengel joins us to talk about his book "The Proactive Twelve Steps: A Mindful Program for Lasting Change". Second half of the show Asha A joins us who is a woman in recovery with over 7 years in recovery. You can catch it all on Talk Recovery's Facebook page at noon Thursday. "The Proactive Twelve Steps: A Mindful Program for Lasting Change" About the book:
The Proactive Twelve Steps outline how you can take a proactive approach to life, gradually stepping up from feeling stuck and powerless to enjoying a balanced and happy life. They are a new take on the original Twelve Steps. They describe the steps as a mindful program instead of a mystical experience in which change somehow happens to you.
This book reflects a deep understanding of behavior change, codependency, stress, and trauma. It presents a clear roadmap for self-compassion and mindful self-discovery. It provides specific step-by-step instructions and a broader context that helps readers make sense of the healing process.
Buy the book here
About Serge About Serge: Serge Prengel, LMHC, is a graduate of France's Sorbonne University and HEC Business School. He is certified in Focusing, in Core Energetics and in Somatic Experiencing. His work also draws from Systems-Centered theory. He is a co-founder of the Integrative Focusing Therapy training program.
Serge Prengel's approach is experiential and integrative. He aims for deep insights that are action-oriented:
"It takes a sense of comfort and safety to explore unresolved challenges, to get in touch with difficult feelings, and to find the motivation and inner strength that foster lasting change.
"My goal is to create the kind of atmosphere that makes this possible. I am emotionally present with you. I use my creativity, and I appeal to your creativity.
"This work is interactive: Both you and I are actively involved in the creative process of making change happen.
"Even dealing with difficult situations can come to feel like a very satisfying process when it is done with emotional honesty and creativity."
Serge's Website | Facebook
Guest 2
Asha A Asha's Personal Story:
Asha grew up with a single mom and a very dysfunctional extended family. Her addiction started through experimentation but really took off when she was prescribed a stimulant from her pediatric doctor. She developed an intravenous drug problem by the age of 19 and ended up homeless, wanted by police and on the run by age 21. She got clean at 24 and then again at 26 after a short relapse. Asha is now over 7 years clean and working as the program manager of the very treatment center she went through.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 guests, first half of the show Charlotte Sista C Ferrell who is a dramatic poet, scriptwriter and indie filmmaker. Our second guest is a returning guest Dr. Robb Kelly who is coming back onto the show to share more about his story of addiction and recovery as well about the Robb Kelly Group and what they have been up to in the past year. You can catch it all LIVE on our Facebook page Talk Recovery Vancouver. Guest 1
Charlotte Sista C Ferrell
About Charlotte: Charlotte Sista C Ferrell is a dramatic poet, scriptwriter, and indie filmmaker whose short, social-issue themed films, One Score and 17 Nights, and Sisters Out of the Box, have won festival awards. As a resident of Los Angeles, she creates short documentaries of children and older people she mentors as poetic “Ambassadors of Peace and Love.”
In Vancouver, she is the host/producer for a weekly “Speak Up” radio show at cjsf.ca, and a senior-led podcast, Powered by Age. Drawing upon her experience as a former university instructor and her healing journey (from multiple crashes), she facilitates workshops on transformational poetry; increasing self-love and enhancing voice confidence.
I am a S.T.A.R.R. - Speaker, Teacher & Author with Remarkable Results eliciting people's stories or goals related to their health and wellbeing.. I assist people and organizations to vision, revitalize or activate their stories or goals utilizing direct and digital media. My independent poetry "soaring" poetic therapy work has included weekly writing-open mike sessions at a Los Angeles residential recovery center; providing poetic exploration, writing and expression sessions for different sobriety or recovery programs. I do not video any poetry performances or workshops I do at recovery centers but I do have some clips of me during a D.T.E.S. showcase. I also have a workbook that some rehabilitation programs have found to be beneficial
Guest 2 Dr. Robb Kelly Robb Kelly, PhD – The Recovery Expert – was born in Manchester England. He grew up in a family of musicians and developed a strong love for music at an early age. He was performing on stage at the age of nine. During his early twenties, he worked at the elite and influential Abbey Roads Studio, as a session musician in London. Addiction was always close to his heart as Dr. Kelly was born into a family that had a history of alcoholism. He began drinking and using drugs at an early age, but he managed to stay on a path of success, moving to Oxford in the early 1980’s to pursue a PhD in Psychology at the prestigious University of Oxford.
He continued to drink heavily during his time in Oxford – but still managed to complete his Doctorate studies, graduating with a PhD in psychology in 1984. Even though he was a heavy drinker – no one would have predicted, that he would be living on the streets of Manchester, homeless and alone. He recalls the night where he had a staggering revelation when it came to his own alcoholism. It would later coin two of his most popular catch phrases: “The Problem is not our Drinking, it is our Thinking” and “Step out of the Disease, and into the Solution.” Dr. Kelly was standing on a street corner one night in Manchester.
His body was shaking from alcohol withdrawal, and he stood in front of a liquor store, trembling, desperately waiting for the store to open. He knew that as soon as he drank that first sip of alcohol, he would feel relief. As soon as the liquor store opened, he rushed into the store. The clerk grabbed a bottle of Vodka from the shelf, and placed it in a brown paper bag in front of him. As he lifted the bag in his hands his trembling stopped. His body stopped shaking and his mind rested at ease. He had not even taken that first sip; it was just the promise of alcohol that stopped his shaking and eased his restless mind.
About Robb Kelly Group
At Robb Kelly Recovery Group, we treat clients from all walks of life, and we will work with anyone who desperately wants to recover. Robb Kelly has always used the phrase: “You cannot just buy our Services you have to earn them” Many people fail our assessment; they are not ready to get well. We refuse to take money off anyone who isn’t ready. At Robb Kelly Recovery Group, we focus on healing the body, mind, and spirit of our clients. We are constantly reminding our clients that the real problem is our thinking, not our drinking. Utilizing Neuro-Linguistic programming, Somatic Experiencing Techniques, and behavior observation- we can change our thought pattern – we can change our behavior. Positive thoughts lead to positive behavior.
Talk Recovery Radio is powered by New West Recovery, Last Door is a non-profit organization that has been in operation since 1984.
www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com
If you’d like to learn more about our work and approach, get in touch with us online or by phone at: 1-888-525-9771
Website: https://lastdoor.org/
Email: info@lastdoor.org
Help line: 1-855-465-2851
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 amazing guests Robbie Seale and Lauren Richardson, Robbie the the host of “FASD Family Life Podcast” who also has experiencing with raising children who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. As well as a personal story from Lauren Richardson who has a story about living with FASD. All on Facebook live at 12pm PST on Talk Recovery Vancouver’s Facebook page.
FASD Family Life Podcast
About the Podcast
FASD Family Life podcast is where we get REAL about raising children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Host and FASD Educator, Robbie Seale, synergizes her 20 years lived experience, in-depth knowledge of FASD and the best research to educate, encourage, equip parents and caregivers raising children and youth with FASD. Robbie’s passion is to help families thrive, because she knows the struggle is real and so is success. Weekly episodes of FASD Family Life discuss the challenges families experience and delivers effective strategies to improve family cohesion and increase understanding of this complex disability.
Do you have a question about FASD or are you struggling with a challenging situation? About Robbie I produce and host the FASD Family Life Podcast as a resource for parents, grandparents, care givers raising children and youth who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. My podcast is fueled by my passion to help families thrive by educating, encouraging, and equipping parents and caregivers to understand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and strategies for success. I have five children; four of whom I adopted from the child welfare system. Each of my children were prenatally exposed to alcohol. When I adopted each of my children I didn’t know the implications of prenatal alcohol exposure.
My children are now adults and teens and we experience the implication of the prenatal alcohol exposure in their behavior, mental health and addictions. Three of my children have a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a result of the prenatal alcohol exposure.
About Lauren
Hello my name is Lauren Richardson I am also someone who is living with Fetal alcohol syndrome I was diagnosed with this condition March 31st 2014 at the age of 27 years old I was adopted from El Salvador at 3 months old to two amazing Canadian parents I have two awesome sisters I am the middle child I grew up in Hamilton Ontario Canada and then moved out West in 2005 I am currently out in British Columbia I am also born with having a cleft lip and cleft palate which has since been fixed since being diagnosed I have become a huge self-advocate and public advocate for Fetal alcohol syndrome and Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder here in Canada
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 5 amazing mothers on for a full hour who are sharing their stories of their journey through their children’s recovery journeys, as well as the Recovery Gnome Project and Recovery n’ Motion. Catch the show live on Talk Recovery’s Facebook page Thursday at noon – 1pm. About Recovery Gnome Project The Recovery Gnome Project, founded by family members with loved ones who have struggled with the disease of addiction, was created with a specific mission: To Celebrate Recovery and Inspire Conversation, Learning, and Hope!
We are familiar with the devastating impact addiction has on the entire family; the hurt, the loss of self and purpose, and the isolation. The stigma of addiction for all involved can create a very lonely and bleak world. Regaining what was lost takes an incredible amount of hope and support. Having been there ourselves, we know that recovery is not only possible, it’s happening all around us-families can and do recover!
Embarking on unique recovery journeys has led us to our definition of recovery, “The mindful pursuit of physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.” and to help normalize the concept of recovery, the RGP has created a variety of campaigns designed to meet our mission. Along the way, we have discovered that some of the best healing comes from shared experiences: Whether it’s a chat while painting a Recovery Gnome or a run with a group of Recovery ‘n Motion teammates, conversation, learning, and hope are sure to follow.
Recovery ‘n Motion RGP’s Team Recovery ‘n Motion is our latest campaign and is an example of the RGP mission statement in action. Three moms (Lianne, Carrie-Ann and Kathleen), brought together by way of their children’s addiction, were leaning on one another for support. They were having a conversation about the stigma of addiction and how they might be able to change people’s perceptions when the idea of running was discussed and boom, one thing led to another, they reached out to the Recovery Gnome Project and the rest is history. Our dream would be to have the largest team in the marathon to in order to spark many more conversations addressing the stigma of addiction and normalizing the concept of recovery. Our recovery gnome symbol (the guardian of treasure-no greater treasure than that of recovery) is a non-threatening conversation starter and what a sight it will be to have 150 + RGP Team Recovery ‘n Motion members running in the BMO 8km with Recovery Gnomes on their shirts.
RPG Team Members Kris, a former Speech & Language Pathologist, is one of the founding members of the Recovery Gnome Project. You might hear Kris long before you set eyes on her-she is energetic, loud, and loves to laugh: That was not always the case. Having experienced the family disease of addiction and the chaos associated with it, Kris’ sense of self, purpose, and joy had all but escaped her. The stigma of addiction and lack of resources left her feeling alone and lost. Regaining what once was took faith, courage, and lots of support, much like it did for her addicted loved ones. Now, on her own recovery journey, Kris aims to help families and those touched by addiction know there is hope, community, and help available-Recovery is possible AND families do recover! Sandra is a physiotherapist and one of the original RGP founders. She is very familiar with the family disease of addiction after watching and struggling alongside her son as he battled his addiction. Her son began to heal and start on his recovery journey, and Sandra slowly realized that her journey was very separate from her son’s. She began to work on herself, healing her inter-generational trauma, giving her the strength, peace, and serenity in her life that she so needed and deserved. For Sandra, the importance of embracing a holistic recovery which includes friendships with other parents of adult children in recovery, physical fitness, and spirituality is integral. She has once again learned to love, understand and forgive herself. Sandra has learned to set boundaries and let go. Kathleen is a retired speech-language pathologist who spent years as a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband were shocked when they discovered that their teenage sons had started to experiment with drugs. This shock turned to fear, confusion, isolation, anger, and grief as drugs and alcohol became more important than school, family, hockey, and other interests. Once the boys went to treatment for help, Kathleen realized that both she and her husband needed to heal and recover as well. The Recovery Gnome Project has been a beacon of hope and healing. The silver lining of this journey has been a greater understanding and appreciation of living for today, expectations, friendship, and community. Kathleen would love to help addiction become less stigmatized and to support other parents going through a difficult time.
Lianne is a Portfolio Manager and one of the newest members of RGP. She has often compared her extensive experience in the markets to the recovery journey. Long-term prescriptive of hope and optimism coupled with the short-term volatility of struggles, relapse, and fear. Lianne more recently has embraced her recovery after her son’s relapse after two and a half years of clean time. Lianne is a strong advocate of self-care and having a deep connection with people of similar experiences. Lianne very much believes in giving back to the community through support and participation along with her love of physical activity makes RGP the perfect fit.
Carrie-Ann is a mother of two fine young men (bad ass boys). Both played sports, did well in school and partied in their younger years. She was very naive to her son’s drug use believing the “just say no to drugs” conversation would work. One son needed treatment, the other did not. During her son’s rehabilitation, Carrie-Ann realized she was struggling herself. After so many years of supporting her boys and then dealing with the chaos of addiction, she somehow lost herself along the way. With the help of the Recovery Gnome Project and support of fellow recovery moms, she got her life back. Team Recovery ‘n Motion is an opportunity to not only open up about addiction but also to show how one can thrive in recovery.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 guests first on the show Harriet Hunter author of "Miracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope Courage and Faith" followed by Nicole B who shares her personal story of recovery from addiction. All on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page LIVE.
Guest 1
Sobriety on life's terms, regardless of what crashes in front of us. How do we maintain sobriety against the odds? What does it take to maintain the course? These and other questions are answered in 365-daily inspirations. Miracles of Recovery was written--not just for those addicted but for the parents, the spouse--anyone touched by the disease. Using the 12-Steps as its' foundation, Miracles of Recovery embraces a holistic solution as a practical approach for those who must face life on life's terms, clean and sober. Encouraging and thought-provoking, Miracles of Recovery inspires with Universal Truths, because once we know better, we do better. Miracles of Recovery will: •Show through example how to achieve long-term sobriety, regardless of what happens in your life. Encourage you to embrace healthy, positive thoughts by taking the necessary actions to reinforce this thinking...•Provide tools necessary to work the Steps and change your life. •Suggest, through exercises and solutions, methods to do life differently, •improve self-esteem and confidence, and embrace a profound sense of hope needed to succeed. •Challenge you to look at life from a higher, positive perspective. The author encourages the reader to embrace the belief that, regardless of the challenges life presents, NOTHING can change the course of recovery when you keep yourself, your sobriety, and your Higher Power first in your lives. The greatest Miracle of all is Miracles infuses hope where there was none.
About Harriet
Alcoholism and other addictions helped to create a 30-year journey into the darkness of sex, drugs, and alcohol. These obsessions served to stripped me of opportunities to succeed and rise out of my self-imposed hell. It took 30-years of trying to escape from reality to connect-the-dots to freedom and to find hope sufficient to find sobriety. It was about time. My name is Beth H. For the purposes of my book, my pseudo-name is Harriet Hunter. it was suggested I let you know who I really am. Since my walk into recovery in 1999, I’ve had one primary purpose: to show others how they can achieve their miracles with a vision and determination to never-ever go backwards one day at a time. I strive to be a conduit of encouragement to others in their disease of alcoholism and drugs of choice, by showing them what continues to work for me. Using practical tools, principles and promises as found in Alcoholics Anonymous and other literature, I attempt to mirror examples of how anyone can be free from the bondage of self, regardless of their situation. Employing a change of perception through the Steps, the fellowship and the village that is recovery, is what propels us forward.
Guest 2
Nicole B Personal Story
My life before addiction... let's see... truth be told before my drug addiction I can honestly say now that I'm in recovery and know what addiction is that I was addicted to a lot of other things. I was always a very shy person so meeting people could be hard unless I was riding, and training horses or truth be told drinking.... I went to college for horse training, it was my life and my therapy since the third grade... when I was 23 I started dating a man who I had both of my boys with and I also married him... he was extremely controlling and mentally abusive... he loved to use my kids as weapons against me... about 7 years ago I finally had enough and found the strength to leave... he did not make it easy... about a year or so later I tried coke for the first time.... I was 30 years old.... my life went downhill so fast... within 6 weeks of trying coke I was shooting opioids and withing 6 months I lost everything- including my kids... I was so lost and broken... I used to stop feeling... I used to survive.... I just used... I was in active addiction for 3 and a half years... I was homeless at points... I robbed, I stole, I lied... I broke my families trust and lost all my friends- even the ones I'd had most of my life.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 amazing guests. First on the show Tina Angel joins us to Talk about Three Crosses Canada, a Christian based ministry that helps those who are living with or in love with an alcohol abuser, Tina also is talking about her book Forever in Love with an Alcohol Abuser. Second on the show is 20 year old Kayla C who is sharing her experience of dealing with addiction in her family with her father and herself falling into addiction, her dad now 4 years clean. All on Facebook Live from 12-1pm PST Guest 1 Three Crosses Canada This ministry began with a seed planted in my heart in 2017. It was a very small and vague concept back then. In February 2018, the decision to move to my present location was made, but no plan of how was revealed. During this time, it was a period of personal growth for me. Between February 2018 and February 2019, God revealed bits and pieces of this ministry. In the Spring of 2019, God accelerated the growth within me and began revealing more of the blueprint . I spent hours, upon hours in prayer, seeking and knocking on Heaven's door. Little by little, manifestation appeared.
This ministry was birthed by God. I give all the credit to Him. I wish I could declare I was obedient in every moment God gave me direction, moving out the second He gave me an order; however, in God's grace we are here.
This ministry is about YOU; not your alcohol abuser. What do I mean by alcohol abuser? We are all God's children. Period. We are not God's alcoholics. Not God's failures. Not God's unsaveables. We are God's children. ALL ARE WORTHY! An alcohol abuser is simply someone who uses alcohol whether for escape, physical dependence, motivated by spiritual condemnation or a host of other reasons. They are still a child of God, whether saved or not. God adores them. He wants them saved and healed and to come to the full knowledge of who they are in Christ.
God gave us two commands: to love God with everything we got and to love others with everything we got. As we grow in the Lord, we have more to love God with and more to love ourselves with which allows us to love others with more. And it is with love we motivate ourselves and others to change.
Website | Twitter | Facebook
Forever in Love with an Alcohol Abuser Globally, it is estimated that 107 to 240 million people abuse alcohol to varying degrees. Even if only one person is affected by an alcohol abuser, that leaves 107 to 240 million people battling fear, anxiety, anger, hopelessness, physical and mental abuse, depression, bitterness, and stress caused by a relationship with an alcoholic. People who are in relationships with alcohol abusers often do not know that there is a guaranteed way to overcome the debilitating trap of the enemy, who not only is setting up traps for the alcohol abuser, but he is also causing the loved one to be deceived into believing things will never change and get better.
God did not create His children to live in poverty, mental anguish, or spiritual defeat. It is time to make the decision to follow Christ and live a victorious life. This book will show you how you can live in peace, joy, and have prosperity even if you choose to remain living with the alcohol abuser. You will discover that you can dream and live again.
Your breakthrough into a confident, strong, wise, and maturing Christian requires work and determination; and the steps to lead you to freedom are found in this book. God is no respecter of persons; what He did for the author of this book, He will do for you. Let this book launch you into a life of freedom that you may never have had or imagined having before.
This book will also be a valuable asset for those living with or loving someone who has another addiction, such as drugs, overeating, pornography, sexual promiscuity, or is a workaholic.
Buy the book here
Guest 2 Kayla's Personal Story My name is Kayla, I’m 20 years old and have had many years of my life dealing with family hardships. I graduated high-school in 2020 and am wanting to soon go into post secondary to be a substance abuse counsellor. I love being with my family, watching classic movies, having bonfires with my friends, and taking my dog for walks.
I’ve had addiction struggles myself, even though I may be young, addiction can start at any point in your life. I learnt the hard way to stop my problem. Almost losing the best job I could have, breaking up relationships around me, and losing friends. I knew I had to change immediately to keep the good things I had in my life. It took a lot of strength but that’s the whole thing. Strength from myself and others helped me, and my dad as well.
Many say religion is the key to recovery. And I agree. No matter what religion or path of worship you take, it does make a difference. But it only makes that difference if your mind is also in it. If you have the true belief that what your praying for will help than that’s the best start. Things come when you stay positive.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 guests, first on the show Kristine Ovsepian author of "Living Through Choice: Transform Fears to Love". Our second guest this week is Tre C who is telling his personal story of recovery from addiction. It is all live on Talk Recovery Vancouver's Facebook page Thursday from noon-1pm PST. Guest 1 Kristine Ovsepian Kristine Ovsepian is the author of "Living through Choice: Transform Fears to Love" About the book: Are you tired of feeling consumed by anger or resentment about your past? Do you suffer from addictions or other health problems that seem linked to a long-time pattern of stress, anxiety, or depression?
You can transform your health and your life. Once you understand how negative emotions associated with trauma, anger, and fear are making you sick, you can learn to release them and find true healing and happiness.
In Living through Choice, gifted spiritual counselor and hypnotherapist Kristine Ovsepian, MA, C.Ht., shares simple yet powerful tools to reunite you with your authentic self, and guides you to:
- Understand how your past (in this lifetime and beyond) influences your present
- Overcome stress, anxiety, and depression
- Banish anger and resentment to forgive yourself and others
- Overcome addictions and other illnesses
- Manifest spiritual, emotional, and physical healing
Your mind is a powerful tool for healing, and you can learn to use it to transform pain and suffering into love, health, and prosperity. All you need is a willingness to find healing on all levels, and a guide to show you the way there.
Buy the book here
About Kristine Growing up I always felt I was different. At an early age, I heard the call to be of service to humanity. For decades, I tried to avoid the messages coming from the Universe to follow my true path, because I wanted to “fit in” to the norm of what society required of me. By 2009 I was deeply depressed, felt empty inside, I was lost, and unsatisfied with my life. When my doctor warned me that I would not survive more than 2 years, if I continued on that path, I knew I had to make drastic changes in my life. My struggle and suffering was caused by the career I had chosen ten years prior.
So I took the first steps to take my power back. I left my accounting career behind and surrendered to return to my true self and pursue my divinely guided purpose in this life. My mission was to become a clear channel for the Universe and Source, thereby enabling me to be of service to others.
Spending time in nature praying and meditating guided me to where I am today. Through a vivid dream, I remembered who I was. Within months I began my journey of permanent positive change and that decision guided me towards hypnotherapy, spirituality, and my intuitive gifts.
That was the beginning of my transition into becoming an intuitive healer, certified hypnotherapist, life coach, and author, bringing Universal Wisdom, love, light, and healing to all who seek my services.
Since then, I have been helping my clients overcome stress, anxiety, and other mental and emotional blocks that are caused by fears, and limiting beliefs. Through my gifts of intuitive healing, combined with extensive training in psychology, hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, and life coaching I empower my clients to achieve their goals and dreams and experience inner peace and happiness in the areas of love, health, career/path/purpose.
Kristine's Links
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Guest 2 About Tre's Story
I’ve been trying to get clean for my years since around 2015 my last time in rehab was my fourth and hopefully final time. I walked out of rehab with nothing but a duffel bag and a pack of cigarettes I lost my house, car, my marriage ended everything I was officially at rock bottom. I came from a typical alcoholic home mom was a drunk parents were divorced. I was angry and lost so I fell into drugs and alcohol. But now I have a great job, two beautiful kids, an amazing fiancé. I chair 12 step meetings and try to stay active in the recovery community as much as possible. Let me know if there is anything else you want to know. I’ve been clean for 22 months this time around I’m a sous chef in South Haven, MI
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery radio we have 2 great guests, first on the show Sue Bowles author of "This Much I Know...The Space Between" a book about sexual abuse and other traumas, second guest on the show is Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD author of "Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope, and Resisting Drug Addiction". You can catch it all on Talk Recovery Vancouver's Facebook page live Thursday at noon-1pm PST. Sue Bowles I am a Master Certified Life Coach to encourage others in their journeys, telling them the same thing I have lived and learned: it's okay to not be okay, and NO ONE is 'too far gone.' You matter and your dreams can be reality now! We all have purpose and sometimes we just need someone to come alongside us to whisper hope and encouragement. Maybe the issue is self-confidence, relationships, stress management, anxierty, goals, or something else. I would welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you in your journey of discovery. I look forward to hearing from you.
For decades, making a difference in someone's life was something I desired but always seemed 'just out of reach.' It was 'good enough for everyone else but not for me.' I believed I was too broken, too wounded, too everything, to have anything to offer anyone else. The garbage of life was trying hard to smother the glowing ember underneath. Hope was elusive, discouragement a constant companion, and purpose only a dream never to become reality. Sound familiar? I get it.
After decades of downplaying the events of my life and their effects on me, I finally reached out for help. That started the long, arduous process of thawing my heart and starting to face my pain. It has not been a journey for the faint of heart. To willingly face all that had stolen my life up to that point was not a process I wanted to endure but needed to. It has been a long journey to recovery, not just from my eating disorder, but from my depression, anxiety, and PTSD from being a childhood rape survivor.
Everyone wants to make a difference in some way but often believe they have nothing to offer because they don't have it 'all figured out.' I'm here to say all it takes to help the person behind you is to be one step ahead. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be that for others.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
This Much I Know...The Space Between Life hurts, and layers of hurt leave us feeling beyond help. Yet, the human spirit won't let us quit. So how do we navigate the distance between hurt and healing? In "This Much I Know...The Space Between," Sue Bowles shares her pursuit of healing from childhood sexual abuse and other traumas resulting in an eating disorder, constantly struggling to answer the question "Why?""When we're talking about our stories, the space between is that gap, that time of questioning and anger and confusion and doubt and...whatever else you can think of. It's the gray area of uncertainty, of wondering what the point is. "Do you believe you are too far gone for anyone - even God - to be able to make a difference? Do you wonder if your life will ever matter? Find hope in the space between.
Buy the book Here
Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD. I am a clinical psychologist who works with individuals struggling with drug addiction and severe mental illness. I’m the child of parents who suffered from drug addiction.
I have also witnessed countless addicts who lived and died in my parents’ wildly dysfunctional and often criminal inner circle during my childhood in one Philadelphia’s roughest areas.
My view of addiction was formed by witnessing its effects on real people long before I cracked a book on the subject. The familial and personal challenges I was confronted with during my youth helped me become a clinician with rare, real-world insight into addiction. I want this documentary to educate people in an effort to destigmatize those who are struggling so we can begin to offer the appropriate treatment.
Both of my parents struggled with heroin addiction and opioids throughout my childhood. Rather than joining in and using drugs and engaging in criminal behavior with my family, I went in the opposite direction; I knew I deserved a better life. My experiences have left scars on my soul, but I see them as marks of wisdom that have shaped my understanding of human behavior. I’m the kind of person who tries to understand what makes people do the things that they do. That curiosity and desire to help others is what drove me to pursue my career as a psychologist.
Website| Facebook | Twitter
Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope, and Resisting Drug Addiction It's only 20 miles from the Mainline suburb of Philadelphia to the area known as Kensington, but it may as well be a world away. The Mainline is one of Philadelphia's most tony sections, famous for mansions and tennis courts and Princess Grace Kelley. Kensington is a decaying, poverty-stricken, drug-drenched blight, a place some can't escape, yet others escape to as they sink into a world of drugs and despair.
Meeting Philadelphia native Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD. for the first time, it would be easy to assume she's the product of the elite schools and glossy social life of the Mainline. But in fact, Geri-Lynn grew up in Kensington, her father and her mother both lifelong drug addicts. She saw firsthand the torment of addiction. The violence of the ""life."" The despair that there could be no way out except death by overdose.
Mainlining Philly is the harrowing story of how Geri-Lynn survived the grim alleys of Kensington and became a respected mental health professional. Her unique insight into the nature of addiction gives her the tools to offer solutions to those addicted and the families who love them. At times terrifying, startling, and hilarious, Mainlining Philly is a ride on the wrong sides of the tracks that you won't be able to put down and you will never forget.
Buy the book here
This week on Talk Recovery Radio Dr. Stephanie Covington joins the show to talk about her trainings taking place in March 2022 about Helping Woman Recover and also about her many books. Join us on Facebook live on Thursday from noon-1pm PST.
Meet Dr. Covington
Dr. Stephanie S. Covington is an internationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant, and lecturer. She is a pioneer in the fields of addiction, trauma, and recovery. She has developed an innovative, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed approach that results in effective services in public, private, and institutional settings. Her presentations, staff-development seminars, and technical assistance focus on systems change and the development of caring, compassionate, and empowering therapeutic environments. They provide professionals an opportunity to learn new skills for dealing with personal, institutional, and societal changes and are always in demand, both nationally and internationally.
Helping Woman Recover Over the past forty years our knowledge of women’s lives has increased dramatically, and we have added significantly to our understanding of the treatment needs of women with addictive disorders. Based on Dr. Covington’s curriculum Helping Women Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction, this interactive training offers a comprehensive treatment model that integrates theories of addiction, women’s psychological development, and trauma. Designed to give counselors, clinicians, and program administrators a basic understanding of the essential elements needed for the development of women’s programs, the training focuses primarily on women’s recovery. The emphasis is on the key issues of self, relationships, sexuality, spirituality, and the trauma-informed therapeutic techniques for dealing with these issues. Trauma-sensitive yoga exercises, updated gender information, and new brain research as it relates to addiction and trauma will be addressed.
March 1-2 and 8-9, 2022 (4 day training, 4.5 hours per day)
12 pm - 4:30 pm Eastern Time
11 am - 3:30 pm Central Time
10 am - 2:30 pm Mountain Time
9 am - 1:30 pm Pacific Time
Some of Dr. Covington's many books
A Woman’s Way through The Twelve Steps
A Young Man's Guide to Self-Mastery Awakening Your Sexuality
Helping Men Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction
Helping Men Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction (Criminal Justice)
Helping Women Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction
Women and Addiction: A Gender-Responsive Approach
Women in Recovery: Understanding Addiction and many more
Talk Recovery Radio is powered by New West Recovery
Last Door is a non-profit organization that has been in operation since 1984. www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com
If you’d like to learn more about our work and approach, get in touch with us online or by phone at: Website: https://lastdoor.org/ Email: info@lastdoor.org Help line: 1-855-465-2851
Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio Vanisha Breault joins us to talk about her book "Ordinary Courage" and being the founder of The Terminator Foundation, this Thursday from noon-1pm PST on Facebook Live and 100.5fm Co-op Radio Ordinary Courage About the Book: The lives of Vanisha Breault's entire family were forever changed when her oldest daughter disclosed that she had repeatedly been sexually abused by her stepfather. In this harrowing depiction, Vanisha recounts the fallout from the abuse, the criminal proceedings, and her family's eventual descent into poverty, addiction and seeming hopelessness. Vivid and shocking, revealingly raw, Ordinary Courage, is the profound, deeply intimate story of one woman's quest for survival in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Buy the book here
Vanisha Breault About Vanisha: It takes gusto to live your recovery out loud, but that is how Vanisha Breault has pledged to live her life—every day. Recognizing her community as a chance to impact change on a local and national level, she is a crusader for social justice. Vanisha's personal story of addiction is the motivating force behind her dream of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues—a goal that couldn't be timelier.
Vanisha is the Founder of the Terminator Foundation, a nonprofit organization helping youth overcome addiction. Its motto The Truth is You Can Recover drives the mission to revolutionize lives through the sport of triathlon. Offering one-on-one coaching, training, support, mindfulness practices and a guaranteed non-judgemental atmosphere, the Foundation hosts an annual conference and several fundraisers to help support individuals and families impacted by addiction.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Terminator Foundation The Terminator Foundation’s vision is to reach individuals on a global scale who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction to radically revolutionize their lives using the Triathlon experience. Through the experience of training we offer support, coaching, mindfulness techniques and a non-judgmental supportive atmosphere that says, YES YOU CAN!
The Terminator Foundations vision is to reach all youth and young adults who are impacted by addiction and mental health and radically transform their lives through sports coaching, peer support, team training, endurance and triathlon participation while supporting efforts to terminate the shame and indignity of addiction with education, awareness and understanding. Terminator Foundation is a collaboration of integrated health care systems who support youth and young adults in their effort to recover from addiction and mental health issues. Our goal is to strengthen recovery through a continuum of care model that incorporates physical exercise in the sport of Triathlon training, personal coaching, and community engagement. The Terminator Foundation brings effective action in the areas of education, awareness and compassion to make a difference in the lives of youth, their families, our communities, cities and across the country.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 guests, first on the show Pamela D Pesta author of "Letting Go of the Thief" joins us to talk about her book and the second half of the show we have day trader Daniel Goodman who is sharing his story of addiction and recovery with us, all on 100.5fm and Facebook live. Guest 1 Letting Go of the Thief About the Book: If You're Dealing with Alcoholism, this Book is for You. Letting go of the Thief, is a ninety-day voyage into alcoholic thinking. Welcome to the chaotic thrashing of a mind, pulsating with intoxication. Spend a few moments in the whirlwind of shame, guilt, and utter desperation. The thief will shrewdly expose the terror of that human soul drenched in remorse and fear. You will never fully understand this harrowing disease, until you jump into that circus. "It's always dark now; I have left the light behind me." "I chose this, as that the thief snickered in the corner." "He promised the soothing relief of unconscious living." "He understood my need to hide." "The decision to choose you instead, was no longer mine to make," admitted the alcoholic. Enter into the conquest for sobriety where the thief patiently prepares to destroy you at any given moment. Feel the whirling sensations of recovery in its' happiest times and in its' most difficult ones. "I'm not sure that I'm going to make it today." "One little drink won't hurt me." "I've been on this sobriety wagon long enough; I think I'm cured now." "Why am I glaring at that woman who just ordered her second glass of wine?" questioned the recovering alcoholic. The problem drinker will be thoroughly reminded as to why they can never touch alcohol again. Loved ones and normal drinkers will finally experience alcoholic contemplation, both in sobriety and active addiction. Jump into the circus and witness the chattering mind, of one who suffers from this disease.
Buy the Book Here
Pamela's Twitter | Pamela's Facebook | Pamela's Website
About the Author: I hovered in the dark shadows of alcoholism for many years. On July 15th, 2014, I could no longer endure my suffering. My body had been physically beaten and my mind could no longer tolerate another second of shame. I could no longer feel the presence of the world. I could no longer officially state that I was living. My quest is that you too may let go of the THIEF and walk with me into the light of sobriety where you will discover that person you were truly meant to be!!!
Guest 2 Daniel Goodman's Personal Story In his early thirties, Daniel decided he wanted to become sober and completely stopped drinking. He shifted his career focus and became a full-time daytrader. With no clue how or where to start and zero experience, he put thousands of hours into learning. Through this learning curve experience, he suffered much financial loss, but he stuck with the process and it eventually paid off.
From the age of 14 years old until 31 years old, I was highly addicted to drugs and alcohol! Not even beating a prison sentence kept me sober. After a 3 day binder, I knew I was going to lose my marriage after only one year. I made my decision that it was time to stop! I started going to meetings, and have been sober almost 7 years today.
The beginning was hard. I craved drinking every day all day for the first year, and it barely slowed down until about year three.
Building trust with my family, especially my wife, was the hardest part.
However, waking up every morning NOT having a hangover and watching the sunrise, is what kept me going the first 6 months. Then after my first year of sobriety, my daughter was born. That definitely was the foundation to help keep me sober.
The major point that I need to make is the fact that I did not get sober for myself. I got sober to keep my marriage because I love my wife so much. I was so low and had such little self-esteem and self respect, I was never going to get sober for myself. The moral of that story is, do whatever it takes to get sober and stay sober!
CleanSoberHolidays …. let's talk about the holidays being clean and sober with special guests.
🎄Getting through Christmas dinner being the only sober person there
🎄Supporting your clean and sober loved one
🎄 You’re back in your family's life, now what? Getting over the awkward feeling of thinking you need to make amends to everyone at the dinner table
🎄 What’s more important Christmas or a Meeting?
Talk Recovery airs live every Thursday on 100.5 fm or right here as we zoom live.
Powered by #NewWestRecovery
7 seasons of shows, hundreds of guests, thousands of listeners
www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery radio April Angelini and Darci Murry joins us from Hooked Alcohol Free Travel Adventure to talk about Hooked and how to be hooked on healthy habits. Second half of the show Kathy Wagner joins us to talk about her blog "Four things grieving moms want you to know this holiday season" all of this can be watched on Facebook live Thursday from 12-1pm on our Facebook Page. Hooked Alcohol Free Adventures What is Hooked? When we say HOOKED we mean it! When you sign up for a trip with hooked you sign up for a trip infused with opportunities for self discovery. Our purpose is to get you HOOKED on healthy habits. We will expose you to as many healthy experiences as possible during this full sensory adventure we take together. What is full sensory travel? Being alcohol free heightens your awareness drastically: Colors become brighter, food tastes better, touch is more intense. In this full sensory state we introduce the element of travel making your brand new experience in an unfamiliar place euphoric! On every hooked adventure you will have a coach! Don’t worry there will not be hours of paperwork exercises and speakers.. Instead you will simply be exposed to hands on experiences that will propel you to the next level helping you mold into the very best version of you!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
The Team About April Angelini: My name is April, and I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle Coach. I am also currently studying to obtain my Registered Holistic Nutritionists Accreditation.
I have always had a deep love for all things Health and Wellness but there was a missing piece. I would eat healthily (I am plant based), stay active and would still feel slow, tired and unmotivated. I never wanted to think that it was my love of wine (and drinking too much of it) that could have been the issue. When Covid hit, that's when things really went sideways. Too much vegan junk food, night after night of HBO and glass after glass of wine. I had that on repeat for a long time.
I never had the "rock bottom" moment. I was just DONE. Tired of feeling old and heavy, my self confidence was taking a big hit along with my health. Losing my self confidence was new to me. And then it kind of clicked - you don't need to be an alcoholic to take a break from alcohol.
That was a lightbulb moment for me. So I got my act together and smartened up.
What started off by just " taking a break " evolved into something more meaningful and transformative. So I thought what if I just kept going? What if the break kept going and was a jumpstart to something deeper and more rewarding? My glow resurfaced, the spring in my step bounced back and my self confidence joyfully returned.
Ditching the wine inspired me to be there for others, and in June I received my Alcohol Free Lifestyle Coaching Certification, and created The Habit Shift. I also wanted to experience more meaningful ADVENTURE in life. I look back on all my vacations when the drinking started at the pool by 9 AM and just continued all day, every day. The constant feeling of being numbed on almost every trip hangs heavy in my mind. For me it was never just one drink. I could have experienced so much more on these vacations and made way better memories if the booze hadn’t been such a major player. I want a “do over''. “ It looks like I may be getting my do over after all… And you can too!
About Darci Murray: My name is Darci, I was literally born into the travel industry! My mother was a travel agent making some of my earliest memories looking at beautiful pictures in travel brochures while spinning the globe in her office to see where my finger landed. Once the spin was complete fate had determined my new bucket list destination and the research began.
When I turned 21 I Contiki travelled Europe from London to Greece. It was an awesome adventure I think??? Heck I was drinking… my soul focus was to see the sights at night and I can tell you this all the bars looked the same. Upon graduating from University with an Early Childhood Education diploma I quickly hopped on a plane to Hong Kong and taught there for 6 years! At 30 years old I moved back to Canada and had the sole purpose of having matching cutlery… life in Hong Kong was very transient and the party needed to end. I wanted to establish roots. I got the cutlery, the house with the white picket fence and soon followed 4 beautiful boys.
In December of 2017 I gave up alcohol for good. It had turned into a coping mechanism for me that I no longer needed. I gratefully found the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous and found the people in these rooms, and their stories instrumental to my development. Self discovery became my purpose. I had reached the end of my self destructive journey and wanted to be the best possible version of me. I became a sponge for Brene Brown, Tony Robbins, Russel Brandt, Mel Robbins, Glennon Doyle, Melody Beattie and Robin Sharma. Letting go of alcohol increased my passion for travel and for my now career as a travel agent! My level of appreciation for different cultures, flavors, landscapes, people, ceremonies was heightened and my desire to create optimal travel experiences for my clients purposeful. I honestly feel I have one of the most important jobs in the world helping people create memories. Within minutes of meeting up with my now partner April and hearing her love for sober life I knew we had to do something together. We were both super passionate about our sober lives and the self discovery journey that lead us to being sober! Living sober is all about self discovery… HOOKED is simply the perfect marriage between sober living, self-discovery, healthy habits and purpose.
Guest 2 Kathy Wagner Hi, I’m Kathy Wagner. Here, I write about family, work, grief, hope, addiction, mental health, recovery, and finding joy. The stuff of my life, then and now.
You’ll find personal essays and creative non-fiction. All of the articles on this website are based on my life, but I’ve fictionalized some details to better tell the truth. Some scenes didn’t happen the way I describe. Some scenes didn’t happen at all. But, fact or fiction, they each tell a tiny sliver of my story.
I’m currently working on my first book, a memoir about recovery and unshakable hope.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Four things grieving moms want you to know this holiday season Way too many moms are grieving the death of their child this year. For the holidays, I decided I’d like to give every grieving mom the gift of compassionate friends and family. I truly believe that most people want to help, but just don’t know how. So I asked grieving moms what they wanted other people to know about them over the holidays. What did they need to feel supported? And I’m sharing their responses, so you can be better prepared to gift them with your understanding this year…
Click hear to read the whole blog
This week on Talk Recovery Radio
This week on Talk Recovery Radio the Recovery Kidz team, Alexis, Linda, Lara and Kimberlea join the show for a full hour to talk about what they are doing to help mothers and fathers through the holidays and give their kids the best Christmas yet. Join us on Facebook live from 12-1pm this Thursday.
Who does Recovery Kidz Help?
Recovery Kidz is an organization that strives to provide resources to parents seeking a new way of life in recovery from addiction. We see parents in recovery as a people of worth and dignity and worthy of assistance in their journey. We also see addiction as a family disease and seek to help normalize the holiday season for children affected by addiction. Your donations of toys, gift cards and cash will bring a smile to so many children whose parents are, in some cases, unable to see them because they are in a treatment facility this year Recovery Kidz strives to provide resources to parents seeking a new way of life in recovery. We see parents in recovery as a people of worth and dignity and worthy of assistance in their journey. Our vision is to see parents and families set free from addictions and relieved of the stress that comes when you’re not able to provide gifts for the holidays. We hope to normalize children’s lives while their parents are seeking recovery and make their lives happier throughout the process. It is our hope that every child will experience the joy of opening at least one Christmas gift on Christmas morning.
Recovery Kidz History
Since 2013, Recovery Kidz has helped thousands of children by providing gifts for kids that have parents residing in recovery centers over the holiday season. This year our goal is 300 kids spanning over 7 recovery houses and treatment centers and we are asking for your support to create joy for them on Christmas morning regardless of what they might be experiencing.
Recovery Kidz Vision
Our vision is to see parents and families set free from addictions and relieved of the stress that comes when you’re not able to provide gifts for the holidays. It is our hope that every child will experience the joy of opening at least one Christmas gift on Christmas morning. In past years, with your support we have been able to do much more and we hope that this year is even better, but we need your help!
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio 2 guest join the show. First Kim Bemis Executive Director of Gobi Support, Inc joins us to talk about his comprehensive educational program to help middle and high school teens and their families rethink their relationship with drugs and alcohol. Second on the show Steve Palmer author of "How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life" joins us to talk about his personal story of recovery from addiction and his book. Guest 1 About Gobi Gobi is a comprehensive educational program with an accessible, web-based application. But there are real people behind it.
We’re Educators, Experts, Clinicians, Parents - and Young Adults Who “Speak Teen”
Gobi Support, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping middle and high school teens and their families rethink their relationship with drugs and alcohol. Gobi is not a treatment program. The Gobi digital platform encourages self-knowledge, reflection and problem solving to build better communication within families.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Meet the Founder Kim created Gobi because, as a parent of four and professional in the treatment business, he and his wife could not find any programs that were a suitable consequence for one of their children who was experimenting with substance use. He saw an opportunity to create an intervention program that would reach kids where they lived, online and through their smartphones.
Kim began working in the field of addiction recovery in 2005 as the Executive Director of New Business Development for the Hazelden Foundation where he led the effort to expand Hazelden’s online business opportunities. In 2010, he cofounded Clere Consulting LLC., focusing on interventions and long-term case management for families of wealth. He is also a serial entrepreneur having started five different companies and served on the boards of over a dozen local and national nonprofit organizations.
Kim is a person in long-term recovery, which means for him that he hasn’t used drugs or alcohol since August 13, 1988.
Click Here to visit Gobi's Blog
Guest 2 Steve Palmer Steve Palmer is the author of the book "How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life"
The restaurant business enabled Steve Palmer’s addictions—normalizing his drinking and drug use until he could not function. He wrecked his marriage, racked up DUIs, and managed restaurants worth millions of dollars.
In Say Grace, readers will learn how commonplace addiction is in the food and beverage industry, how far an individual can push the boundaries of excess, and how one man found his way to sobriety.
This is not a book shaming those who struggle with addiction, but rather a beacon for anyone who thinks there is no way out. Steve paints a warts-and-all portrait of his life. He does not balk at bringing up how he hurt people or the levels to which he sank because this is a book for people like him.
“My story is specific to me, but it is far from unique,” Steve explains. “The hospitality industry is full of people struggling with addiction and mental health issues—and they don’t know where to turn. They don’t know that help is out there. They don’t know that many of their coworkers are also struggling or already sober. It’s time to open up, speak out, and affect real change.”
Whether you are staring down your own demons, know someone who is, or want to learn more about how an industry can save those that it enables, take a look inside Say Grace.
Buy the Book | Website
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we will be talking with Cole Goodwin who makes his Talk Recovery Radio debut to share his addiction recovery story. Cole shares what it is like coming up on 10 years in recovery. Its all on 100.5fm and Facebook live Thursday from noon-1pm PST. About Cole Cole talks about his life when he first got into recovery, and he had a tough start to his recovery from his addiction. Before Cole went to addiction treatment, he almost died multiple times overdosing time and time again. Cole talks about him living in his ego and in his addictive personality he was hurting his own recovery and was keeping him away from the right people. When Cole entered recovery, he said he was worried that he was not going to be able to have fun anymore, and he says he was very wrong about that, he found out that when you make the right friend’s recovery is supposed to be fun, it was a new life for Cole, he speaks about going to multiple self-help meetings per day because he enjoyed it.
When Cole first accessed addiction recovery services he had some help from his family, he went to addiction treatment for 11 and a half months, after that he moved out on his own which Cole explains did not go very well so he decided to move to a place closer to where his recovery journey began so he can stay connected to everyone he met when he started his recovery journey. Even though he was living by himself he felt very part of a community. Because Cole is in recovery today, he says his parents are healthier and happier people. Cole came into recovery at a very young age, he was 21 when he went to addiction treatment and that can be very challenging for some people who maybe feel like they haven’t used drugs enough to go to rehab but Cole said he was focused on getting a good life and by staying in treatment and staying in recovery he was able to achieve that.
Cole is a rapper and performer; he was asked by Giuseppe what is It like being a rapper and being around drugs and alcohol when performing and being in those environments. Cole first says that he believes that people should be very grounded in their recovery program before they pursue a career like his because of the toxic environments you are surrounded by.
Cole uses his platform as a rapper and performer to help share the message that recovery is possible and attainable. He says it feels so good when someone comes up to him after a show and says that they are inspired that Cole can perform be sober and be in the industry. You can find Cole’s music on Soundcloud, Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook, Cole’s rap name is Goodwin I speak Truth.
When Cole came into Recovery, he did not practice Christianity, Cole says that he did not meet the lord until about three years into recovery. In Cole’s journey he says he feel like he had a spiritual awakening when he was going to church and became a believer in the lord. He knows that 12 step programs is not a religious program and he says he keeps his religion out of the 12 step meetings he goes too. Cole practices the 12 steps and goes to church.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio, fitness instructor, person in recovery Adam Haber joins the show to share his story of Recovery from Addiction and to talk about his fundraiser for Last Door Youth Program. Adam is lifting 100,000 pounds to raise $100,000 for youth addiction treatment. About Adam Haber Adam Haber is a registered BCRPA certified personal trainer who owns and operates Adam Haber Fitness and Training. Adam holds other certifications; he is a certified fitness leader, certified weight trainer injury specialist, and certified in group training, muscle testing and function, nutrition, sports supplements, training the ageing population, and training professional athletes. Adam holds active First Aid CPR certification and has current liability insurance. Adam is committed to ongoing re-certification training and education. Adam currently works as a strength and conditioning coach for numerous MMA fighters, including two former and two current UFC fighters. When meeting with our clients, Adam adheres to strict safety protocols and assesses the client’s introductory level knowledge, develops, and writes an individual training program for each person. Adam starts by teaching all clients proper range of motion and breathing techniques. As an alumnus of Last Door Recovery Centre, Adam has lived recovery experience and has been active in his personal recovery program for over a decade. This personal experience gives him an advantage in understanding and teachings the fundamentals of health to individuals in early recovery.
About the fundraiser Hi I'm Adam Haber, of Adam Haber's fitness. Last year I raised $10,000 for youth addiction treatment, this year I'm going BIGGER.
Want to join me in making a difference? I'm going to bench-press 100,000 LBS in one day all for charity. I'm raising money to benefit Last Door Recovery Society's Youth Program, and any donation will help make an impact.
I want to help keep kids off the streets and help them overcome addiction - please share this challenge on Facebook and Instagram, tell your friends and family - let's get the word out!
I've been training for months to attempt this challenge and I need your support to make it happen!
See me sacrifice myself in order to attempt this challenge live on October 29th 2021
Check out the live broadcast at https://www.facebook.com/LastDoor/
Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
More information about Last Door Recovery Society: Please help Last Door strengthen our recovery community! Last Door has been helping individuals & their families overcome addiction for 35 years. Your donation ensures we can continue providing professional addiction recovery services. We serve youth, adults and families through treatment in homelike residential facilities, a rural retreat facility amidst BC forests. We have a spectrum of services from medical treatment, family groups, ongoing aftercare, and horticultural and recreational therapy.
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio Dr. Amy Johnson joins the show for the full hour. Dr. Johnson is a psychologist, coach, author, and speaker who shares a groundbreaking new approach that helps people find lasting freedom from unwanted habits, anxiety, and self-doubt via insight rather than willpower. Join us on Facebook live from 12-1pm this Thursday.
The Little Book of Big Change
About the book:
Little changes can make a big, big difference! In The Little Book of Big Change, psychologist Amy Johnson shows you how to rewire your brain and overcome your bad habits - once and for all. No matter what your bad habit is, you have the power to change it. Drawing on a powerful combination of neuroscience and spirituality, this book will show you that you are not your habits. Rather, your habits and addictions are the result of simple brain wiring that is easily reversed. By learning to stop bad habits at the source, you will take charge of your habits and addictions for good. Anything done repeatedly has the potential to form neural circuitry in the brain. In this light, habits and addictions are impersonal brain wiring problems that result from taking your habitual thinking as truth, and acting on that thinking in the form of doing your habit - over and over.
This book offers a number of small changes you can make in your everyday life that will help you stop your bad habit in its tracks. If you want to understand the science behind your habit, make the decision to end it, and commit to real, lasting change, this book will help you to finally take charge of your life - once and for all.
What is The Little School of Big Change?
The Little School of Big Change is a guided, 6-week program designed to help you overcome anxiety and unwanted habits without needing to rely on willpower or self-discipline. LSBC shares a groundbreaking new paradigm in mental health that has helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world to tap into their natural health and resilience. The school helps you see yourself and your psychology in a radically new way—a way that leads to freedom from what holds you back.
About Amy Johnson PhD
Amy Johnson, PhD is a psychologist, coach, author, and speaker who shares a groundbreaking new approach that helps people find lasting freedom from unwanted habits, anxiety, and self-doubt via insight rather than willpower. She is the author of Being Human, The Little Book of Big Change: The No-Willpower Approach to Breaking Any Habit, and Just a Thought: A No-Willpower Approach to End Self-Doubt and Make Peace with your Mind. In 2017 she opened The Little School of Big Change, an online school that has helped thousands of people find freedom from anxiety and habits and live a more peaceful life. Amy also shares the no-willpower approach in her top-rated podcast, Changeable, and she’s trained over 70 coaches in her Change Coach Training Program. She has been a regularly featured expert on The Steve Harvey Show and Oprah.com, as well as in The Wall Street Journal and Self magazine.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio Maia Szalavitz author of “Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction” joins the show for a full hour on Co-op Radio and live on Facebook from 12-1pm PST. “Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction” About the book: Drug overdoses now kill more Americans annually than guns, cars, or breast cancer. But the United States has tried to solve this national crisis with policies that only made matters worse. In the name of “sending the right message,” we have maximized the spread of infectious disease, torn families apart, incarcerated millions of mostly Black and Brown people—and utterly failed to either prevent addiction or make effective treatment for it widely available. There is another way—one that is proven to work. However it runs counter to much of the received wisdom about substances and related problems. It is called harm reduction. Created by a group of people who use drugs and by radical public health experts, harm reduction offers a new way of thinking—one that provides startling insights into behavioral and cultural issues that go far beyond drugs. When someone reads Maia’s book they get to learn about the history of harm reduction and this is one of the first books about that topic. It talks about first stopping drug users from getting hurt which ultimately does not stop them from getting high. Harm reduction focuses on harm does not focus on use. Maia talks about the origins of harm reduction and how she visited Liverpool where the people created harm reduction almost as a movement.
Maia Szalavitz
About the Author:
Maia Szalavitz is the author of the New York Times bestseller, Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction, which is widely recognized as an important advance in thinking about the nature of addiction and how to cope with it, personally and politically. Her book, Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids was the first to expose the damage caused by the “tough love” business that dominates adolescent addiction treatment. She has written for numerous publications from High Times to the New York Times, including TIME, the Washington Post, the Guardian, VICE, Scientific American, and the Atlantic— and she is author or co-author of five other books. With Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, she co-wrote the classic work on child trauma, The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog and also Born for Love: Why Empathy Is Essential—And Endangered. She has won awards from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Drug Policy Alliance, the American Psychological Association and the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology for her 30 years of groundbreaking writing on addiction, drug policy and neuroscience.
Maia speaks on the science and research behind medication which is if you stay on it for a long time, you have a 50% reduction in your death rate of all causes, not just overdoses. Maia says that does not mean everyone should be on methadone or suboxone, it means this is the only 2 things that we have proven to reduce mortality and it is very important when society knows about the supply of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. Maia says some people may not find the right dose for them, or some may not want to deal with the hassle it takes for some people to get their medication daily. Maia says everyone needs to make their own decision, but they need to make an informed decision. Maia explains harm reduction and the purpose of it is to meet someone where they are at.
Maia is a person in recovery, who has attended an abstinence-based treatment centre says she was extremely opposed to methadone and suboxone. Maia says that this is an issue very close to her heart but she really feels like she has to look at the data, but this can not be a one size fits all topic, she says people can not be forced onto medication and people need to have options. Maia says there is many ways to become addicted so there needs to be many ways out of addiction as well. Maia says treating people poorly does not help them when they are in need, locked them up does not help them Maia also says coerced treatment does not help people, she says when you have a group of people talking about their trauma as a child and half the room does not wan to be there Maia says it is not a very conducive therapeutic environment.
Talk Recovery Radio is powered by New West Recovery,
Last Door is a non-profit organization that has been in operation since 1984. www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com
If you’d like to learn more about our work and approach, get in touch with us online or by phone at:
Website: https://lastdoor.org/
Email: info@lastdoor.org
Help line: 1-855-465-2851
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio Rand Teed Author of “Which Way to Turn: Understanding Adolescent Substance Use” and Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor joins the show for the full hour on 100.5fm and Facebook Live from 12-1pm PST. "Which Way to Turn: Understand Adolescent Substance Use" About the book: This book is written by a very experienced teacher, youth mentor and addiction counselor. In plain language it helps parents, teachers and others working with teens to tackle the problems that are created by substance use. It is a good guide to help families put the pieces back together after a substance problem has developed in their home.
Buy the book here
About Rand Teed Rand has been working with teens and adults for over 40 years and for the past 20 years has been helping them understand how substance use can get in the way of having the life they want.
B.A, a B.Ed and is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist and a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor
He is the developer of the Drug Class program which has been offered in many Regina High Schools for several years and is the writer and host of the Award Winning Drug Class TV Series.(Gemini Award Best Direction in A Youth Series 2008)
Rand is also a very experienced addiction counselor. He has also worked as a counselor in the Regina Detox Centre.
Is a regular presenter on Recovery across the country and was the featured speaker for SADD Saskatchewan's 2010 provincial Impaired Driving Awareness Campaign.
Regularly presents on dealing with Substance Use and Abuse. Has been an instructor and coordinator with SGI's Driving Without Impairment Program.
Rand's Social Media Links
Website | Facebook | Twitter
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio Rand Teed Author of “Which Way to Turn: Understanding Adolescent Substance Use” and Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor joins the show for the full hour on 100.5fm and Facebook Live from 12-1pm PST. "Which Way to Turn: Understand Adolescent Substance Use" About the book: This book is written by a very experienced teacher, youth mentor and addiction counselor. In plain language it helps parents, teachers and others working with teens to tackle the problems that are created by substance use. It is a good guide to help families put the pieces back together after a substance problem has developed in their home.
Buy the book here
About Rand Teed Rand has been working with teens and adults for over 40 years and for the past 20 years has been helping them understand how substance use can get in the way of having the life they want.
B.A, a B.Ed and is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist and a Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor
He is the developer of the Drug Class program which has been offered in many Regina High Schools for several years and is the writer and host of the Award Winning Drug Class TV Series.(Gemini Award Best Direction in A Youth Series 2008)
Rand is also a very experienced addiction counselor. He has also worked as a counselor in the Regina Detox Centre.
Is a regular presenter on Recovery across the country and was the featured speaker for SADD Saskatchewan's 2010 provincial Impaired Driving Awareness Campaign.
Regularly presents on dealing with Substance Use and Abuse. Has been an instructor and coordinator with SGI's Driving Without Impairment Program.
Rand's Social Media Links
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Roman Gelperin is an author, biographer, philosopher, and forever a student of the human mind. Roman holds a BA in Psychology from Stony Brook University. He is the Author of "Addiction, Procrastination, and Laziness: A Proactive Guide to the Psychology of Motivation". About the book: What is motivation?
Why do we feel totally paralyzed to do certain things, and utterly unable to quit others? Too many people conclude, falsely, that they are just lazy, or lacking in willpower. But what they lack is a correct understanding of their own minds, of motivation, and the way that it operates.
This book is a self-help manual and a rigorous analysis of the psychology of motivation. It will teach you to stop procrastinating, kick your addictions, circumvent laziness, take control of your actions, and achieve your goals, by thoroughly understanding the way your mind works. In it, you’ll learn:
• What is the nature of motivation, on its deepest psychological level
• Why addiction and procrastination are two sides of the same coin
• Why there’s no fundamental difference between a physical and psychological addiction
• Why willpower is rarely the solution to anything
• Why and how emotions motivate
You’ll also learn fifteen powerful strategies for motivating yourself, why they work, and how to apply them to your own life. By the end of this book, you’ll possess all the tools you need to take firm control of your daily existence.
About Roman Roman Gelperin is an author, biographer, philosopher, and forever a student of the human mind. Roman holds a BA in Psychology from Stony Brook University, and lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Roman’s books include:
(1) Addiction, Procrastination, and Laziness: A Proactive Guide to the Psychology of Motivation
(2) And It Was All Your Fault: Unraveling the Inner Psychology of Depression, How It Begins, and What Cures It
(3) Self-Actualized by Poker: The Path from Categorical Learning to Free-Thinking
(4) The Master Mind of the Self-Actualizing Person: The Life and Legacy of Abraham Maslow, and My Sudden Awakening into Self-Actualization
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio the Executive Committee of Recovery Day BC Susan Hogarth and Lorinda Strang join fellow Executive Committee member Giuseppe and Darren on the show to talk about Recovery Day BC which is taking place in person this Saturday September 11th, 2021 uptown New Westminster. Did you know that Recovery Day in Canada started in BC? Though Recovery Day events are now held all across the country, the first Recovery Day in Canada took place in Vancouver. Realizing that the US recognizes the month of September as “Recovery Month” and that Canada had no equivalent at that time, it was time to bring the recovery movement to Canada!
It all started in July of 2012 when the team at Orchard Recovery Center was researching films for their upcoming recovery themed filmed festival. Executive Director Lorinda Strang and her then Communications Director Anne Marie McCullough became aware that the US Government recognizes September as “Recovery Month” however, they found that Canada had nothing like that.
They decided to start planning a local and public celebration of recovery. Putting together a team with history in Canadian Recovery was key to strengthening the movement – so the Orchard partnered with David Berner and Chuck Doucette of the Drug Prevention Network of Canada and Giuseppe Ganci of the Last Door Recovery Society. They obtained a permit for the event and David Berner wrote the proclamation that was officially issued by the mayor. This inspirational document signed by Mayor Gregor Robertson officially recognized September 30th, 2012 as Recovery Day in Vancouver.
The day evolved into an afternoon celebration including the proclamation being read by City Councilor Geoff Meggs with a rally and march on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
In May 2013, it was announced that 12 cities across Canada would be hosting Recovery Day events throughout the month of September.
Recovery Day BC Social Media
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio, Terrance Kosikar Founder of Camp My Way joins us to talk about PTSD in first responders, guest 2 Mallory F shares her story about being a mother in Recovery and being part of Families Recovery Society. Guest 1 About Camp My Way Camp My Way is a Residential Wilderness Program for First Responders and their families who have been affected by PTSD Camp My Way is located completely off the grid in the backcountry Mountains of British Columbia Canada. Our outdoor adventure based program teaches Campers how survive off grid, and respect our land that Mother Nature has provided all of us to enjoy and appreciate our gift of life today. Our self sustainability, combined with outdoor Adventure is aimed to help our Emergency Service Providers who struggle with an OSI (Operational Stress Injury ) PTSD get their lives back … Naturally
OUR MISSION
The ultimate goal is to help people get their lives back and reconnect with their family and friends through teamwork, self-discipline, meditation, exercise, nutrition and sharing positive experiences, in a natural environment.
We have designed a program of activities and adventure for our campers to push personal limits, break down barriers, and re-establish a relationship not only with nature, but also with themselves.
These experiences will provide our campers with the tools to cope with everyday struggles, and teach them about problem solving strategies, setting new goals and the importance of daily routines.
Facebook | Twitter | Camp My Way Website | Its Not Week To Speak Website
Terrance Joseph Kosikar - Founder - Camp My Way I was the first responder to a fatal accident during an event at the Whistler Sliding Center during the Winter Olympics in 2010. Although I was well trained in a myriad of life saving techniques, I was not prepared to deal with the emotional impact sustained when those techniques were not enough. As a result of the fatality, I developed Post Traumatic Stress Injury ( ptsd ) that launched me into a very costly downward spiral.
During several years of severe depression, anxiety, nightmares, and substance abuse, I lost my family, my career, and nearly my life. Pushed to my breaking point, I found salvation within. Escaping to the back-country near Lillooet, BC, I found peace and purpose in mother nature’s beauty and simplicity. Many others who have suffered from PTS have not been so lucky.
It is my mission in life to help people who are suffering from PTS overcome this terrible injury. We will be offering a series of week long introspective nature retreats at Camp My Way. These trips will give people suffering from PTS – Mental Health and Substance Abuse challenges an opportunity to leave their real world problems behind, and to find themselves in some of the most beautiful terrain in the world. In my experience, this has proven to be an incredibly effective method to help manage my life .
Guest 2 Mallory's Story Mallory Fewster is a mother in recovery with two vibrant and beautiful girls. She is well known in the recovery community for her involvement with Elizabeth Fry Society, Maxxine Wright Community Health Centre and the Growing Great Kids program. During COVID-19 she began attending mothers on recovery Zoom meetings on a regular basis and immediately got involved in helping out with hosting meetings to encourage and support other mothers in recovery. She is the perfect choice to help lead Family Recovery Society’s Outreach & Events Team because she knows how it feels to feel alone, and always makes a special effort to make every single mother and father in our community feel welcome and appreciated at meetings and events. Her energy, creativity and joy are a gift to our community and we are grateful for her service!
Family Recovery Society Family Recovery Society is a non-profit organization that supports parents on their pathway to recovery from addiction. We offer weekly support meetings, leadership opportunities, education and resources that help build strong, empowered families.
We believe that supporting and connecting parents is the best way to build long-term, sustainable recovery for families. The work we do in Family Recovery Society is helping break generational trauma patterns by creating opportunities for connection, education and empowerment to the mothers, fathers and children in our recovery community.
Website
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio 3 guests, 2 parts, first half of the show James Brown and Patrick O’Neil, the co authors of the book “Writing Your Way to Recovery: How Stories Can Save Our Lives”. Second half of the show Neal Mitchell a dad in recovery, shares his experience strength and hope from families recovery society.
Guest 1 About the book: "Writing Your Way to Recovery: How Stories Can Save Our Lives" is an extraordinary collection of personal stories and creative writing exercises designed to help others achieve lasting sobriety. This book provides a vital roadmap to the artistic, personal and spiritual growth to all those battling addiction.
The authors of this unique approach to recovery should be dead. That they are not is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit and the power of hope. Although they now share over three decades of sobriety, they spent even more years as alcoholics and addicts.
Hell on earth is real for those suffering from substance abuse, but the authors know that there is a way out of this hell. For they have lived it, and in these pages they offer the
About James Brown: JAMES BROWN is the author of the critically acclaimed memoirs Apology to the Young Addict, The Los Angeles Diaries and This River. He is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship and the Nelson Algren Literary Award in short fiction. Brown's work has appeared in GQ, The New York Times Magazine, Los Angeles Times Magazine, Ploughshares, New England Review, and many other publications.
Patrick O'Neil Social Media
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
James Brown's Website
Guest 2 Neal Mitchell is a dad in recovery with a supportive wife, Andi and their three children. Neal has been instrumental in organizing and the Dad's Recovery private Facebook group and Monday night Speaker Meeting. He serves on the Board of Directors because he believes in the mission of Family Recovery Society and wants to be a part of the solution for families in recovery from addiction.
Family Recovery Society Family Recovery Society is a non-profit organization that supports parents on their pathway to recovery from addiction. We offer weekly support meetings, leadership opportunities, education and resources that help build strong, empowered families.
We believe that supporting and connecting parents is the best way to build long-term, sustainable recovery for families. The work we do in Family Recovery Society is helping break generational trauma patterns by creating opportunities for connection, education and empowerment to the mothers, fathers and children in our recovery community.
Family Recovery Society Social Media
Facebook | Website
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio welcomes JF Benoist author of "Addicted to the Monkey Mind: Change the Programming that Sabotages your Life" JF is also the CEO of "The Exclusive Hawaii ".
In his book, J.F. Benoist—a visionary thought leader in the fields of addiction treatment and personal development—uses the journeys of two relatable characters to teach you how to develop a powerful new mindset and finally break the pattern of negative self-talk.
Addicted to the Monkey Mind offers a toolbox of practical skills to shift self-sabotaging, programmed ways of thinking and learn actionable steps to:
- Overcome addiction & debilitating habits
- Resolve relationship issues
- Replace burnout with passion
- Sustain an abiding joy
Buy the book here
Jean - Francois Benoist Jean-Francois (J.F.) Benoist has been counseling people struggling with addiction, mental health, and relationship issues for over twenty years. He co-founded The Exclusive Hawaii, a non-12-step residential addiction treatment center, with his wife, Joyce, in 2011.
He is the creator of the therapeutic methodology Experiential Engagement Therapy TM (EET), which focuses on addressing a person’s underlying core beliefs. He is well-known for his authentic, experiential techniques, which maximize long-term change.
Benoist is a Certified Option Process Mentor/Counselor. He is an internationally certified leader in The Mankind Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting men’s personal growth. He began his studies in human development and empowerment with Robert Hargrove and Relationships Inc. in 1980 and has been deeply involved in facilitating change in others ever since.
Jean - Francois' website | Twitter
The Exclusive Hawaii J.F. and his wife, Joyce, opened The Exclusive Hawaii in 2011. The holistic addiction treatment program uses J.F.’s exclusive methodology of Experiential Engagement Therapy™ and offers:
- Individualized treatment
- Private, 8-bed residential program
- Safe, medically-supervised detox
- Located on the Big Island of Hawaii
- Insurance accepted
Facebook | Website
This Week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio CEO of Prodigal Recovery and radio show host of Recovery Hope Mark Marcley joins us followed by Marika Paquin who is an Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist for the Sensory-Enhanced Yoga Institute. Join us for a full hour on Facebook Live and Coop Radio 100.5fm.
Prodigal Recovery We want you to know there is hope, but we don’t want to give you false hope. Recovery is difficult, it takes work, determination and a lot of prayer. At Prodigal Recovery, you will see we offer many of the tools necessary to remain drug and alcohol-free.
There are, however, many other tools and resources in our community to help ensure your recovery. As an individual, you need to be proactive to implement as much as you can into your schedule to ensure your long-term recovery.
Another thing that is very important and I hear repeated often, is the need to have fun. We can help you do that here as well. In addition to 7 large bedrooms with 12 very nice and comfortable beds, here are some of the things we offer other than a well-structured and disciplined home.
Website | Facebook
Recovering Hope Our new interactive radio show, Recovering Hope, is broadcast every Wednesday evening from 6-7PM on 106.7 FM, The Big Talker.
It will air live on the Recovering Hope FB page as well as on bigtalkerfm.com, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast version to catch the show after it airs.
We’ll cover all aspects of recovery, and hear stories from our community. Tune in!
Facebook | Website | YouTube Channel | Spotify
Sensory Enhanced Yoga Marika Paquin is an Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist for the Sensory-Enhanced Yoga Institute.
The Sensory-Enhanced Yoga Institute (SEYI) is a professional educational organization that trains yoga instructors, yoga therapists, licensed health professionals, and educators in the evidence informed practices of Sensory-Enhanced Yoga® and also directly serves traumatized and highly stressed populations (such as military veterans, emergency responders, victims of sexual trauma, victims of domestic violence, and students with special needs) through outreach efforts, program development and operation, and research.
Sensory-Enhanced Yoga® applies techniques from sensory-based occupational therapy practices as well as recent findings from the fields of neurobiology and trauma psychology to address core symptoms of PTSD and related quality of life factors. The program is especially informed by the highly successful treatment protocol used in the Iraq Yoga Study with deployed U.S. military personnel (Stoller et al, 2012), from which the program evolved, as well the specialized expertise of the SEYI faculty.
Lynn Stoller, founding President of the Sensory-Enhanced Yoga® Institute, is both a certified yoga therapist and a registered occupational therapist certified in sensory integration (SIPT). Lynn co-developed the treatment protocol used in the Iraq Yoga Study and has continued to build on her original ideas and writings during the course of her work with veterans in her local community, her experiences as a former faculty member of Warriors at Ease, and her intensive studies through Joseph LePage’s Integrative Yoga Therapy program.
Several additional faculty members contribute enormously to the expertise of the program. Some discovered the great healing power of yoga and meditation during the course of their own personal journeys and struggles, and all have achieved a high level of specialized education and expertise in the subject. All are registered yoga teachers or certified yoga therapists, and most are also licensed professional health care providers. Two are very highly accomplished and decorated military veterans. We also have a certified special education teacher and occupational therapist who will co-lead the institute’s S.M.Y.L.E.™ (Sensory and Mindfulness-based Yoga for Learning Environments) program. Please click here to read the bios of our highly talented faculty.
Facebook | Website
Marika Paquin Marika has been working as an occupational therapist with motor vehicle accident claimants since 1993, with a focus on clients with mild-to-moderate acquired brain injury, who have musculoskeletal, neurological, cognitive and/or psychosocial issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has been working with Canadian veterans since 2010, with a focus on physical disability, mental health and PTSD. Marika has been using principals of yoga in treatment for many years. She initially trained as a Hatha Yoga teacher through Sivananda, and went on to do trainings focusing on using yoga in physical and mental health rehabilitation, such as Structural Yoga Therapy, Warriors at Ease, Yoga of the Heart, Veterans Yoga Project, and Mindful Resilience. Marika consults about Mental Health Occupational Therapy and Sensory Enhanced Yoga® in the treatment of PTSD traumatized veterans and soldiers in Ukraine. She is part of a group that has facilitated Occupational Therapy education in Ukraine. Marika serves as a faculty member of the Sensory-Enhanced Yoga® Institute.
Inspiring People Mark A. Turnipseed, Author, Model, Fitness Coach, LGBTQ columnist & Addiction Recovery Advocate joins us for a full hour on Talk Recovery Radio. Mark A. Turnipseed offers hope for anyone who struggles with the shame and self-hatred that fuels addictions.
My Suicide Race At the tender age of six, Mark A. Turnipseed received what he felt was a clear and devastating message: it isn’t okay to like other boys, and if you do, you’re bound for hell. His confusion and self-hatred made him determined to become the boy he believed he was supposed to be, but in attempting to live a lie, he descended into a hell of his own making.
In this unflinchingly honest debut memoir, Mark takes us on a harrowing journey as he bounces off the restrictive walls of his closet and plunges into the darkness of drug and alcohol addiction, prostitution, and suicide attempts. He bravely lets us inside the raw, tragic mind of an addict and sexual trauma survivor whose self-denial threatens to destroy him and everyone who loves him.
After surviving numerous relapses, Mark finally finds a surprising key to saving his own life. While training for a triathlon, he embraces a fresh commitment to sober strategies that lead to good health, self-acceptance, and authenticity—offering hope for all who struggle with the shame and self-hatred that fuel addictions.
While showing that recovery is possible even for those who struggle for years to reach sobriety, My Suicide Race also unveils the often-unseen links between addiction, suicidal ideation, and the trauma of coming out.
Buy the book here
About Mark Fitness coach and LGBTQ addiction recovery advocate Mark A. Turnipseed is the author of My Suicide Race: Winning Over the Trauma of Addiction, Recovery, and Coming Out.
After surviving numerous relapses connected to addictions, Mark A. Turnipseed found a surprising key to saving his own life. While training for a triathlon, he discovered a way to embrace a fresh commitment to sober health. Offering hope for all who struggle with the shame and self-hatred that fuel addictions, Mark shines a new light on the often-unseen links between addiction, suicide attempts, and the trauma of coming out
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website | YouTube
Building Healthy Relationships in Recovery Chantal Jauvin is the Author of "Love Without Martinis: How Couples Build Healthy Relationships in Recovery, Based on Real Stories"
About the book: Weaving dialogue, emotions, and introspection, Love Without Martinis shares the fears, joys, setbacks, and triumphs of couples as they find their way back to each other. In the tradition of storytelling, the readers follow the couples in recovery from substance addiction as they rebuild healthy and loving relationships. The common thread that runs through their experiences shows that true recovery requires much more than sobriety; it demands personal development and growth. Love Without Martinis also offers practical tools to readers to help them on their own recovery journey.
Buy the book here
About the Author About Chantal: Chantal proudly supports her husband’s sobriety. She is an alumni of the Caron Treatment Center Family Education Program. Her pathway to recovery includes Al-Anon, individual and couples’ behavioral counseling as well as numerous personal growth workshops. Chantal and William celebrated his ten-year recovery in February 2019 with a cycling trip in Myanmar.
Chantal is an international corporate attorney. She launched her career with Gowlings, a leading Canadian law firm. Her expertise grew from trade law to corporate and financial services law eventually taking on the role of General Counsel at a Fortune 500 global company.
Chantal embraced early legal assignments in Mexico, Cambodia and Russia. Keen to be more actively involved in decision making, she completed her MBA in the UK and joined Conair Corporation in the United States where she handled matters ranging from free trade zone manufacturing in Costa Rica to the sale of fast-moving consumer goods in Europe. By the time she became General Counsel at Western Union, she had negotiated a joint venture with La Poste in France, a deal with Banco do Brazil and new regulations with the Central African Banking Commission while living in Austria. She won the Creating Shareholder Value business award at Western Union conferred for the first time in the company’s history to an individual in shared services. She has mentored attorneys from Dubai to Mumbai.
Facebook | Instagram | Website | Buy the Book
Adrienne Cossom is a clinician with Gambling Support BC working at SHARE Family and Community Services in Port Moody. She is also the host and producer of the podcast, Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems. Whether you want to decrease or stop gambling or support a family member who struggles with gambling, Adrienne can help get you there. She has a graduate degree in counselling and has specialized in problem gambling for 10+ years. Counselling is free and confidential.
Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems is a podcast that features interviews with gamblers and their families, as well as counsellors with experience addressing this issue. It is produced and hosted by service providers with Gambling Support BC
Calvin will share his experiences with getting pulled into gambling problems while in recovery from an alcohol addiction. I can talk about behavioural addictions, with a focus on gambling and how gaming, internet use, shopping, eating and sex can also get excessive. He and I can share what we know about how to recognize the signs of cross-addiction and protect from this while in recovery.
Social Media Tags:
https://www.facebook.com/foldempodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/foldempodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/sharefcs/
https://www.instagram.com/sharesociety/
Website:
https://www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca/blog-2
https://sharesociety.ca/
Recovery Month Ontario By proclaiming the month of September as Recovery Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes that people and families across the province often face challenges related to their addictions and mental health but can recover and be treated effectively. While leaders and organizations across the global mental health and addictions sector mark September as Recovery Month, the Governments of Canada and Ontario have yet to proclaim this month to recognize and support Ontarians recovering from addiction. While Ontario continues its battle against opioid use and addictions, Recovery Month will increase public awareness of the types of addictions Ontarians face every day and encourage people to seek help.
By proclaiming Recovery Month here in Ontario, individuals and families affected by addiction may begin to realize they are not alone, and that there are many people and organizations willing to help them in their recovery journey. About Minister Tibollo For over 30 years, Michael Tibollo, has been a devoted husband, father, seasoned lawyer, and genuine advocate for the Vaughan-Woodbridge community. Tibollo is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Psychology from the University of Southern California. Among his many accomplishments, Michael Tibollo is a distinguished lawyer with over 30 years of experience. Tibollo is married to Mrs. Silvana Tibollo, and is the proud father to three children. For the last 10 years, Tibollo has also been working and advocating for Caritas, which is a residential, therapeutic community seeking to help those suffering from addictions and mental health. In addition, Michael Tibollo was instrumental in the creation of Italian Heritage Month in Canada.
Convergence Healing
This is Peter Bedard and I’ve been reflecting on what an amazing day I just had. I’m so blessed to be in a place in where I can assist people in creating life altering changes in their world and, most importantly, within themselves. You know how impossible it seems to heal at times? How some people live in fear of never being able to heal and end up relying on drugs and surgery to help them survive? Well, that was me. I healed myself of everything from chronic anxiety to arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, depression, sciatica, chronic allergies, constant pain, and I died (yup you read that right) and came back to a broken body, a mind trapped in fear, and a broken spirit. If you’re still reading then quite possibly you can understand at least some of these things. I’ve healed from all this and more and I can help you do the same. With a MA in Consciousness Studies and my extensive training in Hypnotherapy I have helped thousands of people find their convergence healing. For over 15 years I have worked with chronic pain (physical, emotional, spiritual). I have an expertise working with anxiety, addiction, and chronic conditions and in healing myself I developed a tried and true process for creating wellness that I’ve come to call Convergence Healing.
"Convergence Healing: Healing Pain with Energetic Love"
About the Book: Millions of people suffer from some form of chronic pain (whether it be physical, emotional, or existential), and this discomfort silently drains too many of us of our highest potential and our power. Living in a state of unending pain pushes people to the margins of their own lives and robs them of direct access to their most authentic, essential, worthy selves. Pain, ironically, renders too many beautiful voices mute; it cripples the body, leaving too many dancing souls lost. And nobody knows this better than Peter Bedard. One night, seventeen-year-old dancer, Peter Bedard, died in a traffic accident. The white-bearded messenger waiting at the gate of heaven sent him back to Earth with a task to help others heal. After a decade of debilitating physical and emotional suffering, Peter uncovered an empowered, new way of healing chronic pain without medicine—convergence healing. In his groundbreaking approach, Bedard invites us to look at our pain as the greatest source of wisdom we will ever have. Instead of medicating it, trying to break with it, or somehow outwit it, he invites us to surrender to our pain so that we may finally integrate our losses, our transitions, our heartaches, and our mortality and make peace with the everlasting truth of who, uniquely, we truly are. Through the author’s own near-death experience and other compelling stories and case studies, Convergence Healing offers a whole new body-mind paradigm for those interested in living a balanced, well-integrated life.
Talk Recovery Radio is powered by New West Recovery, Last Door is a non-profit organization that has been in operation since 1984. www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com
If you’d like to learn more about our work and approach, get in touch with us online or by phone at:
Website: https://lastdoor.org/
Email: info@lastdoor.org
Help line: 1-855-465-2851
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio Ruth Spencer, author of "The Thirteenth Overdose: Parenting my son through FASD and addiction” is joined by her son Tim to talk about addiction in the family and the affect recovery has had on their family. Second on the show Dennis Berry is a best-selling author, national speaker, and coach and has been sober since 2003, Dennis is also the host of “The Funky Brain Podcast.”
The Thirteenth Overdose Tim is an adult with drug addictions and FASD. Living on the streets, he overdoses so often the first responders know him by name. He steals to buy himself heroin. He serves time, breaches probation, and returns to jail. His health deteriorates. With broken bones, infections, Hep C and heart failure, Tim gains the help of police and other support systems to triumph over his addiction. In an honest portrayal from a mother's perspective, Spencer puts in the front seat of her family's daily struggle with her son's addiction.
About Tim:
My name is Tim. I am 45 years old and father of 2. I had an interesting beginning to my life. I was born with FASD. Then put in foster care and later adopted by a very nice family at age of 18 months old. I spent my whole life with them. My FASD plays a huge part in my life decisions, both good and bad. But my family was always there to support me and hope one day I would see there was a better way of life. It only took me 26 years of drinking and drugging, before I decided to sober up. I am coming up to 3 years sober in August. Now that I am sober I am seeing the perspectives of my family and friends, and how much my addiction affected them. I am very lucky to be able to spend time with my kids. It has been quite the journey.
Dennis Berry Dennis Berry is a Life Mastery Coach and has been working with people worldwide for over 15 years. With modern technology, he can work with anybody anywhere via Zoom.
He has been sober since April 8, 2003 during which time he became a successful businessman, athlete, and family man. His journey in recovery helped him find his mission in life, which is to help others achieve inner peace and success, and master every area of their lives. Dennis knows what it is like to be helpless and hopeless with no positive direction. He was able to climb out of the gutter and transform his life and he spends his life helping others do the same. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired and you are ready to make changes in your life, book your first FREE consultation today! You will see some light at the end of the tunnel.
“Funky Wisdom: A Practical Guide to Life” About the Book: Author and motivational speaker Dennis C. Berry delivers his witty unique spin on our turbulent world along with a groundbreaking solution to navigate it that will transform your life, settle your mind, and bring you inner peace and success beyond your wildest imagination.
He shares his personal journey with raw honesty and shows how he was able to overcome alcoholism and drug addiction, health problems, financial difficulties, relationship issues and basically just deal with “growing up” a little later in life. You will learn principles that you can apply in every aspect of your life to help make you wealthier, healthier, happier, and wiser.
Funky Wisdom contains teachings from Taoism, Buddhism, and other ancient principles, along with modern day philosophy, spiritual principles, and solutions to living in today’s busy world. It is a compelling program that will transform you from the inside out and leave you with a blueprint that will guide you through the rest of your life feeling happy and free. It applies to anybody looking for more inner peace, success, and happiness.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio Brianne Davis an author, podcast host and person in long term recovery from sex and love addiction joins us on Facebook live and Co-op Radio 100.5fm.
About Brianne Davis
Whether lighting up the big screen or calling the shots behind the scene, actor, director, producer, and writer Brianne Davis is one of the most electric talents to storm Hollywood by force. She recently wrapped two seasons as series regular in History Channel's "Six" and a role in the upcoming season of Netflix's "Lucifer."
Originally from Atlanta, Brianne moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. Her first lead role came in 2005 with the blockbuster hit Jarhead, opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. Her credits include recurring roles on Hulu's "Casual," TNT's "Murder In The First," HBO's "True Blood," as well as FX's "Nip/Tuck," "NCIS: Los Angeles," CBS' "CSI: Miami," ABC's "Desperate Housewives," and HBO's "True Blood."
Not only an actor, Brianne is also an accomplished director and producer. Thriving behind the camera, as much as in front, she has produced five films with her production company Give & Take Productions. She has directed two features: "The Night Visitor 2: Heather's Story" and "Deadly Signal," which premiered at the Sites Film Festival in Spain. Brianne is the co-creator of three female-driven TV Series, "Take Back The Night," "Into Me You See" and "Secret Life." She's currently pitching them to networks with her producing partner/husband, Mark Gantt.
Brianne recently finished writing her first book, "Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex and Love Addict, a roman à clef novel based on a decade in recovery, and a little creative license. The book arrives in 2021. In March of 2020, she published an article for the HuffPost about her ten years of recovery from sex and love addiction.
She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son Davis and their dog Bear.
Brianne talks about how sex and love addiction can be very grey. It is not as simple as drinking or using drugs. Brianne says people who are sex and love addicts are addicted to people. Brianne explains sex addiction as people who are addicted to one-night stands, cheating in a relationship, having multiple relationships at once and having one foot in and one foot out in a relationship. Sex addicts are people who are more addicted to the sexual act of a relationship. Love addiction on the other hand is addicted to fantasy, romance, bad relationships, people who go back to the same relationship when they know the person is unavailable to be in a relationship. Someone who struggles with Sex and Love addiction has a progressive brain disease, people become addicted to people and to keep up the relationship they do sexual things to keep up the relationship.
The fellowship people attend who are Sex and Love addicts is Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous. Brianne has been sober in the fellowship for eleven and a half years, and she talks about what her bottom line looks like. Brianne said her sobriety depends on her staying above her bottom line, her bottom line is things she was doing before she got sober. Brianne was not allowed to cheat on her partner, she was not allowed to text email or talk to any men whatsoever, also get rid of all men in her life completely. Brianne says she would have to go to a restaurant and look down and not make eye contact with the waiter because what she did was put out a kind of energy to flirt with others, and to intrigue with her. Brianne would walk down the street and make sure people look at her and notice her as she wanted everyone’s attention she explains.
Brianne says her first year of sobriety she did not work as an actor. Brianne said she could not be in character when she was an empty shell of a human being. Brianne explains it as like putting a mask on top of a mask on top of a mask, also her first year of sobriety she did not have sex with her boyfriend, who is now her husband. Brianne and her boyfriend had very clear boundaries at the beginning of her sobriety such as her boyfriend not being able to comfort her when she was struggling, and he could not be there for her when she needed him. Brianne says it was the best thing to keep the relationship was to let it go for a while to let her get well.
If you are wondering if you struggle with sex and love addiction you can do a 40-questionnaire survey online if you go to google and type in “40 self diagnose question sex and love addicts anonymous”.
Brianne's Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Sex and Love Addiction Imagine if Sex and the City'sSamantha was an addict and her drug of choice is MEN. Go on a hilarious, inspiring, and at times, shocking journey as Roxanne conquers her fears, changes her ways, gets closer to healthy relationships and embraces self-love a little more each day.
After years of working as an image-obsessed actress in Hollywood, Roxanne finds herself at rock bottom from a disease that is anything but glamorous. In her first year of recovery, Roxanne has to take accountability for her past. From tales of being mistaken for a prostitute at the Hotel Bel-Air to botching a threesome attempt with an A-list celebrity, she must face the truth about herself and stop playing the victim.
Roxanne's odyssey of using sex and love—as destructive and beguiling as an alcoholic reaching for a bottle—is a veritable rollercoaster of ups and downs, laughter and tears, and a true testament to facing your absolute truth and conquering your fears. So take a front-row seat into this complex world of sexual addiction, love addiction and the transformational power of releasing your shame and living a sober life.
Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex & Love Addict has the vibrant, relatable vibe of chick lit, the soul-baring honesty of a memoir and the wisdom of a self-help book. In this unique roman à clef novel, Brianne Davis shares her own intimate experience with the transformational power of the twelve-steps, providing strength and hope for anyone who wants to change their life forever:
- The 12-steps of recovery are broken down to help both the addict and those that love them.
- Identifying and isolating behaviors of sexual addiction, and the road to sexual health recovery
- Looking inside and finding out the WHY.
- Dating sober and building a community of sober women.
- Love addiction, the willingness to be honest, self-care and becoming authentic.
- Practical tips and tools to enhance your life, let go of shame and embrace self-love.
Brianne talks about her book “Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex and Love Addict” when she was asked why she wrote the book and why she wanted to write the book, Brianne responded by saying she was never planning on writing a book. Brianne did not want to break her anonymity and be a speaker and author but when she got to her 10-year sober mark she got this overwhelming feeling of being of service bigger than herself. Brianne’s husband found a writing class that he suggested she take, and Brianne was very close minded at first. After being suggested again and again to take the class Brianne finally did and ended up writing the first draft of the book in 45 days.
Brianne later wrote an article for the Huff Post and when it came out, she thought her acting career was going to be over because everyone would know she was a sex and love addict, but after the article came out, nothing happened. No one said anything and she realized how small she really was in this world and her sharing her story was not as big as a deal as she thought, and no one was going to judge her or she wont lose her job. Brianne explains one thing she did learn is that once she shared her story on a global stage, that last bit of shame she had went away, knowing her story is out there helping people.
Buy The Book
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio Dr. Daniel Barton joins the show to talk about The Nashville Ketamine Centre and ketamine infusion therapy, on the second half of the show Dr. Sheila Forman talks about the question "Do you use Food to Cope?" on Coop Radio 100.5fm and on Facebook Live.
Dr. Daniel Barton My name is Daniel Barton and I come from a long line of “Bartons” that have cared for the mental health needs of Nashvillians for over 3 decades. My father is a psychiatrist and educator, and one of the three founders of Alive Hospice. My mother is a clinical social worker, marital therapist, who along with a few colleagues, was responsible for bringing the mediation movement to the state of Tennessee. My brother practices psychiatry in Nashville as well. I am honored to carry on this tradition by sitting on the frontier of a new and exciting chapter in psychiatry and being one of the few psychiatrists in the state to offer ketamine therapy for patients in the Nashville community and beyond.
Nashville Ketamine Centre About The Nashville Ketamine Center: The Nashville Ketamine Center offers cutting edge ketamine infusion therapy for those dealing with treatment resistant depression of both unipolar and bipolar depression. Ketamine offers fast relief of symptoms for those that have been suffering for too long. We treat patients in the comfortable and calming environment of our Nashville, Tennessee office. We also serve the communities of our neighboring cities of Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville as well as the nearby states of Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and Mississippi.
Website | Facebook
Dr. Sheila Forman Are you tired of gaining and losing the same pounds? Are you weary of starting yet another diet? Would you like a chance to change your relationship with food using a new approach based on both science and age-old wisdom? If yes, it’s time for you to learn the art of mindful eating. Mindful eating does not focus on weight loss per se, but rather on becoming more aware of patterns of inappropriate eating, and provides tools for making sustainable changes in these patterns. It is a non-diet approach, designed to increase mindful awareness of experiences related to eating and to decrease mindlessness and unhealthy habits.
Based on a foundation of daily mindful meditation, our mindfulness-based eating program, TAME Your Appetite: The Art of Mindful Eating, teaches you a new way of relating to yourself, your food, your eating and your body.
You will learn to balance your eating and experience true culinary delight and satisfaction.
As a result, you will find that you choose quality over quantity, enjoy food more, eat less, and end the cycle of deprivation, overeating, and guilt. As you gradually shift away from your current eating habits into healthy mindful ones, **TAME Your Appetite** becomes your path to peace with food and freedom from emotional overeating. You will go from policing yourself to honoring yourself. From mindlessly reacting to mindfully responding.
Weight loss is an inevitable by-product of naturally eating less food, which happens as you become more mindful of your choices, sense of fullness and taste satisfaction. By creating new day-to-day patterns of eating less food and sustaining these new patterns indefinitely into the future, your body will find its natural right weight. In time your weight will reflect what is right for you.
So, if you are tired of yet another round of diets, make a commitment to mindful-based eating and once and for all, TAME Your Appetite.
Facebook | Twitter | Website
About Dr. Kelly Today, Robb Kelly, PhD is a world-renowned addiction expert who believes in treating the problem, not the symptoms. He has worked for many years helping addicts and alcoholics to RECOVER their lives from the disease of addiction.
Based on his own experiences working with addicts and alcoholics over the last 20 years, combined with a PhD in psychology, and as a recovered alcoholic himself – he is a triple threat against the disease of addiction.
Dr. Kelly’s philosophy may seem unconventional and unorthodox. But, they are based on extensive research and behavior studies that he conducted over the last 20 years. He pulls the disease out of his clients and empowers them to fight their disease head on.
Some people have referred to him as "The Gordon Ramsay of the Addiction World" because of his direct, no-nonsense, and candid approach to recovery. He has discovered that in order to get his clients to change their thinking, they must confront their disease with candor and vigor. Dr. Kelly works to "make the road of recovery less of a mystery tour."
Robb Kelly, PhD has worked with thousands of people including celebrities of film, music, and sports. He has lectured at many high profile universities and hospitals on the subject of addiction, and is recognized as a leading authority on addiction recovery methods that are changing lives all around the world.
Today, he is living his dream, instead of dreaming of living.
"Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking" About the book: Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking chronicles the true life story of my personal fight from homeless alcoholic to living a life beyond my wildest dreams. My name is Dr. Robb Kelly and today I run a successful alcohol and addiction recovery business but I had to travel to hell and back to make me the man I am today. I am not sure when I crossed the line from social drinking to alcoholism, I just know I did and my life would never be the same again. I was married with children and had a great career, life could not have been better. The only problem is that I drank too much, and when I did I lost control. When I enjoyed my drinking I couldn’t control it, and when I controlled my drinking I couldn’t enjoy it. Finally, alcoholism gripped me hard and like most people I sank really quickly. I lost everything: my business, my home, my wife, and most importantly my two young daughters.
I had a PhD from Oxford University but went from a comfortable home to homelessness and lived on the mean streets of Manchester England for a year asking for handouts to purchase liquor. While homeless, I was arrested several times, prone to blackouts that lasted for weeks, and was assaulted physically and sexually. I have had several near brushes with death, including an attempted suicide.
So great was my despair of my alcoholic and addictive condition that I just wanted to die. On a cold and wet English night, I fell to my knees and begged God to help me find a way from the endless nightmare that was my existence and moments later a man carrying a bible rounded the corner and offered me a helping hand. My plea that cold night opened the door to sobriety and I found the answer I was looking for. To my amazement it had been there all along, I just had to hit rock bottom before I would accept it.
Since recovering from a hopeless state of alcoholism, it has become my life mission to assist other hopeless, chronic alcoholics and addicts and educate all I could on the dangers and warning signs of alcohol and addiction. That is my purpose and my passion, to assist the still struggling alcoholic and addict recover their lives. I was an alcoholic whose symptoms and not my disease were treated every trip to hospital. My gripping story of success to failure to success proves that it's never too late to recover your life from alcoholism and addiction.
Everyone had written me off as dead twenty years ago but I'm still standing and I have one hell of a story to share. If you're struggling with drug and alcohol abuse yourself or are the loved one of an alcoholic or addict, this book will inspire you to never give up hope. Today, I'm living the dream instead of dreaming to live.
ROBERT KANTER, THE WORLD ’S MOST RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONAL RECOVERY AND FAMILY ADVOCATE ADDRESSING THE OPIOID CRISIS, APPEARS IN THE MEDIA AROUND THE WORLD TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE GLOBAL SURGE IN DRUG OVERDOSE FATALITIES WITH LIVE INTERVIEWS ON CTV NATIONAL TELEVISION (RADIO 89.3 FM) AND NEWSRADIO 103.9 (NEW YORK) AND IS QUOTED IN ONLINE ARTICLES ON THE NATIONAL REVIEW (U.S.A) AND THE HILL (WASHINGTON D.C.)
Kanter’s global advocacy work encompasses a wide range of critical topics including the impact of COVID 19 on the epidemic, the Purdue Pharma class action opioid settlement, family support services legislation in the United States Congress, and the worldwide stigma of substance use disorder, which he references in an article he authored for the SHINGETSU NEWS. His heartwarming story of how he and his daughter both recovered from substance use disorder and the genesis of his advocacy work can be found in an article he authored for PARENTS.com his op-ed in the JERUSALEM POST and is featured in a live VIDEO PODCAST found on his YOUTUBE CHANNEL with his daughter. NEW YORK, March 2 3 2021 Robert Kanter, the world’s most respected international recovery and family advocate addressing the opioid epidemic, is interviewed on live television and radio, authors numerous articles and op-eds, and is quoted in digital publications around the world to raise awareness of the significant uptick in global overdose deaths. The statistics are alarming.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio, 2 guests, one full hour. Kathy Moser founder of "Music for Recovery" and Peter Alessandria author of "Be Bigger Than You Think You Are" joins us on Co-op Radio 100.5fm.
Guest 1: Kathy Moser, founder of "Music for Recovery"
“Music for Recovery has been providing evidence-based, clinically valuable music programming nationally in the US for over 10 years.
In 2016 our work was studied by the Recovery Research Institute at Harvard Medical School, Dr. John Kelly lead researcher, and found to be beneficial to people in residential treatment. (let me know if you’d like a copy of the study)
The goal of our work is to give clients hands-on experience developing recovery skills through engaging musical programming including group and individual song writing, recovery concerts, choirs, performance, beat making, and learning to play musical instruments.
We offer song writing workshops, concerts, installation of music equipment and collaborate to design clinically integrated music programming that supports your facility's treatment milieu.
We have worked with a wide variety of recovery clients including adolescents and adults, both SUD primary and dual diagnosis, gender specific and mixed.
We have experience working in detox, short-term residential, long-term residential, sober living and IOPs.
The over 700 songs we have written with clients have been streamed over 46,000 times post treatment on our SoundCloud Page. Here are some of our Greatest Hits
Music for Recovery has consistently been rated by clients and staff as one of the most helpful and engaging elements of treatment.”
Website | Soundcloud | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram
Music For Recovery Results BACKGROUND: Carr et al. (2013) cite the need for further attention to Music Therapy’s effects in inpatient settings. Drawing a link between the theoretical concepts of group therapy and data specifically evaluating Music Therapy programs seems suited to the incipient status of much of this work. Yalom’s Therapeutic Factors (TFs) are a widely accepted theoretical framework for the aspects of group therapy that serve to effect change in group members (1995). Music Therapy appears to derive its therapeutic effects from an interaction of these factors. Current literature documents Music Therapy’s ability to instill reconnection with previous states, companionship amongst the group, and perceived equality with the therapist unique to the music modality, as well as instillation of hope and positive expression (Ansdell and Meehan, 2010).
“Music for Recovery” (MFR) is one such example of Music Therapy which is available to facilities offering services to patients with substance use disorders. The MFR program, run by a musician in long-term recovery, offers on-site recovery songwriting workshops and performances to explore how creativity can support recovery and enhance treatment experiences. A program evaluation was developed to measure the therapeutic effects of participation in MFR in patients of residential addiction treatment facilities.
Guest 2: Peter Alessandria Author of "Be Bigger Than You Think You Are" I’m Peter Alessandria – and I would like to invite you to "Be Bigger Than You Think You Are!" This book will show you how to overcome your limiting thoughts and beliefs so you can finally have the life you want.
In 2009, after working for nearly 20 years as an entertainment attorney, I lost my business to the Global Financial Crisis. I tried everything I could to get it going again, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually I came to a crossroads: what was I going to do with the rest of my life? Several years earlier I had fallen in love with photography. When it became clear my law business wasn’t going to come back anytime soon, I decided to turn a negative into a positive and pursue my passion for photography full time.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go so well at first. For more than three years I struggled to get my new business going. I initially thought it was the economy. Then I thought it was my lack of formal education in art or photography. Next I thought it was the competition from all the other photographers out there. At one point, I was even sure it was because I didn’t have the latest and greatest camera equipment. But it turns out none of that was the problem. What was holding me back were my own negative thoughts and beliefs about myself. I had a very negative self-image when it came to being a creative person. I was sure people wouldn’t like my work, so I lived in fear of rejection and criticism. It was quite eye-opening to see that my self-image was the cause of all my problems.
Making Amends As someone who spent almost 25 years in three different 12 Step Programs, I’ve learned that taking responsibility for our choices and actions is at the core of any recovery program. The inventory and amends process suggested in Steps 4, 8 & 9 form the basis for this. Yet I’ve found that taking responsibility by making an amends is not always as straightforward as it seems.
Buy the book | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Talk Recovery Radio Jesse Harless author of "If Not You, Then Who?", talks about his story of addiction and recovery Jesse is also the founder, CEO of Entrepreneurs in Recovery. Jesse joins us for a full hour on Talk Recovery Radio on Co-op Radio 100.5fm.
Author of "If Not You, Then Who?" Addicted to opioids and standing before a federal judge for narcotics possession, twenty-two-year-old Jesse Harless believed his life was over.
It was only beginning.
That rock-bottom moment led Jesse on an odyssey of following his intuition into the unknown, finding recovery, and helping others do the same.
In If Not You, Then Who?, Jesse holds nothing back as he shares the raw devastation and miraculous triumph of his own addiction story. He discovers that recovery is far more than just sobriety; it is a lifelong journey of healing, growth, and transformation that requires consistent action.
He then shares his FEARS recovery toolkit, which contains the same tools, techniques, and habits he used to co-create a life he’s passionate about living:
• Focus on your recovery
• Elevate your recovery
• Appreciate your recovery
• Resilience in recovery
• Self-care in recovery
Your story matters. No matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done—nothing has been wasted. It’s possible to co-create the life of your dreams. The time is now.
If not you, then who?
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733531610
Entrepreneurs in Recovery You are resilient. You were born for this. Starting the journey of becoming your best self does not need to be an insurmountable obstacle. All the tools and strategies you need to reach your full potential are available. Most are hidden inside of you already. My name is Jesse Harless, and my mission is to change the addiction and mental health recovery world one conversation at a time.
At Entrepreneurs in Recovery®, we look to empower people striving to live a life of transformation and abundance. All voices must be included to learn from their collective intelligence, wisdom, and experiences. Building communities of recovery is an essential part of our future.
Entrepreneurs in Recovery® training uses the same approach called upon by Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, BMW, Keller Williams, Vitamix, and NASA. I’m currently a member of the XCHANGE Faculty team. I’ve integrated the XCHANGE approach into my workshops, training, and events.
The mission of Entrepreneurs in Recovery® is to empower people to move out of a cycle of destructive hopelessness and help them harness their strengths to build healthy purpose-driven habits.
I am Brian Meister. I work as a counselor/therapist with People with a Gambling Disorder. I speak on the topic of Gambling Disorder. I am a Person with a Gambling Disorder and a Drug Use Disorder in recovery. I will share with you my own perspective in this blog on the cost of gambling to individuals, families, society whether the gambling is legal or not. I will disclose that as the title above alludes to I believe the costs of gambling outweigh the benefits. I believe that the prolific expansion of gambling in the US, and in Illinois, was not done in a thoughtful way either economically, and more importantly, with a social conscience. The ideas I will present will be my own; not my employers, not any recovery group or any other party I am connected to. I will use, and cite, data from others though some of the citations will be anonymous. I do not believe I have all the answers to effect change for the benefit of individuals, families, and society from the negative effects of the proliferation of gambling. I do know that I want myself and others to have a voice in finding solutions to the horrible effects from gambling. I know that my thoughts are the collection of all the wisdom and data I have gleaned from others that have been integrated in my being along with my own experiences. I will soon write a post explaining why I chose the title above. Before that I want to complete a resource page for those experiencing their own gambling disorder, experiencing the effects of someone else’s gambling disorder, or for those interested to learn more about the topic.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio Dr. Robert J Meyers discusses his book "“Motivating Substance Abusers to Enter Treatment: Working with Family Members” and many more books Dr. Meyers has written.
About the Book:
Filling a crucial need, this book presents Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), a time- and cost-effective therapy program oriented to individuals who want to motivate a loved one to seek help. The authors' nonconfrontational approach teaches concerned significant others (CSOs) how to change their own behavior in order to reward sobriety, discourage substance use, and ultimately to help get the substance abuser into treatment. The CSO also gains valuable skills for problem solving and self-care. Step-by-step instructions for implementing CRAFT are accompanied by helpful case examples and reproducible.
Where to buy the book: https://www.amazon.ca/Motivating-Substance-Abusers-Enter-Treatment/dp/1593856466
About Dr. Meyers Dr. Meyers has been in the addiction field for 39 years with 23 of those years being at the University of New Mexico. He is currently the director of Robert J. Meyers, Ph.D. & Associates and a Research Associate Professor Emeritus in Psychology at the University of New Mexico's Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addiction. He has been involved in over a dozen clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health, including three CRAFT trials, Project Match and the Clinical Trials Network
Dr. Meyers began his work with the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) in 1976. At that time he helped develop the first CRA outpatient procedures, which were used in the seminal study published by Dr. Nathan Azrin and colleagues in 1982. In the late 1990's Dr. Meyers helped design and evaluate the adolescent version of CRA (A-CRA). Dr. Meyers also developed the new innovative "intervention" program used to engage resistant substance abusers to enter treatment. This new intervention called Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), an evidence-based protocol, has shown superior positive outcomes then traditional interventions styles in several randomized clinical trials. His CRAFT work has led Dr. Meyers and CRAFT to be one of the 14 featured segments of the Emmy Award-winning HBO Addiction series. Dr. Meyers has also been featured in Oprah magazine for his outstanding work using the Community Reinforcement Approach.
Dr. Meyers Website: https://robertjmeyersphd.com/index.html
Guest 1: Nicholas Hennink Nicholas Hennink ('Henn-ink') is an Advanced Care Paramedic and Singer/Songwriter by both passion and vocation, known for his inspirational music that gives hope to those who need it the most. Nicholas also served as an advanced care paramedic for over a decade. His love of music began during his childhood, playing in bands and creating songs with his acoustic guitar in Cape Town, South Africa, where he was born and raised. Serving as an Advanced Care Paramedic Nicholas was diagnosed with severe PTSD, seeing things that can't be unseen, he used alcohol as a coping mechanism and was afflicted with alcohol addiction. Stemming over 6 years of relapses, rehab three times, and watching his life collapse around him, suicide was not far off. Keeping his daughter and fiancé front and center in his mind pushed him to heal, and use his gifts to help other people that still struggle. All of Nicholas' website/social media links https://linktr.ee/nicholashennink?fbc...
Guest 2: Jeff Vircoe So, I'm Jeff Vircoe. Age 61. Born in Ottawa, raised an anglophone in Montreal, I have been out on Vancouver Island for 34 of my 60 years on the planet. I’m a father, a stepfather, a partner, a businessman and a man in long term recovery from substance addiction. I'm over 31 years clean today. I have solid Newfoundland and Australian ancestry, so I'm pretty complicated. Stubborn, silly, patriotic and non-judgmental most of the time. I can be pretty skeptical and sarcastic other times. I am a fledgling golfer, guitarist and bass player. I'm also a history buff, a voracious reader, and a pretty good cook. I am a political buff, love cats, omelets and the Boston Bruins. I am more likely to speak up than shut up. I believe in freedom of expression and the importance of telling the truth. I respect those who came before us. With a series of serendipitous events in 2006, I morphed into an addictions support staff member and then counsellor at Edgewood Treatment Centre, one of the country’s top addiction treatment facilities, for six more years. In 2012, I survived a quadruple bypass. For the next five years, I went on at Edgewood as editor of several different Edgewood Health Network publications. Over that period, I interviewed and wrote about staff and patients, and researched and wrote about programs and modalities from across the addictions spectrum. I have written hundreds of heart-warming and heart-breaking stories for newspapers and magazines across the country. News stories, business profiles, travel, entertainment, sports, courts and all points between, I have always tried to be a man of integrity, a storyteller armed with some zip and edginess. I've interviewed countless examples of the kinds of people who make life interesting for us all, and am richer for having met and shared them with my readers. Website: http://www.jeffvircoe.com/ http://www.sendthewritemessage.com/
Recovery is the New Black, and Murder and Addiction Guest 1 Recovery is the New Black Michelle Smith is an author, of Recovery is the New Black, certified mental health and addictions counselor and virtual Recovery Coach. Sober since November 24, 2016, her recovery path is focused on honesty, self-love and forgiveness. She’s passionate about supporting women with tools and resources around substance abuse, mental health, bereavement, eating disorders, trauma and codependency. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children. More about Michelle https://www.recoveryisthenewblack.com/aboutme
Sober mom Squad https://www.recoveryisthenewblack.com/sober-mom-squad
Social Media Tags:
https://www.instagram.com/recoveryisthenewblack_/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/128863161079299/
https://twitter.com/Michelle80Smith
Website: https://www.recoveryisthenewblack.com/
Guest 2 Personal Story of a Murdered Niece who struggled with addiction My 22 year old niece, Shana Harris-Morris, was murdered on February 4, 2021, in her home in Surrey, British Columbia. Shana was in active addiction. Her killer(s) are still out there. I Am Shana’s Voice
Ryan Morris wants this to never happen to others, his niece was a kind person who struggled
Shana was taken from her home and placed in foster care by the Ministry in 2006. Although her parents fought to get her back, and I also applied for guardianship of her so she would not go into foster care. The ministry declined my request saying my home was not a suitable fit. The ministry never once visited my family home to do their due diligence.
Shana’s mom, tried to file a complaint with the Registry of Social workers but was informed that none of the individuals that were working on the case, were in fact registered with them. As a result, no complaint could be made.
Shana was diagnosed with a number of mental illnesses and disorders, several years after she was removed from her home by the ministry.
Shana began using drugs shortly after she was abused in the foster home she was staying at.
To hear the rest of the story tune in live this Thursday.
Social Media Tags: https://www.facebook.com/groups/787577941623346/user/611215400
This week on Talk Recovery Radio Dr. Allen Berger joins us on Talk Recovery Radio to talk about his new book "12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety: Getting Your Recovery Unstuck" as well as the rest of his books in his "12" series.
Emotional Sobriety About the book:
Some people get sober but stay stuck. Even after the addictive substances or behaviors recede into our pasts, many of us still suffer. Renowned recovery expert Dr. Allen Berger helps us learn to experience, respect, and modulate our emotional reactions to achieve true serenity and peace of mind.
Sobriety can be the foundation for growth, but only if we are willing to explore what lies beyond the basics of physical sobriety. The quality of our ongoing recovery will be determined by how we learn to respond to the problems or challenges in our lives—even the basic emotional discomforts and dislocations that arise day-to-day.
Developed to help those in recovery find continuing success, 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety gives us a framework for understanding successive stages of recovery, as well as a guide toward emotional maturity, authentic humility, and deep joy in living. Rooted in the insights and vision of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, this book is also informed by the author’s scientific wisdom, personal experience, and decades of clinical treatment of addiction. 12 Essential Insights gives us a fresh take on mature sobriety.
Allen Berger, PhD About the Author:
Allen Berger, PhD, a popular public speaker and nationally recognized expert on the science of recovery, is the author of 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery, 12 More Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery, 12 Smart Things to Do When the Booze and Drugs Are Gone, 12 Hidden Rewards of Making Amends and Love Secrets Revealed: What Happy Couples Know About Having Great Sex, Deep Intimacy, and a Lasting Connection. His pamphlet, “How to Get the Most Out of Group Therapy,” helps clients in treatment, continuing care, or Twelve Step groups, understand what happens in group meetings and how these meetings help members acquire recovery skills. Dr. Berger lives in Los Angeles, California.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio Dr. Louise Stanger Author of "Addiction in the Family: Helping Families Navigate Challenges, Emotions, and Recovery"
About the Book:
A practical and supportive guide for families struggling with addiction
Get compassionate guidance that shows you how to navigate the unique challenges faced when a family member is suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD). Addiction in the Family helps you better understand what your loved one is going through while also offering realistic advice for approaching their addiction and how it affects your entire family.
Drawing on Dr. Louise Stanger’s years of experience as an SUD and family trauma clinician, Addiction in the Family allows you to take things at your own pace and concentrate on the areas where you need the most help. Whether it’s finding ways to help your loved one, concentrating on your own self-care, or starting the healing and recovery journey, you’ll find practical and thoughtful guidance.
Addiction in the Family is:
- Family-focused―Get advice that addresses the dynamics and challenges of dealing with a partner, child, or other family member who is suffering from SUD.
- Practical and hopeful―Learn how to set boundaries, deal with strong emotions, and find addiction treatment options, as well as the best ways to communicate with a loved one compassionately and honestly.
- Filled with real-life examples―Realize that you aren’t alone thanks to composite anecdotes―drawn from Dr. Louise’s practice―that help you contextualize your experiences.
About Dr. Stanger:
Dr. Louise Stanger focuses on strength-based solutions and invitational change
Dr. Louise is an Ivy League Award winner (2019 Interventionist of the Year from DB Resources in London and McLean Hospital – an affiliate of Harvard), educated social worker, popular author, internationally renowned clinician, interventionist and speaker and an expert on mental health, addiction, process disorders and chronic pain. She gets to the heart of the matter in helping families because she’s passionate about bringing hope and healing to loved ones.
When you call, you won’t have to go through any intermediaries. She will pick up the phone and talk directly with you.
Dr. Louise developed and refined her invitational method of mental health and substance abuse interventions using the well-established research methodology of portraiture. She has performed thousands of family interventions throughout the United States and abroad. She has received numerous awards for her years of dedication to the fields of intervention & recovery.
In addition to her years of experience, Dr. Louise is a published author whose work covers a range of topics including mental health, substance abuse, and well-being, the opioid epidemic, marijuana and other drugs, parenting, high wealth clients, finding happiness, spirituality, failure to launch, chronic pain and pain management, family and many more. Her latest book, Addiction in the family: Helping Families Navigate Challenges,Emotions and Recovery (2020) is a #1 bestseller on Amazon. Her book Falling Up: A Memoir of Renewal is available on Amazon.
Dr. Louise is also known for lively, informative, customized and invigorating trainings for staffs, families and clients. Foundations Recovery Network’s Moments of Change Conference proclaimed Dr. Stanger the “Fan Favorite Speaker.” In addition, the San Diego Business Journal listed her as one of the top 10 “Women Who Mean Business” and she was ranked as one of the top 10 Interventionists in the Country. In 2017, she received the Dr. Joseph P. Galleta Spirit of Recovery Award and the DB Resources in London Journalism Award. In 2018, she was honored by the Forgiving Foundation and spoke in London on World Drug Day in June. She also received the 2018 Friendly House Excellence In Service Award and continues to inspire change.
Visit Dr. Stanger's:
Facebook Page Website
The disease of addiction affects 1 out of 10 people in the United States, and is a devastating―often, fatal―illness. Now, from the physician director of the renowned Betty Ford Center, comes a step-by-step plan with a realistic “one-day-at-a-time” approach to a disease that so often seems insurmountable. With a focus on reclaiming the power that comes from a life free of dependency, Being Sober walks readers through the many phases of addiction and recovery without judgment or the overly “cultish” language of traditional 12-step plans. It also addresses the latest face of this disease: the “highly functioning” addict, or someone who is still able to achieve personal and professional success even as they battle a drug or alcohol problem. Dr. Haroutunian tackles this provocative issue head-on, offering new insight into why you don’t have to “bottom out” to get help. Dr. Haroutunian is himself a recovering alcoholic and knows firsthand the challenges of sobriety. His background and expertise in the field of alcohol and drug treatment give him a powerful edge and perspective that is unparalleled in his field. Using clear, straightforward language, Being Sober offers a proven path toward emotional sobriety and a rewarding new life based on gratitude, dignity, and self-respect. Including a Foreword written by Steven Tyler. It's All About Changing Lives Dr. Harry earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College of Union University in Albany, New York. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, California Academy of Family Physicians, American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Medical Association, American Board of Addiction Medicine, and American Board of Family Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Family Physicians and American Board of Addiction Medicine. He serves on the Substance Abuse Advisory Board for the Screen Actors Guild, on the Substance Abuse Advisory Board for the American Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Programs, and on the Advisory Board for Alliance for a Healthier Generation, supported by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation.
Guest 2: Jeffery Munn Author of "Parenting a Video Game Addict: Strategies for Helping a Child Addicted to Video Games” About the book: Are you concerned about how much time your child spends playing video games? Have you seen changes in his or her behavior that are causing you to worry? Written by a family therapist, Parenting a Video Game Addict will give you the tools necessary to: Determine if your child might be addicted. Talk to your child about his or her video game use in a constructive way. Set solid limits and boundaries that actually work. Gently but effectively guide your child towards healthier activities. If you've tried everything and nothing has worked, it's time to use a different approach. Stop resorting to desperate attempts to change your child's behavior by yelling, lecturing, or threatening. Instead, follow the structured, consistent steps outlined in this book to see real results that last. Parenting any child brings many challenges, but parenting a child who has fallen under the spell of video games is a unique struggle. Most people can't do it alone or without guidance. Instead of banging your head against the wall and doing the same thing over and over, make a change in your approach that will make a lasting difference in your child's life, your life, and the wellbeing of your entire family. Jeffrey Munn is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. His work has helped many parents navigate the difficult task of parenting with solid, consistent boundaries in a way that is effective but still loving and positive. Practically Sane What is Practically Sane? Practically Sane is a website, a blog, and a movement to improve the way we engage in dialogue about the issues we care about the most. Whether communication has become more dysfunctional or social media has just made the dysfunction more visible, one thing is clear: we need to learn how to talk to each other if we want to avoid further hostility and division. Productive conversation is the key to finding solutions and progressing as a society. This site aims to bring more of it into the world.
"I like teaching people how to feel good and live awesome lives"- Jeffrey Munn
Guest 1: Author of "Chronic Hope: Families and Addiction"
About the book:
Families of addicted individuals are in crisis. Substance abuse affects the entire family system, not just the individual. A broken family system is engaged in codependency, enabling continued substance abuse. The result? An addict's life continues to be out of control and unmanageable.
Take control. It's time to say, "Enough." You have a much greater chance for success if the whole family is engaged in recovery, not just the addict. Previous actions have been ineffective and you need a plan - one equipped with boundaries, accountability and consequences to heal the family system.
Turn helplessness into hope. In Chronic Hope: Families & Addiction, Kevin Petersen, MA, LMFT, shares an integrated, holistic approach to healing families in crisis due to addiction and codependency.
Buy the book here
Helping Families Heal Kevin is also the Founder of The Chronic Hope Institute.
“Addiction doesn’t just impact the individual – it impacts the entire family system. The Chronic Hope Institute seeks to help families heal from addiction through family case management and professional therapy treatment.
The Chronic Hope Institute provides health services to families and loved ones who are in crisis due to an addict. Founder and Author Kevin Petersen, MA, LMFT, who wrote the groundbreaking book “Chronic Hope: Parenting the Addicted Child” has expanded his family counseling practice into a national tele-health platform for families at risk. Kevin also trains clinicians and family case managers best practices to help families dealing with addiction.
With additional counseling options offered through Petersen Family Counseling, together we can help cultivate happier, healthier relationships.”
Facebook Instagram
Visit their website here
Guest 2: Germana Rovinelli author of memoir "We Do Recover"
About the book:
This book is about my Recovery journey from a family that taught me to sacrifice myself and die early, I did twice in early addiction to finding my way out of a personal HELL that I was set up to live as a family system of Don't Think Don't Talk Don't Feel. Don't be who you are because who you are is NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Seven generations of shame and secrets were programmed into me, as I found myself asking " how did I come to believe that I am worth so little," I was lead back to my family of origin and its hypnotic programming"
I have been in recovery for 29 years and my book is a reflection of my journey, painful transparent, and factual.
It teaches us that we are all Worth Loving.
This book is for: Personal development, Relapse prevention, treatment centers, second stage recovery.
Helping people who have been abused as children understand why they've been abusing, neglecting themselves, and how to stop this cycle of self-harm and self-abandonment.
Buy the book here
Guest One: Dan Griffin Author of “A Man's Way through Relationships: Learning to Love and Be Loved” An essential guide to the challenges men in recovery face in creating and sustaining healthy relationships in all areas of their lives. Every idea is presented through the lens of the “Man Rules”―the often unconscious ideas men carry with them into every relationship they have that affect their ability to find true connection. Dan Griffin excerpts interviews with men who share their innermost lives and experiences with relationships and draws from his own life with over two decades of recovery and ten years of marriage. Readers will learn to recognize how their ideas about masculinity have shaped who they are and how they approach their relationships. A Man’s Way through Relationships offers practical advice and inspiration for men to define, with their partners, their own sense of masculinity, and thus heighten their potential to love and be loved. Social Media Tags: https://www.instagram.com/authordangriffin/ https://twitter.com/authordgriffin https://www.facebook.com/DanGriffinMA/ Website: https://www.dangriffin.com/ Guest Two: Dylan Lundgren Topic: Dylan is a TEDx Speaker and Addiction Recovery Advocate. His mission is to work with individuals and organizations to increase engagement in the addiction recovery process and improve long-term outcomes. Dylan “teaches with his actions” and likes to be an example of what he illustrates. You may find Dylan dancing at noon on a Thursday, doing spoken word at a local museum, or going out ‘sober and solo’ to karaoke. Dylan loves to combine his knowledge and passion to create events and experiences for people in recovery; such as Poetry Slams and Sober Raves. He is well known as an inspirational speaker and gifted facilitator; as well as a spoken word artist. His purpose is to transform despair into hope and create a common bond through shared meaning. If you are looking for a professional who uniquely addresses the despair and hopelessness of the struggles with addiction, or the recovery process, as well as provides hope, and real solutions, through an empowering shift in perception, then you’ve come to the right place! You can feel confident bringing Dylan in as your speaker or facilitator. Connect with him today and explore how he can add value and an uplifting experience to your center, conference, or event.
Jennifer and Tim talk about their Addiction Recovery and Treatment Journey Jennifer speaks on her recovery about the hopelessness that she had for herself, it was not only her who did not have a belief that she was going to succeed in her recovery but also Jennifer’s doctors she had. Jennifer recalls one doctor who did not believe she was going to attain recovery at the addiction treatment centre Jennifer was at that he called Jennifer’s mother to tell her that Jennifer was not going to survive her addiction and she is a hopeless case. Jennifer ended up completing the addiction recovery treatment centre after one year and started being of service to other clients of the doctors who had an extreme lack of belief for Jennifer and her recovery.
Tim shares his story of recovery from addiction, Tim was arrested and sentenced to jail for 7 years as he overdosed while driving and hit a couple of cars and almost killed four people. While in prison Tim started his recovery journey from addiction. He took part in a therapeutic drug treatment program and did 13 and a half months in the program which was structured that built his foundation of recovery. On Tim’s 21-month recovery date his son overdosed and died and even though Tim was grieving his sons passing he continued his recovery journey and Tim went to a recovery 12 step meeting that night and the next thing he knew he was speaking all over America and he had a documentary on A&E called “The Dope Man”. Tim also wrote a book called “From Dope to Hope”.
Guest 2: Neil Pollack Author of “Pothead: My Life as a Marijuana Addict in the Age of Legal Weed” Beginning innocently enough in his 20s, Neal Pollack discovers that pot makes everything – food, music, sex – better. Getting married, having a kid, and enjoying professional success do nothing to dampen Pollack’s enthusiasm for getting high. As cannabis grows stronger and more widely available, the expansion and acceptance of marijuana Big Business shadow Pollack’s dependence.
www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com
Talk Recovery airs live every Thursday from noon to 1 PM PST on Facebook Live and 100.5 FM Vancouver CFRO. https://www.facebook.com/TalkRecoveryVancouver
Talk Recovery Radio
Talk Recovery airs live every Thursday from noon to 1 PM PST on Facebook Live and 100.5 FM Vancouver CFRO. https://www.facebook.com/TalkRecoveryVancouver
In this episode of Talk Recovery Radio
Guest 1: James Brown Author of “Apology to the Young Addict: A Memoir”
Opening with the tragic tale of an elderly couple consumed by opioid addiction and moving through the horrors of a Las Vegas massacre to the loss of a beloved sponsor, these essays draw on Brown’s personal journey to illustrate how an individual life, in all its messiness and charm, can offer a blueprint for healing. From writing about finding a new path in life while raising three sons, to making peace with the family whose ghosts have haunted him, and helping the next generation of addicts overcome their disease, this haunting and hopeful book is a reinvention of the recovery story and a lasting testimony from the master of the modern memoir.
Guest 2: Curt Eichelberger Founder of Skate Straight Dallas Texas
Curt Eichelberger is the founder of Skate Straight Dallas. Skate straight is an organization where it allows people in recovery to connect and meet up and skateboard with others in recovery in Dallas Texas. Curt will share his story of recovery from addiction. Skate Straight is a collective of people that support each other through the love of skateboarding and sobriety.
Skate Straight has an online store on their website for all of those looking for merchandise for more information please visit their website.
Jan 07, 2021: Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Honourable Michael Tibollo talks with us about Ontario's solutions to their addiction crisis and mental wellness during Covid19, followed by Guest 2, Dr. Carlton Erickson author of “Science of Addiction: From Neurobiology to Treatment”
We speak with Leslie Shapiro, cohost of podcast Secrets of a Sober Mom. Allows listeners to hear about mothers experiences of being stuck in addiction and finding a way out. Our second guest is Amanda Staller who is the project Coordinator for the Abbotsford Drug War Survivor's group. Which is a peer based and peer run program by people who have struggled with homelessness currently or in the past. Join us from noon to 1pm on 100.5 fm, Vancouver Co-op Radio or on Facebook Live.
Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Deep Connection, and Limitless Presence Awaiting Us All On The Other Side of Alcohol. Sober City, a way for sober people in Halifax to find a community to help them stay clean and sober.
How to navigate the therapeutic relationship with trauma survivors, to help bring recovery and growth. In therapy, we see how relationships are central to many traumatic experiences, but relationships are also critical to trauma recovery. Grounded firmly in attachment and trauma theory, this book shows how to use the psychotherapy relationship, to help clients find self-understanding and healing from trauma. Offering candid, personal guidance, using rich case examples, Dr. Robert T. Muller provides the steps needed to build and maintain a strong therapist-client relationship –one that helps bring recovery and growth. With a host of practical tips and protocols, this book gives therapists a roadmap to effective trauma treatment.
reclaim your loved one from video game addiction, even if they are in denial and you don't know where to start. Game Quitters join us for a full hour of Talk Recovery Radio, plus some chatter on Vancouver's plan to decriminalize drugs
Recoverykidz, hear how these women in recovery are trying to make life a little happier for children whose parents are seeking a new way of life in recovery.
Dr Claudia Black, bestseller author "It Will Never Happen to Me: Growing Up with Addiction as Youngsters, Adolescents, and Adults" the roles children in alcoholic families adopt, the problems they face in adulthood as a result, and what they can do to break the pattern of destruction. Powered by #NewWestRecovery
Guest 1 Relationships, Codependency, Love Sherry Gaba, author of her new book, Love Smacked: How to Stop the Cycle of Relationship Addiction and Codependency to Find Everlasting Love. Book Synopsis: Many rehab and recovery centers are now advertising that they help clients with love addictions and codependency. But no one has approached the subject of its equally damaging cousin--relationship addiction. Relationship addicts are so in love with love, with love and romance and being coupled up that they continually move from one relationship to another, always on the rebound, never giving themselves time to heal and learn how to be independent. They get into relationships again and again, just to avoid feeling lonely--or worse, to avoid feeling "abnormal." Love Smacked will address all of these issues, looking at early childhood trauma and how that affects our subsequent choices in partners, and how we approach love and relationships. It will discuss the lessons we learn from our upbringing and social and cultural background--lessons that sometimes teach us what healthy relationships look like, but sometimes teach us something else: that we don't deserve any better; that a typical relationship looks turbulent and difficult; that if we ask for better for ourselves, people won't like us or want to be with us. More details https://sherrygaba.com/ Guest 2 Strategic Interventions, Life and Recovery Coaching Autumn Rock from Rock Life Recovery and Success Strategies joins us for the second half of the show. Autumn Rock is a Strategic Interventionist, Life and Recovery Coach who specializes in diversity, equity and inclusion. She is the CEO and founder of Rock Life and Success Strategies and assists individuals and organizations in empowering themselves and others. Against the odds, she has created a success story for herself and many others. Over twenty years ago, Autumn overcame her own addictions and fought a subsequent battle with PTSD from domestic violence and abuse. Since then, she has been fiercely pursuing equality, inclusion, success and freedom for herself and other brave people in recovery, wellness, business, and life. She has worked in early childhood education and youth care and runs successful businesses for over two decades. She is trained in leadership, addictions interventions, gender-based analysis, neurolinguistic programming, and holds life and recovery coaching certificates through the International Association of Recovery Coaches, Net Institute and holds a special She Recovers Coach designation. She is the Pride Society President for her area and serves as an advisor to the board for the Canadian Center For Women’s Empowerment and is the co-founder and producer of The Women Who Inspire Conference. As a community leader, writer, public speaker, and mentor, she is devoted to helping individuals and organizations achieve their dreams and reach their highest potential both in recovery and life.
Dr. Meadows is an Honors graduate of the UNC School of Medicine and studied at Duke University Medical Center. He later held faculty positions at both institutions. He was recognized internationally for his work in cancer research, receiving both grants and awards. He authored numerous scientific articles. His recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol began May 7, 1997. Since then, he has counseled many addicts and alcoholics striving to get clean and sober. His observations and study over the last 20+ years form the basis for his book, A Spiritual Pathway to Recovery from Addiction, A Physician's Journey of Discovery. A Spiritual Pathway to Recovery from Addiction, A Physician's Journey of Discovery is the memoir of a group of physicians working their way through rehab for drugs and alcohol. As they proceed on a course of personal self-discovery, they shared their frustration, their anger, and their fear. They were at the absolute low point of their life, and all they worked for was rapidly going down the drain. They didn’t want to be there, but if they were to have a life, it must start now. Foremost was the idea that living by spiritual principles would solve all their problems, including dependence on drugs and alcohol. Wrapping their heads around this new way of thinking was not easy. To embrace this concept required a thorough psychological house cleaning. Old ideas and behaviors that fueled their using had to go. New ideas about their relationship with a Higher Power and their fellows were needed. It was the beginning of a process that must last a lifetime.
Nutrition and Recovery for Mental Wellness and Addiction. Talk Recovery Radio airs live every Thursday on Facebook Live and replayed the following week on 100.5 fm due to COVID-19. 7 Seasons of addiction and mental health topics with hundreds of guests, and thousands of listeners. This week Karen Geisbretch - Karen cultivates a community of practice among food charities so they can share ideas and resources, inspire each other to deeper hospitality that increases access to nutritious food, build resilient residents and neighbourhoods, and prompt a cultural shift in both the Christian and the wider community away from random charity toward sustainable and equitable local food systems. Karen is a registered dietitian with a particular interest in mental health and nutrition, having worked with people with mental health challenges in both Vancouver and Jamaica. She holds a master’s degree in healthcare leadership from Royal Roads University (RRU), where she studied collaboration and engagement with people from diverse healthcare disciplines. The focus of her research at RRU was the relationships between the youth, staff, and volunteers in a mentorship program for at-risk youth. Outside her role with CityGate, Karen works as the dietitian with the Salvation Army Harbour Light and serves on the Dietitians of Canada Nutrition and Food Security Network Executive Committee. She was a founding Board member of Inner Hope Youth Ministries, a housing and support program for at-risk youth in Vancouver. Karen takes great delight in sharing good meals with her family, friends, and those in her community who are hungry. Karen has also written two children’s books to inspire children and adults to eat healthily. More details on Karen Here More details on Planted Here
THIS WEEK ON TALK RECOVERY RADIO noon to 1 pm every Thursday GUEST 1 Recovery Month Canada was VOTED NO in the House of Commons Member of Parliament MP Peter Julian joins us to tell us what happened. Motion M-40 calls on Canada to designate the month of September, every year, as National Recovery Awareness Month to recognize and support Canadians recovering from addiction and to demonstrate that recovery from addiction is possible, attainable and sustainable. On October 7 the Liberal Government VOTED NO while all other parties voted YES Member of Parliament Peter Julian brought the motion to the House of Commons – after months of hard work by volunteers across Canada, Liberal MPs killed the motion. Why? Guest 2 Tribal Theory was created by Barbara Allyn, who has over 25 years frontline crisis response experience, as a way to identify individual responses to trauma, address real moral injury and speak directly to ‘what happened’ to someone, rather than more commonly what is ‘wrong’ with someone. This framework changes people’s story and understanding of trauma from a victim-based approach to a strength-based direction and focused growth. As trauma response approaches have evolved over the past forty years, it’s become clear that not all interventions are equal when it comes to real post-traumatic growth. Our new understanding of experiential trauma and phases of trauma recovery reveals unintended re-traumatization from one-size-fits-all treatments which can often create more harm than good. It is for this reason that Tribal Theory uses a de-colonizing approach to trauma, which means that, this framework addresses trauma from a global rather than a European or Western perspective.
Dr. James V. Hardt is the Founder of The Biocybernaut Institute and an expert in training with biofeedback. He has worked with the likes of Tony Robbins and other high-powered executives to elevate states of intelligence and consciousness for over 40-years. Who is Dr. James V. Hardt? Dr. James V. Hardt, president and founder of Biocybernaut Institute, Inc. The Institute has centres located in the United States, Canada and Germany. Biocybernaut offers 7-day intensive brainwave training programs. Considered an expert in meditation and brainwave training some of the discussion topics can and could include: Sharing of his personal experiences with biofeedback and brainwave work in general. The incredible documented results that biocybernaut training can deliver for improved health and wellness. The importance of clearing emotional traumas and how they can be major impediments to brainwave improvement. The Biocybernaut training process provides effective means to remove emotional trauma baggage that can limit an individual’s progress forward.
Navigate through the storm of a husband’s addiction as a newlywed. How to overcome someone else's addiction. Shona Marie- Author of: Steady in the Storm Shonah lives in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia with her husband Rhett and dachshund Bentley. She can often be found exploring nature with her husband or elbow-deep in a creative endeavor. Shonah has a life long dream of becoming an author and public speaker. Steady in the Storm is her first book. No one likes the unpredictability of life and the storms it brings our way. Steady in the Storm documents Shonah’s personal journey as she navigates through the storm of her husband’s addiction as a newlywed. Coming from a background of homeschooling and Sunday school, Shonah is ill-prepared to handle the uncontrollable situation. Reaching deep into her relationship with Christ, Shonah walks you through the gift of grace, the grit of gratitude and the lavishness of the goodness of God that got her through the storm. Told in humour, with a deep vulnerability and a realness that will have you experiencing the story right alongside her, Steady in the Storm is a captivating and emotional telling that will have you page-turning late into the night. Buy the book and learn more at https://steadyinthestormbook.wordpress.com/
Guest 1 - Author Eric McCoy Eric McCoy, who is working to give a voice to those that have died from a drug overdose and advocating for those still suffering by sharing his story of pain and how he was able to use his suffering to achieve a success he never imagined. He is a certified counselor who has been working in the substance abuse industry for about sixteen years and has acquired an ability to reach people by his unique tactics that doesn't fall in the normal scope of treatment. He is a six time convicted felon who was facing fifteen years in prison in 2001 which is where he has impressed upon a conviction that, "no matter where you have been or what you have done, you can do anything you want if you are willing to fight for it." Pain, Failure and Misery are the Stepping Stones to Success is a story of triumph that only pain and misery could bring. It is a story of hope that is offered for our youth, our family and friends who are suffering from chemical dependency, for those who have lost loved ones as they didn't have to die in vain, and for clinicians who are seeking a way to think that may differ from the norm so we can offer tools to save lives. With an average of 7 Americans dying every hour from a drug overdose it is time we stop focusing on the reduction of supply, because it isn't working and focus on demand. It is time we do something and that time is now. Eric also has a PodCast called Recovering Through Highness, is a counselor and motivational speaker. Visit Eric's website for more details: https://www.recoveryecosystem.net/ Guest 2 - Kia Kadiri Kia Kadiri is a respected vocalist based in Vancouver. For over 20 years her unique style has kept her in demand as a performer, instructor, facilitator and recording artist. Kia has worked with organizations such as the Vancouver Biennale, Artstarts, Urban Ink and the City of Vancouver; teaching youth songwriting and the history of hip-hop culture. Kia shares her personal story of recovery.
Guest 1- Daniel Snyder from We All Play A R.O.L.E. Daniel is a project & peer coordinator for the Langley Community Action Table and Overdose Response Project. He is a passionate public speaker who shares his story of addiction & recovery, advocates for drug policy change, and a greater understanding and compassion for those who use substances and suffer from addiction. “We all Play a Role” is looking to partner with local businesses in Langley City & township that are interested in hosting a presentation on the overdose crisis at their place of business. These presentations are designed for employers and their employees to engage in a conversation about the risk of overdose, our attitudes towards drugs & the people who use them, and how we might all play a ROLE in mitigating the overdose crisis… “we all play a ROLE” is an acronym for “Responding to Overdose in Langley through education” In April 2016, for the first time in BC, a provincial health officer (Health Minister Terry Lake) declared a public health emergency due to increasing and often lethal drug overdoses. According to the BC Coroners Report, illicit drug overdose has surpassed homicides, suicides, and motor vehicle accidents combined as the major cause of unnatural deaths in BC. Langley was identified as one of the 18 hardest hit communities in the province, and as a result special funding was made available to these communities for various projects aimed at mitigating the overdose crisis. Visit www.mindfulhope.com for more info Guest 2- Recovery Gnome Project Recovery Month BC is celebrated each September and this important acknowledgement of addiction recovery is spreading across Canada. We have all witnessed the devastating impact of addiction, even more so during this unfortunate pandemic. As families who have watched our children, loved ones and partners struggle with and through active addiction, we know that many people are unaware of the incredibly positive impact that Addiction Recovery has and how its lasting effects surround us everywhere. The Recovery Gnome Project, a grass roots movement consisting of family members with loved ones in recovery, wants to change this and is ready to Celebrate and Educate! These mysterious creatures are a symbol of good luck and hope. They are the guardians of treasure. Having experienced the chaos that active addiction brings to people who struggle with addiction, family members such as ourselves have come to believe that there is no greater treasure than that of recovery. Addiction Recovery is something to be valued, guarded and nurtured as it impacts the world around us in such positive ways. By placing Recovery Gnomes across BC the Recovery Gnome Project is celebrating recovery and inspiring conversations, learning, and hope. Visit https://recoverygnomeproject.com/
Amy Dresner- author of My Fair Junkie: A Memoir of Getting Dirty and Staying Clean. Amy Dresner is a journalist, author, and former comedian as well as a recovering addict. She was a regular columnist for the addiction/recovery magazine theFix.com since 2012 and has freelanced for Addiction.com, Psychology Today, Vice and many other publications. She’s now a regular contributor to WorkitHealth.com. Dresner has appeared on the television show The Doctors and on numerous radio shows and podcasts, including Dr. Drew, Dopey and Rich Roll. She does regular speaking engagements around the U.S. She is the co-host to Joe Schrank of the new Rehab Confidential Podcast. Amy wrote her book, My Fair Junkie: A Memoir of Getting Dirty and Staying Clean, in 2017. In her memoir, Amy describes growing up in Beverly Hills and having it all: a top-notch private school education, the most expensive summer camps and even a weekly clothing allowance. At the age of 24 she began experimenting with meth in San Francisco and unleashed a fiending addiction monster. Soon, if you could snort it, smoke it, or have sex with, she did. Smart and charming, with daddy’s money to fall back on, she sort of managed to keep it all together. But on Christmas Eve of 2011, all of that changed when, high on Oxycontin, she stupidly “brandished” a bread knife on her husband and was promptly arrested for “felony domestic violence with a deadly weapon.” Within months, she found herself in the psych ward–and then penniless, divorced and looking out on a court-ordered 240 hours of community service. For the next two years, assigned to a Hollywood Boulevard “chain gang,” she would sweep up syringes (and worse) on Hollywood Boulevard as she bounced from rehabs to halfway houses, all while struggling with sobriety, sex addiction, and starting over in her 40s. Her book is currently in development for a TV series.
In the summer of 2014 Chris bicycled across Canada from Victoria, BC to St. Johns, Newfoundland. With a group of young filmmakers they created a documentary title Inspire about the Canadian prescription drug epidemic, revealing just how much this issue has affected us. When Chris was a teenager, his father was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, a neuro-degenerative illness that his grandmother also had. After the diagnosis his father turned to alcohol to ease his pain and fear of what the disease would do to him. As Huntington’s disease is hereditary, Chris has a 50% chance of being diagnosed with it one day. After watching his grandmother break down, he remembers hearing his father say that he would never let himself get to the state his grandmother did if he was ever diagnosed. As Chris’ father’s disease progressed he fell further into the depths of addiction, ultimately committing suicide in a motel room. This is when Chris began to self medicate and his life fell apart. He started by using a couple Percocets, which seemed to calm him down. He hid this from most people, including his girlfriend at the time, whom he loved dearly. As the drugging escalated into roughly 5 x 80mg OxyContin a day, his deception grew exponentially. He began to manipulate and take advantage of people’s trust, telling outlandish lies. His family and friends were ashamed of him, the girl who loved him had left, he had lost his father to suicide and he lost a lot of money, -roughly six figures in cash. That’s when he thought to himself, if my dad saw me now, he would be so disappointed. He finally decided to get help. After getting clean, Chris partnered with Shyah, an aspiring filmmaker and together they planned to turn an 8000km bike ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast into a feature-length documentary titled Inspire. He wanted to show people that it was possible to beat an addiction, and that just as he lived my dreams, so too could others live theirs.
Love, The Drug: From the Trap of Addiction to the Freedom of Recovery - Addiction Book written by Dr. Hajela, Paige Abbot and Sue Newton Love, the Drug: From the Trap of Addiction to the Freedom of Recovery, is the third book following Addiction is Addiction (2015) and Addiction is Addiction Workbook (2018). Viewed from the perspective of Addiction as a primary, chronic brain disease that impacts all parts of a person’s life These are part of the obsessive, compulsive disease of Addiction, in addition to Addiction involving substances and problem behaviours. People who are in difficult relationships involving unhealthy behaviours such as control, manipulation, sex and lust, jealousy, or abuse may struggle when it comes to establishing boundaries and/or letting go of the relationship. Love, the Drug explores the symptoms and signs of Addiction in the realm of relationships and the components of healthy recovery. People who acknowledge having Addiction issues; people who are in a relationship with someone with Addiction; and healthcare providers will and this book full of timely information, clear explanations, and expert guidance.
Former model and actress, Dona Speir, speaks with Talk Recovery Radio about her story of recovery. Once upon a time, Dona Speir had a very successful modeling career, including being a Playboy centerfold. She made numerous television appearances and acted in countless films. Although her early life was filled with success her story really starts in 1987 at age 23, when she got clean and sober. After conquering her own addiction, she dedicated her life to helping others. Dona wrote The Naked Truth: The Fall and Rise of Dona Speir, a captivating memoir that takes you from the depths of child abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, being preyed upon by sexually deviant men like Bill Cosby, to the world of international modeling, being a Playboy Centerfold photographed by the world-famous Arny Freytag to be the star of seven Andy Sidaris action adventure films. This is just the beginning of Dona's journey to recovery. This account of her survival is a provocative, powerful blueprint of how to not just survive, but recover and thrive. Dona is 32 years sober and CEO of Recovery Coaching Experts. She has mentored hundreds of women with substance abuse and behavioral issues, she has also founded women’s recovery homes, and her book will help others learn how to identify the traits of sexual predators and prevent your child from falling for their persuasive charms. Dona’s experiences can help women understand and survive the social, physical and emotional aspects of substance abuse and lead a peaceful, complete, whole and safe family life. It’s a cautionary tale to be sure, but it’s also a triumphant one; filled with many uplifting, exciting stories of perseverance.
Suzanne Thistle is a professor of Health and Human Performance at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire - Author of Chem-Free Sobriety: 101 Trailblazers share wisdom and insight about their natural recovery from substance use disorders Chem-Free Sobriety looks at 101 people in recovery with 1-49 years sober. They share their experiences of living life in the depths of addiction to living beautiful lives in recovery. The stories that comprise this book answer some important questions like: When did you start drinking or using drugs, and how did it progress? Looking back, when do you think it was mostly out of control? How are you able to not drink or use daily? What is your thought about medication-assisted treatment? Is there anything you want those struggling with addiction to know? What do you want lawmakers to know? Combining Suzanne Thistle's 20 years of professional knowledge and 101 people with lived experience, Chem-Free Sobriety gives a practical approach to recovery from alcohol and drug use disorders.
Guest 1 SARA SOMERS, author of the book, “Saving Sara,” suffered from food addiction from age nine to age fifty-eight; she has been in food recovery since 2005. In a double life of sorts, Somers worked as a licensed psychotherapist in the San Francisco Bay Area for thirty-four years. After finding recovery, Somers moved to Paris, France, where she currently lives. She writes a blog called Out My Window: My Life in Paris. When she’s not writing, Somers volunteers at the American Library in Paris, enjoys the cinema, reads prolifically, and follows her favorite baseball team, the Oakland Athletics. Most importantly, Somers devotes time each day to getting the word out about food addiction and helping other food addicts. “Saving Sara” is her first book. It is an intimate memoir about her food addiction beginning in childhood and progressing throughout her adulthood. As her addiction progressed in young adulthood, she become isolated, masking her shame and self-hatred with drugs and alcohol. Time and again, she rationalized why this time will be different, only to have her physical cravings lead to ever-worse binges, to see her promises of doing things differently next time broken, and to experience the amnesia that she—like every addict—experiences when her obsession sets in again. Saving Sara is a raw account of Somers’s decades-long journey from addiction to recovery. This book showcases the challenges faced by food addicts of any age and the hope that exists for them all. Social Media Tags: https://www.facebook.com/pg/savingsarathebook/posts/ Website: www.saving-sara.org. Guest 2 Personal Story Chris Hamilton is a hip hop artist in recovery known as ILL TONE. In May of 2019, he struggled with addiction since his early teens, he was released on bail from prison to Edgewood, the renowned treatment facility in Nanaimo, BC, Canada. He is now 14 months sober and has rediscovered his creative passions, after having taken a 5-year hiatus as a direct result of chemical dependency. ILL TONE (Nanaimo, BC) - UP IN MY HEAD EP Stream on Spotify - http://open.spotify.com/album/303SnyAdBf2XBpUmxVHWFV Stream on Bandcamp - https://illtone.bandcamp.com/album/up-in-my-head-ep Download from G.Drive - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tOn8FEbhiKmRrbPoCJktUV8TQ5kAiLPb
Guest 1 Mike Diamond Television Personality, Director, Life Coach, and Interventionist. Known for his work on the hit TV shows NY Ink and Bondi Ink Tattoo Crew and author of the 7 Steps to an Unbreakable Mindset Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Mike got off to a bit of a rough start. Battling undiagnosed dyslexia, he started using drugs and alcohol at age 12. At age 16, he was expelled for Aquinas College and finished at Melville H.S. Immediately after graduation, Mike moved to Sydney and enrolled at the Actors Center. He got a job at a local clothing store which, unbeknownst to him at the time, would change his life forever. Lady Luck was on Mike’s side when a customer at the store handed him a Green Card Lottery ticket. More info https://themikediamond.com/ and tune into the show. Guest two Dr. Nancy Campbell OD: Naloxone and the Politics of Overdose For years, drug overdose was unmentionable in polite society. OD was understood to be something that took place in dark alleys—an ugly death awaiting social deviants—neither scientifically nor clinically interesting. But over the last several years, overdose prevention has become the unlikely object of a social movement, powered by the miracle drug naloxone. In OD, Nancy Campbell charts the emergence of naloxone as a technological fix for overdose and describes the remaking of overdose into an experience recognized as common, predictable, patterned—and, above all, preventable. Naloxone, which made resuscitation, rescue, and “reversal” after an overdose possible, became a tool for shifting law, policy, clinical medicine, and science toward harm reduction. Liberated from emergency room protocols and distributed in take-home kits to non-medical professionals, it also became a tool of empowerment. After recounting the prehistory of naloxone—the early treatment of OD as a problem of poisoning, the development of nalorphine (naloxone's predecessor), the idea of “reanimatology”—Campbell describes how naloxone emerged as a tool of harm reduction. She reports on naloxone use in far-flung locations that include post-Thatcherite Britain, rural New Mexico, and cities and towns in Massachusetts. Drawing on interviews with approximately sixty advocates, drug users, former users, friends, families, witnesses, clinicians, and scientists—whom she calls the “protagonists” of her story—Campbell tells a story of saving lives amid the complex, difficult conditions of an unfolding unnatural disaster
Guest 1 – Thrive in Recovery Amy Guerrero is a sober coach and is in recovery herself. Recovery Life coaching will provide you with the safe environment and support to build the sober life you got sober to live and the fulfilling relationships you desire. Thrive in Recovery is a one of its kind program for people just like you that have made the decision to abstain from behaviors that don’t serve you or the people you love. Maybe deep within you want more and you feel a little fear or make yourself wrong for being “ungrateful” for all that you already have? You want to feel more comfortable in your own skin. You wake up and think to yourself this is going to be the day! And a month goes by and nothing changes. It is not your fault, it is not your “character defects” you just never learned the skills or received the support to have the relationships you really want, right? With highly supportive, personal life coaching you will learn how to trust yourself. One day at a time you will feel more confident because you will feel seen and heard. You will feel the hope again and learn that you are safe to be your best self. I see you over there wanting to have more fun in your sober relationships, express more creativity, start your business and get the love you want so you can thrive. Do you want to express yourself without guilt or shame and to live bold, go BIG and be fully expressed (with all your feelings) in your relationships in your sober life? It is so possible! A personalized coaching program will support you in discovering techniques to experience your life with more play instead of fear, more exhilaration instead of anxiety, more joy instead of depression and get the love you want. If you days turn into months in a repetitive cycle — attending meetings, going to therapy, doing the next right thing, wondering when you are going to feel comfortable in your own skin…then lets chat! I will personally and carefully guide you to make simple, small changes that transform your life. More details on Amy can be found here Guest 2 – H.O.P.E. Guides (Help Others Prepare for Everything) Jacob uses his intimate knowledge of substance abuse, personal development strategies, life skills, and unique interventions to assist others in any facet of life they wish to improve upon. Jacob has helped individuals and their families combat addictions and other life struggles for 3 years. Jacob provides the guiding hand and structural framework that will result in anyone taking hold of their lives and becoming their truest selves. H.O.P.E. Guides (Help Others Prepare for Everything)- Whether it is professionally, personally, relationships, or establishing footing in recovery, I can help you achieve your goals. Even if you are unclear on what those goals are, I can help you reach your ultimate potential in any arena of life through harvesting your natural skills, abilities, and character traits, while simultaneously assisting you in overcoming your self-imposed and situational barriers. He specializes in getting clients to a point of self-awareness and self-confidence, where they know they can conquer any situation or circumstance. self-exploration instilling self-discipline enhancing self-awareness building self-esteem
The Bubble Hour podcast is co-hosted by Jean McCarthy, a sober woman dedicated to breaking down the walls of stigma and denial surrounding the disease of alcoholism. Alcoholism effects more than 50% of adults, either directly or indirectly, and yet it remains a "taboo" topic and is still mostly misunderstood by the majority of people (even those effected by alcoholism and their loved ones). The Bubble Hour seeks to inform, educate and help people identify with the stories they hear, the conversations and interviews with people who are just like they are, and let people know they aren't alone. Nobody can take the first tentative steps towards sobriety without first getting past denial, but even once they are past denial the stigma surrounding alcoholism is so strong that people are reluctant to seek help. The Bubble Hour would like to change that stigma. Jean recovers out loud. Jean and the vibrant community of sober people who join her here offer information, community, empathy and understanding. They are so grateful for the sober people who came before them to help find this path; this is one way to give back. The Bubble Hour's mission is to provide hope and inspiration to people who are wondering about their drinking, struggling to get sober, or who are sober and want to stay that way. Jean also has a blog called UnPickled. It began in 2011 and has continued to chronicle Jean’s alcohol-free lifestyle since her first day of sobriety. Thousands of readers credit UnPickled as a motivating factor in their decision to quit drinking. In addition, Jean was named recipient of the 2017 SheRecovers Hope Award in recognition of her efforts to help others seek positive changes in their lives.
Guest 1 Raising the Bottom Lisa Boucher is the author of Raising the Bottom: Making Mindful Choices in a Drinking Culture, an award-winning book that won the 2017 Best Book Awards in the category of women’s health and placed as a finalist in the category of addiction/recovery. She is also a speaker. After short stints where she trained polo horses, worked as a flight attendant, hairdresser, and bartender, she realized that the time to implement serious change had arrived. She gave up drinking, revamped her life and settled in as a registered nurse where living a life in recovery became her way. For the past twenty-eight years, Lisa has worked with hundreds of women to overcome alcoholism, live better lives and become better parents. She was prompted to write Raising the Bottom when after twenty-four years of working in hospitals, she realized that doctors and traditional health care offer few solutions to women with addiction issues. She is dedicated to not only help women recover from alcoholism, but has extended her reach to educate and help corporations deal with the growing addiction problem that has permeated every sphere of American life. An author of five books, she holds a BA in English and is the mother of twin sons. She currently resides in Ohio with her husband. More information on the book here http://raisingthebottom.com/ Guest 2 Seek Purpose Seek Purpose is a community of people seeking purpose in recovery. Learning to feel, to love, to parent and supporting each other through it all. Seek Purpose started as a prayer in the shower and the undeniable voice that spoke back saying “your story, My glory”. With this exciting concept in hand, the mission was on to find out what God was calling us to create. After hours of phone calls, several designs and redesigns, 4 failed podcast episodes and some last-minute tweaks Seek Purpose the Podcast was born. More information on SEEK Purpose https://www.seekpurposenow.com
Reducing Barriers to Addiction Recovery & Personal Guest 1- Shalu Sharma-Bhumrah of UpLyft Wellness & Counseling LTD Shalu has spent years working on the front lines until she decided it was time to be more and do more for her community. Over the years she started off as an at-risk youth worker and transitioned into working with at risk vulnerable and marginalized youth. As she completed higher studies she began to focus her work for those primarily involved in the criminal justice system in advocacy and then through counseling. She has also done a great deal of work among the special needs community as well- focusing on behavioral development, predominantly with adults. Currently, she is back in school working on her psychiatric nursing degree as she would like to take on new challenges, by working on a therapeutic medical level with vulnerable and or marginalized population. She opened her clinic, UpLyft Wellness & Counseling Ltd where they focus on not being a barrier in order to access mental health services within the capacity of outreach counseling and subsidized services. Shalu found that there was something missing in the support system for mental health and addiction recovery...connection. With a connection in mind, UpLyft developed a person-centred wellness strategy that combines accessible, affordable counseling and sustainable network. Learn more at: Www.uplyftwellness.ca Visit UpLyft's Facebook page here Guest 2 - Personal Story of Addiction Recovery Darian J joins Talk Recovery Radio to share his personal story of addiction recovery. Darian overcame his addiction and learned how to live with Autism at Last Door Rehab Centre, LAST WEEK IT WAS HIS ONE YEAR CLEAN CELEBRATIION. Congratulations Darian on persevering through your journey. Have a listen to his story and find out how his favourite TV Show the-big-bang-theory.com and Jim Parsons helped Darian BAZINGA his addiction. #Autism #Addiction #Recovery #Bazinga
Guest 1 - Author Diana Reyers "Daring to Share: Trauma to Recovery" This Book introduces 6 women who found the courage to share impactful accounts of survival by describing degrees of resilience most cannot imagine committing to. Diana discovered that the tools of conversation are key elements within the human connection. She sought and found them through Tana Heminsley, CEO of Authentic Leadership Global in Vancouver, British Columbia. Over tea, during her first meeting with Tana, Diana had a deep knowing she was about to begin her Authentic Road Trip towards leading a truly authentic life. Diana became a Certified Authentic Leadership Program Facilitator and discovered her daily intention of supporting others by showing up in the world as her best self, consciously making decisions, big or small, in line with her values and beliefs while practising emotional and social intelligence. She, consciously, became a Mindful Mentor with the understanding that showing up within her Truth is the key to connecting to herself, others and the universe. For more details on the Book, visit www.daringtoshare.com Guest 2 - Serge Jaswal, Conscious Brotherhood How do men recovery by supporting each other? A place for men to gather, and support each other through shared experiences within a shifting universe that is filled with uncertainty, yet contains much abundance and joy. The Conscious Brotherhood is a group of awakened men living with integrity, recognizing the importance of self-healing through connection and shared experiences. We are learning to accept both the light and dark sides of the self to ultimately integrate healing and the acceptance of personal power in a positive way. This shift can genuinely affect our loved ones and even help heal Mother Earth. Our program consists of a short meditation, group check-in, and processes that initiate growth, balance, and connection to our authentic personae. Are you unclear about where you fit into the shifting social changes that are rewriting some of the male cultural belief systems? Are you experiencing low energy, and thoughts that impact life fulfilment? Through empathy and compassion, this group will support your uncertainties and greatest questions. Call for more information and to register @ 604 937 5540 7:00pm – 9:00pm $10.00 min. donation
Guest 1 - Matt Johnston, First Responder Health Overcoming Mental Health and Addiction for First Responders Matt Johnston is a full-time professional firefighter and mental health clinician based in the Metro Vancouver area. In 2018, Matt co-founded First Responder Health Services, a company dedicated to closing the gap between mental healthcare and public safety organizations. Utilizing customized apps built specifically for public safety personnel, First Responder Health Services offers online counselling, annual wellness programs and psychoeducational e-learning services to organizations. The overall goal of First Responder Health Services is to foster inclusive access to competent upstream mental healthcare providers for all public safety groups across Canada. Recently, Matt’s efforts garnered national attention as he was the only individual appointed from Western Canada to Tiger Team 3; a committee in charge of implementing Bill C-211 - the Legislative Framework for PTSD in Canada. Matt is proud to be part of the BCPFFA Mental Health Taskforce and realizes the value of collaboration in stemming the mental health challenges facing public safety personnel in Canada. Learn more at: https://firstresponderhealth.org/ Guest 2 - Lizzie Allan - Hilarapy Addiction Recovery and Mental Wellness using Comedy Therapy Hilarapy harnesses the healing power of comedy to inspire human connections with the spark of shared laughter. It all began in the UK as Addictive Comedy, the brainchild of comedy therapist and performer, Lizzie Allan. She found her niche in the comedy space and began developing a new, nourishing eco-system where comedians can thrive rather than survive. This passion evolved into the birth of Hilarapy, a seriously jovial place to share real and vulnerable stuff in a healthy and supportive environment. Lizzie is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Stand-up Comedian with a degree in Comedy Writing and Performance. You can connect with her every Friday at 12:30 on Facebook Live at Hilarapy Studios.
Guest One What Made My Family Ill? Author Sarah MacVicar explores what mental health professionals are increasingly coming to describe as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). As the youngest in a farming family of ten children, Sarah intuitively sensed all was not right during her childhood. In a busy family where there was little nurturing, affection, praise or support, she neither understood her fears nor had she any awareness or help in learning how to allay them. Despite a strong work ethic and a thriving career throughout her adult years she experienced difficulties with interpersonal relationships and addiction and found herself struggling to maintain a façade of normalcy despite the turbulence inside. This is a story that will touch all of us who have struggled with our self-worth, perhaps fallen into addiction and wondered if there isn’t indeed more to life than what we are experiencing. Join us for a talk about addiction, mental health and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) Guest Two COVID-19 and Vancouver's Drag Screen and Vancouver's LGBTQ2s Community The 35th elected Empress of Vancouver, British Columbia- The Mother Court of Canada, the 27th elected princess of The Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society and Minister of Canadian Affairs for the International Imperial Court System - Heir Apparent and 2nd in line of succession to Queen Mother I of the Americas Nicole the Great. Empress Jaylene Tyme is a proud clean and sober First Nation trans woman and visible member of the Vancouver's LGBTQ2S+community. She is an inspirational public speaker and is featured regularly in documentaries and online stories furthering education on diversity. She believes that it is important to celebrate the power of community by contributing to the energy of our world with passion and positivity. We do this together for each other, with the opportunity to inspire and educate. Our identities, beautifully diverse and wonderfully unique. As one of Canada's premier celebrity impersonators, Jaylene Tyme brings glamour and sophistication to her uncanny character portrayals. A beloved mainstay in Vancouver's LGBTQ2S+ community, Jaylene is the headliner for the Sunday Drag review LEGENDS CABARET at The Junction night club in Vancouver, BC. She is on the roster for Tuck entertainment and truly loves to entertain and express her self through her artistry. During the day, Empress Jaylene is a celebrated makeup artist and Talent leader for the Pro artist boutique CurliQue Beauty- an extension of world-renowned Makeup and fashion college-Blanche Macdonald Centre. Her passion is to be part of the community as a leader in artistry but also an example that great accomplishment is achieved through authenticity, tenacity and hard work. The only limit is your imagination.
Brandon rose to fame at a young age as a professional skateboarder with the renowned Powell-Peralta team. Discovered by Tony Hawk, he was the first pro skater to ever be endorsed by Gatorade, starring in commercials alongside Michael Jordan at just 15 years old. He travelled the world with Bucky Lasek and Bam Margera, and later went on to star in the hit MTV Shows Viva La Bam and Bam’s Unholy Union. As part of the infamous Jackass crew, Brandon appeared in the motion series box office hits with the mischievous pranksters and was catapulted to super stardom. It seemed he had it all. Brandon’s story, however, took a dark turn, leading him to the depths of despair as a result of an addiction to heroin. Once a multi-millionaire, Brandon lost everything, eventually finding himself homeless on the streets of Baltimore. He was deemed unfixable and even his mother lost hope; she had purchased a cemetery plot for Brandon, as she was sure he would die. Now with more than three years sober, Brandon has risen from the ashes and become a living example that recovery is possible. He has authored the New York Times bestselling memoir Dreamseller, as well as the first-ever addiction graphic novel The Brandon Novak Chronicles. These days Brandon travels the country speaking to government officials, community residents, at risk youth, and prisoners. His message is simple: “If I can recover, so can you. The disease of addiction is not a death sentence. Your history does not have dictate your future, and as long as you’re breathing it’s never too late.” BRANDON NOVAK CURRENT PROJECTS: Brandon recently released the first-ever addiction graphic novel, The Brandon Novak Chronicles as a follow-up to his New York Times bestselling memoir Dreamseller. He is slated to release a third book in the coming year. Brandon continues to travel the country, speaking with at risk populations regarding the dangers associated with drug addiction, and recovery resources that are available to those who are struggling. He is employed by Banyan Treatment Center as a Community Outreach Coordinator, and has helped launch the Roots to Recovery Scholarship program, which brings addiction treatment to those who can’t afford it at absolutely no cost. Additionally, Brandon is working with Banyan Treatment Center on the launch of their newest campaign, #BeTheLight. The new initiative is set to launch in the coming months, and encourages social media users to open a dialogue about addiction and mental health, in order to help break the stigma that surrounds these conditions today and raise awareness of the resources that are available to those who are struggling.
Todd Crandell joins Talk Recovery to discuss Racing For Recovery. What is Racing for Recovery? HOLISTIC APPROACH. PREVENTION THROUGH HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROMOTION Racing for Recovery isn’t just another rehab program. We are a comprehensive healing and prevention center focused on treatment, support, education, wellness, and community. Our mission is to prevent all forms of substance abuse by promoting a lifestyle of fitness and health for all those affected by addiction. People on the road to recovery, as well as their family members, are welcome to participate in our center’s comprehensive offerings. Learn more about our services by reading through our website and watching our videos. If you’re ready to break the addiction cycle and lead a lifestyle of recovery, we’re right there with you. Guest 2 Kimberly Masters Kimberly joins us again to discuss staying connected to recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How the Wisdom of 12-Step Programs Can Help Get Us Through Quarantine Listen and Get Tips on Mental Wellness this Thursday! The primary purpose of the 12 Steps are to overcome addictions, right? Well yes and no. The key is to understand that 12-Step programs are designed to promote emotional well-being, not just physical sobriety. Seven tips to get through this Pandemic Letting go of control Patience Keeping the focus on oneself Trust Living in the present Social connections Service to others And also BE GENTLE Join us every week for Talk Recovery Radio, we interview Dr. Scott T Allison who has written a guide on how to get through our COVID-19 quarantine with the help of the 12 Steps.
About Face: Essays on Addictions, Recovery, Therapies, and Controversies. Topic: Douglas Gosse is a professor at Nipissing University and an award winning researcher. Dr. Gosse received the Nipissing University Research Achievement Award, and a Gold Volunteer Service Award from the Historica Foundation. The Governor-General of Canada has recognized him for teaching excellence. Douglas Gosse was the editor of About Face: Essays on Addictions, Recovery, Therapies, and Controversies. It seeks to broaden the conversation around addiction in Canada. Featuring essays by a diverse group of writers, About Face delves into the major categories of addiction: drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, video games, gambling, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders. With stories by those suffering from addictions, experts in the field, and service providers, this anthology is a far-reaching intervention into one of our country’s most rapidly expanding social problems. Dr. Gosse’s areas of expertise are: Curriculum theory and development Qualitative research Social justice and equity Masculinities Guest 2 Followed by personal story, hear Evan’s story of Recovery.
Guest 1 Author Kristi Blakeway Beyond Hello: Rekindling the Human Spirit One Conversation at a Time. Every one of us has a story worth hearing. In 2009, Kristi Blakeway invited her students to give back to the homeless in Canada’s poorest neighborhood—Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Rather than handing out food and clothing, Blakeway and her students invited the homeless to tell their stories. What was meant to be a one-day act of giving spiraled into a decade-long labor of love. Beyond HELLO is a compilation of stories from the streets blended with wisdom gained from those who have lost it all. Blakeway weaves life stories of the homeless community with her personal and unexpected journey into forgiveness. She encourages us all to go Beyond HELLO, to see those who are often invisible, to connect with compassion, and to rekindle the human spirit one conversation at a time. With each book sold, a donation will be made to A Better Life Foundation to buy a meal for someone living on the streets. Kristi’s commitment to listen to people as they share their stories about who they are, where they come from and who they want to be touches upon the humanity of those who have been forgotten.” Selina Robinson BC Minister of Housing Isolation is the single biggest cause of addiction and instability. By connecting with those in need, we deepen our understanding of the issues, create space for healing, and open our hearts to the solutions. I hope that everyone can see themselves through Kristi’s example and help to create better lives for all of us. Guest 2 A Mother's Story Kathy joins Talk Recovery to share her 21 year old son's story of addiction, recovery, and his passing. What does she do now to cope?
Guest 1: Author Annie Grace Annie Grace is no stranger to success whether it is in business or personal matters. At 26, Annie was the youngest Vice President in a multinational company and her drinking career began in earnest. At 35, in a global C-level marketing role she was responsible for 28 countries and drinking almost two bottles of wine a night. A Image result for the alcohol experiment book nnie didn’t want to live life in a daily battle for sobriety. To live a life avoiding temptation. She didn’t want her entire existence to revolve around alcohol. She wanted to take the power away from alcohol rather than make it a reward she was depriving herself of. She wanted freedom from alcohol. She wanted change. To find another way. And she did. Annie wrote, “The Alcohol Experiment: A 30-Day, Alcohol-Free Challenge to Interrupt Your Habits and Help You Take Control”. In The Alcohol Experiment, Annie offers a judgment-free action plan for anyone who’s ever wondered what life without alcohol is like. The rules are simple: Abstain from drinking for 30 days and just see how you feel. Annie arms her readers with the science-backed information to address the cultural and emotional conditioning we experience around alcohol. The result is a mindful approach that puts you back in control and permanently stops cravings. With a chapter and journal prompt devoted to each day of the experiment, Annie presents wisdom, tested strategies, and thought-provoking information to supplement the plan and support your step-by-step success as you learn what feels good for you. It’s your body, your mind, and your choice. Annie Grace also authored; “This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness And Change Your Life.” Her book reprograms your unconscious allowing you to break free from alcohol. Countless hours of research went into the writing of the book – it breaks down how alcohol changes us both physically and mentally. Annie no longer drinks and has never been happier. She left her executive role to write the book and share her method with the world. Guest 2: Personal Story Jon joins Talk Recovery to share his personal story of addiction recovery.
Dawn shares her story of recovery, how she has been able to stay sober and overcome her issues with addiction.
Guest 1 Author Judy Lyon addiction recovery and trauma shame Judy takes you on a journey demonstrating the creation and evolution of shame that resulted from her earliest childhood experiences of trauma and sexual abuse. She candidly shares how she believed she was her experiences, that she was shame. This early imprinting on her identity greatly influenced her beliefs about herself and her place in the world. These beliefs would dictate her experiences throughout much of her life. She then describes her journey of healing from trauma and addictions and the related challenges as she sought help in a fragmented system of care that reduced the impact of childhood trauma to clinical terms and one size fits all treatment. Follow Judy’s inner journey through the ensuing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges as she discovers healing, growth and a new sense of self. As a young girl I had a dream of being a nurse or a teacher. Life circumstances didn’t unfold as I had planned resulting in my dropping out of high school at 16 years of age. I held a variety of jobs as a cashier and salesclerk, telephone operator, car rental manager and bank loan collection officer. I was insecure, struggling and miserable on the inside, but always presented a smiling face to others. I felt as though I was just existing and struggling to even do that. I was anxious and terrified all the time and I coped by developing a disordered pattern of eating; using alcohol, drugs, and became a workaholic. I used these unhealthy behaviors to feel, to not feel, to have fun, or to provide me with the ability to feel good about myself or the courage I needed to socialize. I experienced numerous health issues that seemed to have no specific causes or lasting solutions. I was on a slow, lonely, painful road to death. While I didn’t know it at the time, the day in 1987 when I woke up overwhelmed and no longer able to cope or contain my emotions, was a precious gift. This awakening led me to seek professional counselling and begin a journey of rediscovery. I learned through therapy that I had never developed a relationship with myself, which made it almost impossible for me to be in a healthy relationship with anyone else. I discovered how I had let others control or guide my decisions about what was best for me, ignoring my own needs and intuition. Before counselling I had no awareness of the impact earlier experiences of abuse had on my ability to respect or value myself. Nor had I been aware of the influence of intergenerational trauma experienced by my parents and grandparents on my life outlook and expectations. Visit Judy’s Website here Buy the Book here Guest 2 Tourette syndrome and addiction recovery Personal Story of Tourette Syndrome & Overcoming Addiction Mike V joins us with his story on the 2nd half of the show, sharing his story of addiction recovery, while suffering with Tourette Syndrome. Mike V faced his challenges of not only addiciton and cravings, but his disorder. Tourette syndrome is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can’t be easily controlled. For instance, you might repeatedly blink your eyes, shrug your shoulders or blurt out unusual sounds or offensive words
Guest 1 Author David Fawcett David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., is a substance abuse expert, certified sex therapist and clinical psychotherapist in private practice in Ft. Lauderdale specializing in gay men’s health. He has worked in the areas of mental health and substance abuse for more than 30 years in numerous settings, including inpatient and outpatient programs. He currently maintains a private psychotherapy practice and consults numerous agencies, including the the Broward County Health Department and Sunserve, an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) social services agency. He frequently presents workshops on issues concerning substance abuse, mental health and chronic illness both nationally and internationally. Lust, Men, and Meth: A Gay Man’s Guide to Sex and Recovery provides the first practical resource for addiction recovery from methamphetamine and the restoration of healthy sex and intimacy. Based on over a decade of clinical experience and research, Dr. Fawcett outlines the seductive appeal of methamphetamine and its impact on high-risk behaviors and sexual desire, resulting in the fusion of meth and sex in the Addiction Recovery Radio Show brain. Such patterns of use quickly lead not only to a devastating addiction but in sexual dysfunction as well. Illustrated with examples from dozens of cases, this book outlines a path toward healing, describing the phases of physical, emotional, and sexual recovery and provides a broad range for supportive tools from managing triggers to mindfulness. This book: Explores the relationship between gay men, meth, and other mood altering chemicals, and high-risk sexual behaviors. Provides a sex therapist’s insight into sexual desire, its vulnerability to distortion, and a path toward healing. Describes the impact of neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to rewire neural connections, and its role both in hijacking healthy pleasure and restoring it. Presents a recovery guide for the physical and emotional impact of meth, including valuable information, relapse-prevention skills, and guidance for the therapeutic work necessary for healthy intimacy. Guest 2 Brian Thomas Brian Thomas joins us this Thursday on Talk Recovery. Brian, a person in recovery who worked in the field of harm reduction shares his personal story.
Guest 1: Author Gabrielle Glaser In Her Best-Kept Secret, journalist Gabrielle Glaser uncovers a hidden-in-plain-sight drinking epidemic. Using “investigative rigor and thoughtful analysis” (The Boston Globe), Glaser is the first to document that American women are drinking more often than ever and in ever-larger quantities in this “substantial book, interested in hard facts and nuance rather than hand-wringing” (The New York Times Book Review). She shows that contrary to the impression offered on reality TV, young women alone aren’t driving these statistics—their moms and grandmothers are, too. But Glaser doesn’t wag a finger. Instead, in a funny and tender voice, Glaser looks at the roots of the problem, explores the strange history of women and alcohol in America, drills into the emerging and counterintuitive science about that relationship, and asks: Are women getting the help they need? Is it possible to return from beyond the sipping point and develop a healthy relationship with the bottle? Guest 2: Rene Renee shares his personal story of recovery from addiction with us during the 2nd half of the show.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio join Author Charlotte Kasl and hear her story. Charlotte Kasl has an M.A. in Piano from The University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in Counseling from Ohio University in 1982. She was a Licensed Psychologist in Minnesota for 15 years and is currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Montana. Many Roads, One Journey; Moving Beyond the 12 Steps, paves the way for a new and broader understanding of recovery that involves both personal and social awareness. It empowers individuals to find their own voice and their own sources of strength and spirituality to guide their healing. Combining careful analysis, moving stories, and Dr. Kasl’s own flexible 16 steps for empowerment. Kimberlea Masters joins us for the 2nd half of the show to talk about her story of recovery from addiction.
Guests are authors Amanda Staller and Dr. Alison Granger Brown, who have added their stories to a new book, Releasing Hope: Stories of Transition from Prison to Community. Releasing Hope was born out of the first book Arresting Hope, which describes participatory health research and the experience of women incarcerated inside a British Columbian provincial correctional centre from 2005 to 2007.
Talk Recovery Radio airs live every Thursday Noon to 1 pm, 100.5 Fm Vancouver. This Thursday's Guests Guest 1 12 Days of Emotional Sobriety Sue Diamond, is teh founder of clinical director of the Good Life Therapy Centre which focuses on helping couples and individuals create loving relationship in the aftermath of trauma and addiction. Sue joins Talk Recovery Radio this Thursday to share tips on how to keep you emotional sober during the holidays and her recent blog, 12 Days of Emotional Sobriety. The Good Life Therapy Centre, Better your life and relationships in Recovery. With over 40 years of combined clinical practice, the therapists at the Good Life Therapy Centre have helped hundreds of people overcome their struggles in sobriety, heal their trauma, and reclaim their love and connection as a couple. more details at www.goodlifetherapy.ca/ Guest 2 Yoga of 12 Step Recovery Y12SR with Timothy Bang The 12-step model is a cognitive (talking, thinking) practice & yoga offers a somatic approach. The issues live in our tissues and y12sr model addresses the physical, mental & spiritual disease of addiction. all-inclusive, all levels and all A's are welcome! We talk Recovery with Timothy and his yoga classes, tune in this Thursday. Yoga of 12-Step Recovery offers a rich and powerful framework for addiction recovery and relapse prevention. More details www.y12sr.com Archive of all shows can be found here www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com
Talk Recovery Radio Talk Recovery Radio airs every Thursday on 100.5 fm in Vancouver from 12 pm to 1 pm, this weeks guests are: Replay Kris’s story, people who use drugs, their families need help too. Mother Kris had to find private addiction treatment for her son because the public system was not supporting her and her son’s needs. Her son is now 14 months clean. Recovery from addiction is possible, learn more by watching the video. Dancing and Addiction Treatment How Dance Your Ability can get involved with people who struggle with addiction. Dance Your Ability Therapeutic Movement Foundation is a not-for-profit organization offering music, movement & conscious dance programs to people who would not normally attend public classes, including the elderly, children, incarcerated, at-risk youth, mixed abilities, people living with: dementia, Parkinson’s, cancer, addictions, recovery and trauma survivors. Along with these programs we offer a training for movement teachers, health care professionals, volunteers & family members. dance therapy and addiction treatment Dance Your Ability programs & classes are warmly facilitated using the benefits of music and movement to create space for all to experience themselves in healing motion and collective joy. Programs infuse Trauma Informed Practices, a teaching style to effectively meet varying individual learning & physical abilities, simple stretching & basic group exercises, guided conscious dance and specifically chosen music to get everyone moving as best as they are able. Dance Your Ability can infuse existing programs or stand alone. The desire is to create connection. Music & movement create a joyful space where it is easy to achieve connection. All bodies respond to beat, and all souls respond to love. Dance your Ability facebook page Dance your Ability website Personal Addiction Recovery Story A mother’s recovery story though her son’s addiction. Each week we talk recovery with people with lived and living experience. This week we talk with a mom, whose son is recovering from his addiction. How does addiction effect the family.
It can be a difficult time admitting you’re a drug addict or alcoholic, but when it comes to pornography addiction, the pain and feeling of betrayal can hit the addict’s partner worse than the addict himself. Those feelings can be amplified when the pornography addict won’t admit his problem, leaving a partner feeling like there is nothing she can do and nowhere to turn. While the elite scientists and academics waste time trying to perfectly define pornography addiction, the condition has spread like wildfire throughout the world as access to porn takes little more than a click of the mouse or pulling a telephone out of one’s pocket. Upon learning – with or without her partner’s knowledge – about a husband’s or boyfriend’s addiction, negative feelings and difficult questions usually come rushing into a woman’s life: • Does he look at this stuff because I’m not enough? • Was he like this when I first met him? • Is this God trying to test me? • What kind of help is available for him? • Am I just supposed to stay here and deal with this? A sense of loss, betrayal, sadness and anger is completely normal, but there are difficult questions to answer and a rocky road ahead. The good news is that there are plenty of people who have been through this and their relationship not only survived, but it eventually thrived. So where is a woman to turn when facing the revelation their partner is a pornography addict? Friends and family? They can offer moral support but likely have neither the experience nor the expertise to lend real help to the situation. With He’s a Porn Addict…Now
Join us for Talk Recovery Radio this Thursday noon to 1 pm, Talk Recovery Radio airs live every Thursday on 100.5 fm, and in studio guests are on facebook live as well on Facebook. Guest #1 Wellness. Balance. Harmony. Good Vibrations: The Energy of Resilience. Harmony between the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self. This is health. We talk recovery with Kimiko Karpoff, a energy healing practitioner. She helps people attain balance by supporting them to activate their body's natural healing energies. What does that mean, and how does it work? For over ten years she studied in Healing Pathway, Quantum Touch and with many mentors she has built on the innate capacity that she sensed in her childhood and youth. She works with groups and offers personal sessions as well as workshops. Healing Workshops Learn about here workshop - Resilience: the capacity to manage through life's obstacles and challenges, and even to thrive. When our energies are flowing smoothly, all is well. And when all is well, our energies tend to flow well. But stress, injuries, emotional wounds and anxieties can all impact the energy flow. Blocked energy can create pain and more anxiety. Learn more here www.scatteredsacred.com Guest #2 Personal Addiction Recovery Story Chris Burwash is the Executive Director of Into Action Recovery Society and recently celebrated 8 years of recovery. Congrats. His vision is to provide access to a variety of therapeutic models and deliver a truly authentic personalized treatment program that empowers the client to heal trauma and achieve their recovery goals. Hear Chris's personal story of overcoming addiction and balancing recovery, work and family. Into Action offers first and second stage programs with rigorous supportive recovery programming such as morning psycho-educational groups, one on one counseling, support with 12 step work, regular attendance at support group meetings such as AA, NA, SMART recovery and assistance with building a support group. Chris plays a major role in helping people with addictions in the Vancouver Area and adds a value with his professionalism and charismatic personality. Listen to Past Talk Recovery Radio Shows Here Talk Recovery airs live every Thursday at noon on 100.5 FM, Vancouver Coop Radio. Last Door produces a weekly radio show having having conversations about the many pathways to addiction recovery. To end stigma we must continue to talk about recovery. Each week addiction recovery experts from around the world join us for an hour. Talk Recovery is in its 5th Season, thank you to all our weekly listeners and guests. Show ideas? email community@lastdoor.org Live every Thursday noon to 1 pm on 100.5 fm Powered by #NewWestRecovery
Ben Westhoff joins us on Talk Recovery Radio - What is Fentanyl? A remarkable four-year investigation into the dangerous world of synthetic drugs--from black market drug factories in China to users and dealers on the streets of the U.S. to harm reduction activists in Europe--which reveals for the first time the next wave of the opioid epidemic.
his Thursday on Talk Recovery Radio we have Joel Gotlib who is a former CTV News Anchor who found himself addicted to prescription pills. His whole story live Thusday 12pm PST. CTV News Anchor Battles Addiction Joel Gotlib sat alone on a queen-size bed in a four-star Miami Beach hotel room with a glorious view of the ocean and the beach. It was a warm, sunny day, but the drapes were closed, and he had headphones on, his eyes fixed on an iPad as he watched the same music video over and over. "Dad, I'm big, but we're smaller than small," the lyrics said. "In the scheme of things, well, we're nothing at all." His girlfriend had asked him to go outside for a walk. But he had refused to leave the room. “I went on this trip that was supposed to be fun and happy and healing, and it was none of that,” Gotlib said of that January day more than a year ago. “And I realized just how addicted I was to the pills. And I was scared I was going to run out. “I didn’t have anything booked for rehab. I didn’t know what to do next.” Personal Addiction Recovery Story Every Thursday we invite a person with lived experience to join us, hear Beau's story this week. Listen to Past Shows Here Talk Recovery airs live every Thursday at noon on 100.5 FM, Vancouver Coop Radio. Last Door produces a weekly radio show having having conversations about the many pathways to addiction recovery. To end stigma we must continue to talk about recovery. Each week addiction recovery experts from around the world join us for an hour. Talk Recovery is in its 5th Season, thank you to all our weekly listeners and guests. Show ideas? email jordanb@lastdoor.org Live every Thursday noon to 1 pm on 100.5 fm On iTunes On SoundCloud On Youtube Facebook Live Powered by #NewWestRecovery
What’s it like to be 36 years in recovery ? Last Door Recovery Society founder Dave P talks #recovery, #addiction, #cancer and #hope. Talk Recovery Radio is powered by #NewWestRecovery and airs every Thursday from noon to 1 pm.
William is a manager at “Shelf Life Books” where in the same neighborhood Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre opened up a safe injection site where illegal drugs can be consumed by local residents. Shelf Life Books and other community members have seen a spike in crime in the area since the injection site has opened up. William understands the need for the safe-injection site and isn’t casting judgment on Safeworks clients.
A training experience for specialized clinicians, community based volunteers, paraprofessionals and primary care health providers, introducing the attitudes, knowledge and skills most effective in helping persons with addictions and psychiatric disorders as they enter and progress along their individual journeys of recovery. Topics covered include definitions of recovery, description, discussion, measurement and application of recovery capital and the principles and practices included in an effective recovery oriented system of care.
19 years ago I found myself face to face with my own addiction. I was lonely, angry, afraid and consumed with self loathing. A kid who was once filled with a great deal of promise as a natural athlete, outgoing, funny and charismatic personality became reduced to being a guy with no ambition, no friends, no job, and was alienated from family. Even though I had come from a great family with unconditional support, care and understanding, here I was, this desperate drug addict, dying. One day my mother reached out for help and found a guy and, after meeting him, knew that he would be the guy to help me. This guy was what I like to call a straight shooter, meaning he told it like it was. He met with me and very quickly I knew I couldn’t lie to this guy, I couldn’t hustle him or pull the wool over his eyes. This guy was the real deal! I’ll never forget what he did for me, my family and my life, and thus it brings us forward to today.
f you or someone you know is part of the LGBTQ2s community and is addicted to drugs or alcohol, and is thinking about addiction treatment, please call our free addiction consultation line – We can help start the recovery journey. Last Door’s community engagement initiatives plays a major role in helping people rebuild their lives. In 2018 Last Door celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Clean Sober and Proud. To celebrate we hosted a special edition of the Untoxicated Street Festival and created one of our best Recovery Floats in the Vancouver Pride Parade. Clients, alumni and the community at large have been celebrating Pride substance free with the help of Clean Sober and Proud.
Tim Fletcher is the Founder of Finding Freedom and has worked for 15 years in Recovery Centres in Winnipeg. Based on this hole in the system, he developed a new outpatient program in 2016 called RE:ACT, Recovery Education for Addictions and Complex Trauma. And the program has now come to Surrey! We opened here in January of this year. The program consists of Three Phases, which help people where they are at in their recovery journey. Phase One is an Introduction to Recovery and Complex Trauma, and will consist of classes, group therapy and counselling. Phase Two is designed to go deeper into Complex Trauma and beginning to learn new tools to deal with it. Phase Three is what we are most excited about, because we will be offering not just a long term support network, but we will offer them a chance to learn who they are and what they are good at, with job skills, life skills, relationship skills, parenting skills and learning different activities and hobbies.
Motivational Speaker and Author Stuart Ellis-Myers joins us on Talk Recovery this Thursday at noon on 100.5 fm. How does someone living with the rare neurological Tourettes Syndrome become a business mastery success and inspirational keynote speaker? By becoming Unstoppable. What would you do if, out of the blue, your life turned upside down? What if you went from being a happy and healthy normal child, and then suddenly became an anxious, depressed, twitchy mess of devastating proportion? This is exactly what happened to Stuart Ellis-Myers. At the age of eight, Stuart began to develop one of the most misunderstood neurological disorders of our time . . . Tourettes Syndrome. Faced with the prospect of a lifetime of disability, frustration, isolation, and shame – the typical reaction to this tragic condition – Stuart instead chose to share how everyone can experience a remarkable and Unstoppable life.
This is not a typical self help book. This is a book of action. This is a book that is going to light a fire under your ass. In this refreshingly entertaining do it yourself-self help book, life coach, podcaster and inspirational speaker, Jessica Jeboult, will show you how to save your own damn life. By upholding the 4 commitments outlined in this book, you will track where your life needs improvement and learn the tools and strategies to successfully implement a solution immediately. Through hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice and simple, user friendly exercises, you will learn how to: -improve your health -override self doubt -live a life you’re proud of -cultivate fulfilling relationships -build an endless source of confidence -love your job and career -take action Personal Story with Kathleen who is a mother in recovery and found recovery from addiction
his week Author of “Surrogate Family Model of Treatment for Women” Linda J Shaw. This book is more than a chronicle of the birth of a specialized program of recovery for women. The Surrogate Model is a timely response to the pressing concerns of the “opiod Crisis” and the “Me Too” movement all wrapped into one. The reader is drawn into the experience of women in addiction and what it takes to walk through Charlford’s door and into the warmth of love. You are with her as she unpacks her suitcase filled with trauma, broken hearts, and a lifetime of shame. Experience the women’s pain, their fear, and their ultimate victory over addiction and death. Also Thomas P shares his message of hope, strength and recovery from addiction.
North Americans are the world’s most compulsive and prolific users of legal opioids. In this lyrical update of Thomas De Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, writer Carlyn Zwarenstein recounts her search for relief and release – with its euphoric ups, hallucinatory lows and desperate pharmacy visits. Along the way she traces the long tradition of opium’s influence on culture and imagination, from De Quincey to Frida Kahlo. Part memoir, part critique of modern medicine, Zwarenstein’s short but powerful book offers a “measured” and “urgent” (The Globe & Mail) entry-point to a critical contemporary discussion. From the reviews: “…a sensuous and compelling meditation on using opioids to treat chronic pain. It’s also a delicate ode to the drug’s history. Zwarenstein, whose writing is thoughtful, honest, and elegant, opens her life to us as she guides us expertly through history, citing resources from literary biographies to online drug forums. With a little wink, she even includes a “pain playlist” with songs by Neil Young, Elliott Smith, and The Velvet Underground.
Dr. Hill openly shares his own story of depression, suicidal thoughts and alcoholism while working in the field of medicine. Now, years into recovery, Dr. Hill shares his experience to help other individuals still suffering. In the midst of a national epidemic of caregiver distress, Dr. Hill reveals a rare, open and honest perspective, which has garnered national/international speaking opportunities and assisted in lifting the veil of secrecy regarding caregiver mental health. Dr. Hill’s voice is leading a cultural revolution for how we approach mental health conditions in the professional workforce.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. How do we unlock and experience the teachings of Step Eleven? Herb K. helps us realize that working—and living—this vital recovery “maintenance Step” doesn’t have to be as challenging as commonly thought. With Practicing the Here and Now, you’ll find guidance on using prayer and meditation to help you be present throughout each day, staying in contact with your Higher Power for ongoing inspiration and sustenance. By opening the connection to your Higher Power with what Herb K. calls “intentional consciousness,” prayer and meditation can help you fully experience the cumulative power of the Twelve Steps to deepen and sustain your recovery journey.”
This beautiful collection of heartwarming and inspiring addiction recovery stories are told by the real mamas who experienced them. Much like the original, You’ve Got This, Mama, this extension in the series shares raw and real experiences sure to remind you that you are not alone. Let’s face it, motherhood is the hardest job you’ll ever love, and it is not meant to be braved alone. It takes a village, right? We can be your village, and lucky for you, we fit in your diaper bag. This book, much like motherhood, is full of emotion, joy, sadness, excitement, hardships, love, and beautiful chaos. Our authors share their most intimate journeys and reflections with you in hopes to inspire you and provide the judgment-free support we all deserve. We dive into embracing imperfection and touch on the dangers of comparison.
Louise and David are on Talk Recovery Radio this week to talk about how Last Door came to be, how it continues to grow today and their personal stories of recovery.
At 21, Janelle Hanchett embraced motherhood with the reckless self-confidence of those who have no idea what they’re getting into. Having known her child’s father for only three months, she found herself rather suddenly getting to know a newborn, husband, and wholly transformed identity. She was in love, but she was bored, directionless, and seeking too much relief in too much wine. Over time, as she searched for home in suburbia and settled life, a precarious drinking habit turned into treacherous dependence, until life became car seats and splitting hangovers, cubicles and multi-day drug binges–and finally, an inconceivable separation from her children. For ten years, Hanchett grappled with the relentless progression of addiction, bouncing from rehabs to therapists to the occasional hippie cleansing ritual on her quest for sobriety, before finding it in a way she never expected. RASS is hosting our first annual Swing for Recovery slo-pitch tournament during Youth Week – May 4th and 5th there will also be a Health and Wellness fair on Saturday May 4th at King George/Cambie Community Park 12800 Cambie Rd, Richmond, BC V6V 0A9.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16th: -The “New Orleans style” Processional Parade(costumes recommended ) with brass band , performance artists and DIY floats will leave Insite at 11:15 am and make its way to the Vancouver Art Gallery .When the parade arrives at the Gallery there will be info kiosks from various User Groups, a panel discussion on Safe Supply and decriminalization followed by a Press Conference.
Happiness is more than just a feeling and also an innate intelligence. Happiness comes from within and is a right to entitlement for every individual. Happiness isn’t privy to age, gender, race, religion or situation. Happiness is an internal flow that you can ride in the moment or embrace as a lifestyle. Either way, happiness is a choice that happens in an instant and can last a lifetime. Happiness has always been subjective, personal and private. Now, it’s screaming out loud for attention. After four decades of aggressively toiling, building and ‘progressing’, it seems that many are experiencing the material and the money but not necessarily the happy that was expected to go with it. Once upon a time we could take happiness for granted. Now, to get happy you may have to focus on happy if you have any hope of experiencing it. Happiness is good for your health, your relationships and your spirit. It’s a natural source of strength, power and longevity. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had crappy caregivers, friends, bosses, acquaintances or experiences – anybody can choose to be happy. If you love with passion, you will hurt with passion. If you’ve endured great suffering, you can experience great joy. Ask the many who have suffered grave adversity and are now living happy. Sheena's personal story of recovery from addiction is our personal story segment of the show today.
I work at Hope For Freedom Society in Port Coquitlam, a nonprofit Narcotics Anonymous 12-step program based organization for both men and women. Addiction Treatment services are located in Mission and Maple Ridge British Columbia. Bobby has been working with Hope for Freedom now over 6 years. He has created an an event that’s a hub for addicts to come, they have have an Outreach team at Hope For Freedom Society that can hook guys up with mental health and Ministry and get them funding for housing … Bobby believes that long-term treatment needs to happen before any of the other option is presented to them. Since Hope for Freedom is a non-profit, he is trying to raise money for the facility so that they can expand and reach out to more people. He believes in the program because it saved his life it’s saved many lives. It’s the reason why he works there. This event is all about just getting guys in so that we can share their addiction recovery stories with each other and show them that there’s a life worth living and hopefully Inspire them to want to make a change and give up the fight and find recovery. Amy tells her story from addiction to her path to recovery.
Addiction impacts every life, everywhere, in one way or another. We may be the family member of a person battling addiction, or perhaps a friend, coworker, or neighbor.My son battled a heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and crystal meth addiction for twenty-three years. He is polite, charming, and handsome. He is kind and loving and generous. However, throughout his addiction he lied, stole, manipulated, and used good people. He robbed banks. He had been in and out of detox facilities, recovery houses, and programs. He had also been in treatment centers in both Canada and the USA. He has been in prison. Addiction: A Mother’s Story (Third Edition) is the story of addiction through a Mother’s eyes. It is the story of the journey of addiction with my son whom I deeply, deeply love. As parents we search for answers and go to what might be considered unbelievable lengths to try and help our drug addicted children whom we love so much. Over those twenty-three years I read well over 200 books and thousands of articles written primarily by doctors, psychiatrists and psychologist, addictions counselors, and specialists in the field of addiction. I have read several stories written by addicts in recovery. Over the years what I perhaps needed most, was to read about addiction through the eyes of a parent. By a mother or father whose knowledge and awareness of addiction was also accompanied by a lifetime of love, of memories, and of emotions that only a parent can know. I sincerely hope that Addiction: A Mother’s Story helps you help yourself, your addicted loved one, and all your family by acknowledging the love and the ties that bind us while we battle this disease with our loved one. Also Josh S tells his personal story of addiction from recovery.
Judith Grisel was a daily drug user and college dropout when she began to consider that her addiction might have a cure, one that she herself could perhaps discover by studying the brain. Now, after twenty-five years as a neuroscientist, she shares what she and other scientists have learned about addiction, enriched by captivating glimpses of her personal journey. In Never Enough, Grisel reveals the unfortunate bottom line of all regular drug use: there is no such thing as a free lunch. All drugs act on the brain in a way that diminishes their enjoyable effects and creates unpleasant ones with repeated use. Yet they have their appeal, and Grisel draws on anecdotes both comic and tragic from her own days of using as she limns the science behind the love of various drugs, from marijuana to alcohol, opiates to psychedelics, speed to spice. Also, Niko tells his personal story of recovery from addiction.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we talk recovery with Dawn Nickel, a visionary in the recovery movement and over the past eight years has been working diligently to create social media spaces to support women who are in or seeking recovery. Along with her daughter Taryn Strong (also in recovery) Dawn is the creator of SHE RECOVERS – currently the largest online platform dedicated to supporting women in recovery from addiction and related life challenges. Dawn started her own journey of recovery from a substance use disorder and mental health issues in 1987. She is a strong advocate for the view that every woman in or seeking recovery must be supported to find the tools and pathways that will work best for her as an individual. Also, Brooklyn tells her personal story of recovery from addiction and how she found a new way of life.
Preventing relapse in daily life is where the work of a successful recovery starts. The Addiction Recovery Workbook equips you with actionable strategies and coping skills to prevent relapse and succeed in recovery when faced with day-to-day challenges, stressors, and triggers. From navigating intimate relationships to handling high-risk situations and environments, this addiction workbook offers practical tools and hands-on exercises that you can use in your home, work, and personal life. Once equipped with these skills, you’ll establish new routines and rituals that do not involve substance abuse, and redefine your personal identity by connecting to what matters most to you. Designed for you to use on your own, or alongside a 12-step program, The Addiction Recovery Workbook gives you the skills you need for successful recovery with: An essential introduction that helps you understand your addiction and outlines the path to recovery. Coping skills to handle thoughts, emotions, relationships, and high-risk situations and environments. Prevention tactics that help you succeed in lifelong recovery by setting new, addiction-free lifestyle habits and routines.
Talk Recovery returns this week with Daryl Ralph, Daryl is the Owner, Coach, and Online Trainer at Ever Wellness. Ever Wellness is a business Daryl started to include recovery in fitness and general self care. While Daryl understands the importance of physical health, he believes a person truly is at his or her optimal best when their mind and spirit are also in balance. With 10 years of coaching 1000s of men and women through the process of behavior change in areas of addiction, health and fitness, Daryl lives and breaths helping individuals change their whole life, in order for his clients to continue practicing these healthy and positive habits for a lifetime.
Overcoming OCD: A Journey to Recovery is a mother’s account of the courage and perseverance of a young man who at times was hindered by the very people who were supposed to be helping him. It is a story of hope and the power of family, as well as a useful guide for all those whose lives have been touched by this often misunderstood and misrepresented disorder. Weaving expert commentary and useful information about OCD and its treatment throughout, the authors are able to offer not just a personal account of how the disorder can affect sufferers and families, but also a glimpse into the possibilities for diagnosis, clinical approaches, and successful outcomes. This week’s second guest is Priscilla, a mother in recovery who has been clean for almost 1 year. She joins us to share her personal story of overcoming addiction
Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross Author of “The Emotional Eating Workbook” and “The Food Addiction Recovery Workbook”.When it comes to addiction, abstinence isn’t always the answer—and with food addiction, this is especially true. And yet, for decades nutritional experts have dissected the problem of obesity, and the result has been a series of recommendations about what and how much to eat. When “eating too much fat” was thought to cause obesity, grocery store shelves exploded with low-fat products. Next came the low carb craze that led us to fear eating all carbohydrates, and with it came another assortment of fad products and diets. This pattern has repeated numerous times—and it never seems to be helpful! If you’re struggling with obesity or food addiction, you’ve probably been told that you must deprive yourself of certain foods in order to lose weight. You may have also been convinced—by the media and by our culture—that if you finally become thin your life will be better, you’ll be happier, and your suffering will come to an end. The problem is—it’s not all about the food. It’s about how food is used to self-soothe, to numb ourselves against the pain of living or to cope with stress and unresolved emotions. Even as your waist whittles away, the problems that caused your food addiction won’t disappear.
Terrance Kosikar shares his story of how a traumatic experience as a first responder left him with PTSD and ultimately sent him into a downward spiral. Since then, Terrance has turned his life around and started a non-profit called Camp My Way where he offers support to other first responders suffering from PTSD.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio author Mark Wiggins, and personal addiction recovery story with Saige. What if I said that you are already successful… would hearing it make you uncomfortable? What if I told you that you have everything you need to achieve the success you dream of inside of you… would you believe me? The fact of the matter is that we all have what it takes to achieve success. The issue is that sometimes we look to others to say it is okay to BE what we want to be. People look for permission and acceptance everywhere, except within. Relying on others for a stamp of approval is a waste of time. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you allow others to define your success, you give them the right to define your failures.” I don’t know about you, but I am not too thrilled about letting someone else determine my success and surely don’t want them to define my failures. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Followed By Saige's Personal Story of recovery from active addiction.
Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist inspired path to recovery from addictions of all kinds. To clarify it is Refuge recovery as in taking or finding Refuge in something. This week on Talk Recovery Radio, noon to 1 pm, live, on 100.5 fm, We interview Erica Foulds, the Regional Representative for Region 2 for Refugee Recovery Her position is Regional Representative for Region 2 which includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Montana and Wyoming. She lives in Calgary is facilitating meetings as well as helping run the business/practice aspects of the groups. Followed up by our personal story segment with Wojciech B.
Author of memoir “Blackout: Remembering the things I drank to forget” Sarah Hepola joins us on Talk Recovery Radio live at noon on Thursday, followed by Scott H’s personal story of overcoming addiction. For Sarah Hepola, alcohol was “the gasoline of all adventure.” She spent her evenings at cocktail parties and dark bars where she proudly stayed till last call. Drinking felt like freedom, part of her birthright as a strong, enlightened twenty-first-century woman. But there was a price. She often blacked out, waking up with a blank space where four hours should be. Mornings became detective work on her own life. What did I say last night? How did I meet that guy? She apologized for things she couldn’t remember doing, as though she were cleaning up after an evil twin. Publicly, she covered her shame with self-deprecating jokes, and her career flourished, but as the blackouts accumulated, she could no longer avoid a sinking truth. The fuel she thought she needed was draining her spirit instead. A memoir of unblinking honesty and poignant, laugh-out-loud humor, BLACKOUT is the story of a woman stumbling into a new kind of adventure–the sober life she never wanted. Shining a light into her blackouts, she discovers the person she buried, as well as the confidence, intimacy, and creativity she once believed came only from a bottle. Her tale will resonate with anyone who has been forced to reinvent or struggled in the face of necessary change. It’s about giving up the thing you cherish most–but getting yourself back in return. Also Scott H tells his story of recovery from addiction and how he stays clean today.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we talk about Mentorship and Sexuality Coach with Recovery Coach Linda Landon. . Research proves that Business and Life Coaching empowers entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners to set a vision, focus, be accountable, improve communications skills, take effective action, and achieve success in both business and life. As a Coach, Linda listens deeply, asks powerful questions, and supports clients to recover their authenticity, shift limiting beliefs and perceptions, and learn new behaviors, so they can create the life and business of their dreams. Work gets easier and profits soar, freeing up more time for clients to enjoy their lives. Also, Ashley tells her personal story of recovery from addiction and how she stays abstinent from substances today.
This week is CoHost Frances Stone’s final show. Thanks for all the fun times on air Frances, and all the great interviews. Francis’s final guest will be Claudia Marra, author of “The Addicts Widow” Witnessing the addiction of a family member or loved one is a heart-breaking experience. This candid, raw, and unforgettable memoir is a true-life story of how a loving wife tried to save her husband from an opioid addiction. Unlike some popular memoirs, this story alternates between the human and evil sides of living with an addict. She discovered that not only was her husband’s drug addiction spiraling out of control, but that his doctor was at the root of it all. The Addict’s Widow gives voice to the emotions and pain shared by the families of addicts. Above all, it is a powerful personal story of how a mother struggled to keep her children from witnessing the unthinkable while trying to keep her husband alive. Part 2 of Claudia’s memoir, Picking Up the Pieces is her continued journey on how her and her children recovered from this life shattering experience and found happiness and peace after all. Claudia is also the author of “Picking up the Pieces” In part one, The Addict’s Widow, Claudia shows the human and evil side of living with an addict. She continues her memoir and takes you on an inspirational journey into part two of her memoir, Picking Up the Pieces. Picking Up the Pieces is a personal journey through life after a family experiences a life shattering experience. Grief is never the same for any two people. How you approach it makes the difference between whether you rise above it or continue to let it defeat you. This memoir is the second part of a widow’s journey where she shows how her and her children find strength in adversity and slowly pick up the pieces of their broken life. By walking in her shoes, you will feel hope and inspiration through her many anecdotes. Each anecdote of her families’ lives reveals mini hidden instructions on how to find happiness and peace after a tragedy hits home. Picking Up the Pieces is a painful, but inspirational journey of hurt, uncertainty, triumph and true happiness.
Executive Director of the Charlford House addiction treatment centre for women. They want to reach out tot he addiction recovery community to let us know about some very exciting news for Charlford House. They have been given a chance to win a $125,000 donation from IA Financial Group with their Canada-Wide philanthropic contest!
The Weight of a Feather chronicles the relationship between a mother and her son on his journey into the dark world of addiction. The book also describes his final recovery years later. Lynda Araoz is ruthlessly candid about the deception, betrayal, and violence inherent in the world of addiction, as well as the pitfalls and potholes on the pathway to recovery. The author balances out the weight of her family’s struggles with lighter moments of connection to the son she once knew and the absurdities they encounter along the path to recovery. The Weight of a Feather is a testimony to the enduring strength of relationship. It brings comfort and hope to others who are going through a similar ordeal and provides insight for those who wonder why recovery seems to be so elusive. Lynda urges a fresh look at the world of addiction and a new model for its treatment in light of its impact on families across the country.
Dave has recently released his book, “The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating the Crisis and Chaos of a Child’s Substance Use Disorder.” To a dad of three children, words like arrested, and addiction were truly terrifying. One afternoon, Dave got a phone call that connected these very two words to his youngest child. Panicked, Dave set out to rescue his son. He came to lose control of his own life in the process. After years of struggling this distraught father decided it was time for new strategies and a new course of action. Dave decided to ride his bike for 100 consecutive days, which proved to be transformative. Dave shares the inspiration and clarity, he found on his bike rides, with parents facing similar struggles in – The Addicted Child. Also Nathan A shares his personal story of recovery from addiction and tells us how he lost the desire to use substances.
Dr. Suzette Glasner addiction workbook, 7 Steps to Addiction Recovery This week on Talk Recovery Radio, we talk with Dr. Glasner, Dr. Glasner integrates the most effective addiction therapy techniques to bring you the Seven Steps to Changing Addictive Behaviors, an approach that takes the best of addiction science and explains it in user-friendly terms. “Glasner-Edwards has taken the very best of addiction science and turned it into common sense and step-by-step instructions. … this workbook will be as important for families and friends of addicted individuals as for those affected directly….A powerful and practical tool to aid recovery.” A. Thomas McLellanFounder and chairman of the board of the Treatment Research Institute, and former deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Each Show includes a personal story, and this week’s guest is Courtnay K, Courtnay is a woman in recovery who is a newly mother. She has 2 years clean and is a bit part of the New West Recovery community.
Author of "Pick your Poison" Denise Walker speaks about her book. "Recovery is isolating. There are poems here for that. Recovery is blissful. There are poems here for that. Recovery is confusing. There are poems here for that. Recovery is enlightening. There are poems here for that. Recovery is painful. There are poems here for that. Recovery is magical. There are poems here for that. Recovery is terrifying. There are poems here for that." Also Jordan G shares his personal story of recovery from addiction.
Dominique Vincenz talks about how yoga helped her in recovery from addiction to become a trauma-informed Yoga Teacher, Recovery Coach and Author of her book of poetry: Sacred Medications. Also, Ryan F tells his personal story of recovery from addiction and what it is like being a father in recovery.
Talk Recovery Radio this Thursday at noon, Personal Story with Lex, and interview with author Charles B Shaw, “Exile Nation: Drugs, Prisons, Politics, and Spirituality” Originally published as a series on Reality Sandwich and The Huffington Post, Exile Nation is a work of “spiritual journalism” that grapples with the themes of drugs, prisons, politics, and spirituality through Shaw’s personal story. In 2005, Shaw was arrested in Chicago for possession of MDMA and was sent to prison for one year. Shaw not only looks at the current prison system and its many destructive flaws, but also at how American culture regards criminals and those who live outside of society. He begins his story at Chicago’s Cook County Jail, and uses its sprawling, highly corrupt infrastructure to build upon his overarching argument. Lex also tells her personal story of recovery from addiction.
Westminster House Society has a new Youth Addiction Treatment Program, and we’re talking about building recovery capital and woman. Jeremy H tells his personal story of recovery from addiction.
Trying to be a flawless wife, mother, and a person in recovery. When you realize that recovery is more than just giving up alcohol. “How to be Perfect Like Me” by Dana Bowman author of “Bottled: A Mom's Guide to Early Recovery” & Blogger at Momsie Blog. Also Johann shares her story how she escaped addiction and found recovery.
TODAY on Talk Recovery Radio Help 4 Hidden Disability Services How stress, (compassion) fatigue and the burnout process can and will influence a person’s recovery or how it may force a person to fall back into their addiction. Part of self care is not only self knowledge, it’s also understand how a person can go from experiencing high stress to finding themselves in the area of the burnout process where they start to rely on old behaviors or ineffective coping skills PLUS personal story with Meghan, a woman in long term recovery who is also a mother in Recovery. Regular personal story questions also talking about being a mother in Recovery.
Talk Recovery with Life Coach, Blogger & DJ Jessica J of A Sober Girls Guide blog about being sober, coaching and why she moved from LA to Vancouver, BC! Then our personal story with Kirk B about overcoming addiction to beginning his own health & wellness business. Tune in every Thursday 12-1pm on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM or stream live www.coopradio.org. This show promises to be inspiring about all that we can achieve when we follow our dreams. Sponsored by Last Door Recovery Society Westminster House Society #NewWestRecovery
Jessica Cooksey talks about what Recovery Capital is and the Recovery Capital Conference which will be held on September 6th and 7th 2018 at the Anvil Center, New Westminster. Ryan D also tells his personal story of recovery from addiction.
Today on Talk Recovery, a sober app called Sober.ly that connects people in recovery. Also Patricia tells her personal story of addiction and how she has found her path to recovery.
Today on Talk Recovery Radio. The Wisdom of Addiction Recovery with the author of Paradigm Change, and more wisdom with a personal overcoming addiction story with Rod. listen live at noon on 100.5 fm on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO. Talk Recovery Radio is powered by Last Door Recovery Society and Westminster House Society #NewWestRecovery https://lastdoor.org/collective-wisdom-addiction-recovery/
Talk Recovery Radio with Health Upwardly Mobile Team talking about the book Addiction is Addiction. Followed by personal story with Kendall. 100.5 fm Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO
Sandra Dunn from the Vancouver Recovery Club on air talking about the VRC's services and a bit about her story. Talk Recovery Radio airs every Thursday at noon. Powered by Last Door Recovery Society and Westminster House Society #NewWestRecovery Leslie Drover aka Scissor Fairy talks recovery with us and her new song, a remake of Rehab. and her story how she got into detox long time ago and it was easy, now its different, who complicated it? Talk Recovery is powered by Last Door Recovery Society, Westminster House Society and #NewWestRecovery. on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5 fm
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we speak with Matthew Schmidt about the Isha Judd System, a form of meditation focused in love consciousness, we will talk about how it can help with Mental Health and Addiction recovery. Plus a personal story with Angus, and his personal experience with The Isha System. Talk Recovery airs live every Thursday from noon to 1 pm, we talk about all the pathways to recovery. Tune on 100.5 fm, Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO Powered by #NewWestRecovery Last Door Recovery Society and Westminster House Society
Arnie Wexler’s life as a gambler began on the streets of Brooklyn, New York, flipping cards, shooting marbles, and playing pinball machines. At age fourteen he found the racetrack, a bookie, and started playing the stock market. His obsession with gambling accelerated until a fateful day in 1968 when it all came crashing down. Wexler’s gripping narrative leads us through the dungeon of a compulsive gambler’s world—chasing the big win and coming up with empty pockets—and how his addiction drove him and his wife, Sheila, to the edge of life. With help, they managed to escape, and together they have devoted themselves to helping others with the problem they know so well. Arnie and Sheila Wexler have provided extensive training on compulsive, problem, and underage gambling to more than 40,000 gaming employees and have written Responsible Gaming Programs for major gaming companies. In addition to running the toll-free, national helpline 888-LAST-BET, Sheila and Arnie are consultants to Recovery Road in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, a Sunspire Health private residential treatment facility for adults with chemical dependency and problem gambling.
Sherry Gaba Author of The Marriage and Relationship Junkie: Kicking Your Obsession This book focuses on how to break the cycle of marriage and relationship addiction and live fabulously on your own or with a partner. We’ll explain how to go through the grieving process for a relationship without falling apart, how to define healthy boundaries, how to recognize the good partners and steer clear of the bad ones, and how to live fabulously on your own. That includes getting comfortable in your own skin, understanding why one person can never fulfill all your needs, and how to meet and make new friends. Addiction can sometimes ruin relationships with yourself and others. This show will focus on how to be healthy in relationships. Addiction in relationships can be healed. Followed by a personal story from Jared S who escaped the downtown eastside and found recovery, hear his story here.
What is The NEURO TRAUMA Healing Process & The SOUL RE-COGNITION Process and how can these modalities help a person suffering with re-experiencing trauma in addiction or in recovery?!? Listen to our conversation with Dane Stevens: An Extraordinary Life for this transformational topic!
Cranial Sacral Therapy and how it can help with addiction recovery. Followed by Deb and Scott’s personal story of recovery from addiction, a mother and son recover from addiction.
Susan Standfield-Spooner from Gojigo talking about #FoodAddiction #Recovery #HealthyEating A personal story of addiction recovery, thank you Krista for speaking your truth. We Do Recover. #LivedExperience #OurStoriesMatter #StopOverdoses #Fentanyl Talk Recovery Weekly Radio Show airs live every Thursday at noon on 100.5 fm. Powered by #NewWestRecovery Last Door Recovery Society Westminster House Society
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we talk about being sober, and the importance of writing letters to help you stay connected to people, and to recover from addiction. This week's guests include the author of "the Sober Leap" Sober Moxie, Noelle Van Vlierbergen #BeingSober, followed by a story of hope with recovery addict Ashley, who is on a campaign to help people write letters to stay connected to people, and to recovery from addiction.
Today Addictive Comedy comes on air speaking about their comedy show and the importance of involving comedy in recovery. Also Erin talks about what she does at 135a in Surrey and how to help the homeless.
Cory Wint, MA, ICADC, is the Chief Executive Officer at HeartQuest and has worked in a variety of disciplines within the Social Services and Human Development field. With a degree in Human and Social Development, and as the holder of International Drug and Alcohol Certification (ICADC), Cory has clinical experience in dealing with complex problematic substance use and the ancillary issues that often accompany addiction. Further, Cory is a certified Substance Abuse Professional as defined by the United States Department of Transportation. Join us for part 2 of the show with Cole Isak from Back on Track Treatment
Author Tj Woodward joins us live on Talk Recovery #ConciousRecovery focuses on the underlying root causes that drive destructive patterns, while providing clear steps for letting go of core false beliefs that lead to addictive tendencies. Each show ends with a #PersonalStory, this week's guest is Alicia P. Hear her courage to come back story. Talk Recovery Airs live every Thursday from noon to 1 pm on 100.5 fm Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO.
This week on Talk Recovery, Learn how to use the Law of Attraction to create your future and help with Childhood trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Stress, Grief, Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And more… This week on Talk Recovery Radio live at noon on 100.5 fm we talk with Counsellor Amanda Molyneux from Create Your Future. Followed by a personal story with Isadore, first nation’s individual who is about to head back home "new in recovery".
Dr. Stephanie Covington talks about her book, "A woman's way through the 12 steps" and our personal story is Jordan V speaking about woman in recovery and mothers in recovery. Also Kirsty is on air talking about Westminster House a treatment center for woman.
Thursday January 11th on Talk Recovery Radio from “Louisville’s Top 100 Most Wanted Fugitive List” to sharing her story and living a life of recovery, Ashley Kaye Adams, author of the Book Series “Kentucky Junkie” talks about “Indigo Outlaw” www.kentuckyjunkie.com Hear her story from the streets to becoming a role model. Her mission is simple. “I aim to fill the gap and delete the recidivism statistics that plague our planet. I intend to assist in healing addiction and its unsuspecting victims. Recovery is not only attainable and possible. It’s a human right. ” Ashley Every Week we also showcase a “Personal Story” this week we are thrilled to have Vancouver House Wives Star Ronnie Stevenson and her son Houston, both in recovery. Hear their story of success and triumph over addiction.
Tanya L tells her personal story of addiction and recovery in our personal story segment of the show.
34 years of addiction treatment with Last Door’s Executive Director David Pavlus, we talked about harm reduction, abstinence, recovery, and the overdose crisis. Real talk about real issues.
Music Festival with Drugs and Alcohol, how do you stay sober? Today on Talk Recovery we speak with Kansas Caffery, from True North Recovery Services in Encinitas CA. He recently wrote a guide on How to Stay Sober. Followed by personal story, Elya, being a mom, in recovery, and living one day at a time.
Author of Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: The Top 10 Survival Tips for Loving Someone with an Addiction talks about her book. Also personal story with Scotty D
Recovering from an addiction is tough enough, but when you throw in the tremendous responsibilities of motherhood, resisting cravings and remaining abstinent–much less enjoying the rewards of sobriety–can seem like an impossible challenge .. we talk recovery with Author Rosemary O'Connor this Thursday on Talk Recovery Radio live at noon on 100.5 fm. Followed by Personal Story with Regg D, and his story of triumph.
Sam's plan if he gets elected for addiction services. Conversation with Sam Sullivan , former Vancouver Mayor and currently serving as MLA Vancouver – False Creek. We discuss the innovative CAST program he developed as Mayor of Vancouver and how it can Solve the Overdose Crisis. THEN a 16 year old tells his story about how he escaped addiction and how he continues to carry the message of recovery.
Dr. John Kelly, Lead Scientist on Recovery, Harvard, Addiction Recovery Management The clinical course of addiction is often a chronic one characterized by several episodes of treatment and shorter periods of remission and relapse, before full sustained remission is achieved. Although the majority of individuals with substance use disorder achieve full sustained remission, it is noteworthy that it takes several years following the achievement of full sustained remission before the risk of meeting criteria for substance use disorder in the following year is no higher than the general population. This indicates that ongoing recovery monitoring and management over the long-term may be required to facilitate long-term recovery. This talk highlights the chronic course of substance use disorder and reviews the interventions and recovery support services that have shown to be helpful in mobilizing and supporting remission as well as the mechanisms of behavior change through which they work. Followed by personal story with Eric T, a story of triumph
Former escort recovers out loud from drug and alcohol addiction while helping others get out of the escort industry. powered by Last Door Recovery Society #WeDoRecover
This week’s guest author Christopher M. Finan talking about the history of alcoholism DRUNKS: AN AMERICAN HISTORY A social history of alcoholism in the United States, from the seventeenth century to the present day Today, millions of Americans are struggling with alcoholism, but millions are also in long-term recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous and a growing number of recovery organizations are providing support for alcoholics who will face the danger of relapse for the rest of their lives. We have finally come to understand alcoholism as a treatable illness, rather than a moral failure. Today’s advocates can draw inspiration from the victories of sober drunks throughout American history. ww.chrisfinan.com Followed by Personal Story with Ronnie I Ronnie is a recovering addict who has a story of triumph over the disease of addiction to opiates. Hear his story and journey from detox to recovery to relapse to detox to recovery, and today he is celebrating the gifts of recovery. for past shows visit www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com
Dr. Jane Witbrodt and Dr. Kostic will be joining us this Thursday live on Talk Recovery Radio 100.5 fm. Dr. Witbrodt is from the Alcohol Research Group, Associate Scientist, Formal and informal solutions to recovery from substance use disorders with emphasis on gender, racial/ethnic and cross-cultural differences. What Is Recovery? Elements that define recovery and the Science of Recovery systems. How to define recovery? Why undertake this project? There has been little agreement about the definition of recovery from alcohol and drug problems. Most of what we know about the definition of recovery has come from scientists and expert panels, not from people in recovery! The overriding purpose of the “What is Recovery” project was to develop a way of defining recovery based on how it is experienced by those who actually live it. Personal Story Time Dr. Witbrodt will be followed by Moe Love, telling her personal story of addiction and recovery. Talk Recovery is brought to you by Last Door Recovery Centre.
This week’s Talk Recovery Radio guest is Amy Dresner she is the Author of My Fair Junkie here is a little bit about her book. Growing up in Beverly Hills, Amy Dresner had it all: a top-notch private school education, the most expensive summer camps and even a weekly clothing allowance. But at 24, she started dabbling in meth in San Francisco and unleashed a fiending addiction monster. Soon, if you could snort it, smoke it, or have sex with, she did. Smart and charming, with daddy’s money to fall back on, she sort of managed to keep it all together. But on Christmas Eve of 2011, all of that changed when, high on Oxycontin, she stupidly “brandished” a bread knife on her husband and was promptly arrested for “felony domestic violence with a deadly weapon.” Within months, she found herself in the psych ward–and then penniless, divorced and looking out on a court-ordered 240 hours of community service. For the next two years, assigned to a Hollywood Boulevard “chain gang,” she would sweep up syringes (and worse) on Hollywood Boulevard as she bounced from rehabs to halfway houses, all while struggling with sobriety, sex addiction, and starting over in her 40s. Here is a link to her website http://amydresner.com/ Followed by Personal Stories.
Jason Howell is a person in long-term recovery from mental health and substance use issues. He is a Peer Recovery Specialist and state approved trainer. Howell is Executive Director of the non-profit, Sober Hood, which oversees several statewide and federally supported programs: RecoveryPeople, Texans for Recovery and Resiliency and Recovery Residence Manager training and certification. Jason is also the former Board President of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences, is a Texas Behavioral Health Advisory Committee Member and a Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Advisory Board Member. Jason is going to talk about Recovery Capital, and Recovery Oriented Systems of Care, and how Texas is coping with the overdose crisis. Travis Lupick will Join us to talk about his new book Fighting for Space and upcoming public event. What is the state of the overdose crisis in BC? And what can we do about it? In conjunction with the release of Travis Lupick’s Fighting for Space: How a Group of Drug Users Transformed One City’s Struggle with Addiction, this evening of discussion brings together a politician, a mother and advocate, a nonprofit service provider, a representative for the health-care system, a drug user, and a journalist, for a public discussion about B.C.’s fentanyl crisis. The evening begins with a short performance of Illicit: Stories from a harm reduction movement. FREE.
Music Festival with Drugs and Alcohol, how do you stay sober? Today on Talk Recovery we speak with Kansas Caffery, from True North Recovery Services in Encinitas CA. He recently wrote a guide on How to Stay Sober. Followed by personal story, Elya, being a mom, in recovery, and living one day at a time. How To Stay Sober During Life-Events » True North Recovery Services
This week’s guest author Scott Sterling, , wrote a memoir about his addiction to crystal meth called Teenage Degenerate Here is a little information about the book. “The first time I did crystal methamphetamine I was nineteen,” writes the author as he begins his story, which takes place over 10 months in 1996 and 1997. (Some names and dates in the story have been changed, according to the author’s note.) In these diarylike entries, the author was a high school graduate with no real ambition; he lived in Littleton, Colorado, near Denver, with his parents and worked as a grocery clerk for near-minimum wage. He had a girlfriend, Leah, and a group of friends, including Jake, Mark, Craig, and Tony, with whom he hung out in his small, suburban town. Sterling and his friends went to parties and concerts—readers who are fans of the 1990s alternative scene will find their favorites within—and drugs were a constant throughout. As the author became more and more dependent on meth, his life began to crumble; he quit his job, broke up with his girlfriend, and spent his time either high or coming off of benders. After further attempts to hold onto jobs failed, he eventually became a drug dealer; he then lost his friends, alienated his family, started going broke, and approached rock bottom, or, as “a tweaker at a party” called it, his “wrecking point.” Sterling’s descriptions of his experiences while high are vivid and often disturbing, and he isn’t afraid to show the lengths to which addicts will go for one more fix. However, the overall story arc isn’t as compelling as it could be; readers never get to really see what the author was like before his addiction, so his sinking to new moral lows is rarely shocking. Some of the book’s pop-culture references seem a bit too on the nose, such as when the author watches the overdose scene from the movie Pulp Fiction while having a drug-induced panic attack. But despite these missteps, there’s enough action in the second half of the book to make for a quick, compelling read.
Addiction and Wellness Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Author, Erica Spiegelman changes lives every day by working with individuals, couples, and families on personal growth and overall wellness. A Bold New Approach to Addiction and Recovery Rewired is a revolutionary new approach to addiction recovery from innovative expert Erica Spiegelman. With this plan, you won’t need any special knowledge or time in therapy to complete the process. There is no discussion of willpower or “my way or the highway” directives. Today live at noon on 100.5 fm followed by personal story with Navid.
This week’s Talk Recovery Radio guest is Cam Aider, Cam is addicted to video games.. and here is some information about Cam. “This addiction affected many areas of my life, including being a major influence in my decision to drop out of high school not once, but twice. I never graduated, never went to college, and struggled with depression for many years.” “I want to be very clear, I don’t blame video games for why this happened, nor do I think video games were the problem. I’m not here to vilify gaming, tell you that it’s bad or debate with you about whether you or not you should play; because I don’t believe gaming is bad and if someone wants to play then I would encourage them to go ahead and play.” “What I do want to share with you is about my experience playing video games and how the decision to move on from them has taught me more about living a meaningful life than anything I’ve done before, and how over the last five years my journey has led me to founding Game Quitters, the largest support community for people who struggle to overcome a video game addiction. Today Game Quitters has members in over 60 countries around the world.” Learn about Game Quitters on Thursday at noon on 10.5 fm. Here is a link to “Game Quitters” https://gamequitters.com/. Every week we also include a personal story … this week is Jolene Greyeyes’ story. She Survived BC’s Overdose Crisis, but 49 Friends Did Not.
Men In Recovery, today on Talk Recovery.. Nick Ringma joins to talk recovery and about his new poetry book, followed by Fred Burnie's personal story.
Today on Talk Recovery Radio Chris Shea, Lifesjourney Blog, his goal and mission of “Lifesjourney”, is to guide you towards finding self-awareness and inner peace. And personal story with Heidi Smith from Addictive Designs.
This week’s show features Freddy Negrete, author of Guns, Gangs, and Tattoos, my Life in Black and Gray. Plus Personal story with Cass, talking about her eating disorder and her addiction recovery.
Sex therapist Suzie Le Brocq talks about sex addiction and her experience working in the field of addiction for almost two decades. She has worked with people suffering from food, sex, gambling, porn and drug addiction. Listen to her interview with the Talk Recovery Team.
Peter Kunst talks about New Gate 180 and the importance of residential treatment for addiction. "At Newgate 180 we understand the pain and the torment individuals and their families experience when living with addiction." Also, personal story from LeeAnn O with her story recovering from addiction.
Robert J Moore talks about his book "From Rock Bottom to Success" and his recovery story. He talks about his addiction counseling career and how he helps people today. Personal story time with Ryan G and talks about his experience with addiction and getting clean and his life today.
Conversation between the hosts about the latest news regarding addiction and recovery then personal story from Jeff E talking about multiple treatment attempts and his journey to get 1 year clean.
Dr. Lawrence Peltz talks about his book"The Mindful Path to Addiction and Recovery" and talks about meditation in recovery. Personal story from Christina and she talks about her story of addiction and her recovery journey.
Listen as Brian Fleming talks about weight loss and losing 400 pounds, telling his inspiring story. Personal story time from Over eaters Anonymous member Rachel talks about her experience and fellowship.
What is it like for a christian woman who is an addict? Mercy Canada is a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to helping young women break free from life-controlling issues, including eating disorders, self harm, drug and alcohol addictions, unplanned pregnancy, depression, sexual abuse, and trafficking. Since 1983, Mercy has provided hope and healing to thousands of hurting girls through our free of charge residential program, outreach resources and activities. The first Canadian home opened in 2010. Apply for help. Followed by Personal Story Chad C who is celebrating 16 years of recovery. Tune in Thursday May 4 2017 on 100.5 fm live at noon.
Chad is on Talk Recovery talking about his 16 years clean, as part of our Personal Story time
This week's show (April 27th) we will have 2 guests. Our first guest is Ryan Hampton. Ryan is known as “The guy who is changing the way America looks at addiction.” Our second guest will be Selina Robinson, who will discuss the NDP "Minister of Mental health and addiction. The Recovering Heroin Addict Shaking Social Media = Recovery Advocate at Facing Addiction + Person in Long Term Recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Ryan Hampton serves as an outreach lead and recovery advocate at Facing Addiction, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending the addiction crisis in America. Guest 2 NDP election platform pledges to meet the fentanyl crisis with a new ministry of mental health and addiction replay past shows at www.talkrecoveryradio.com
This week on Talk Recovery, live at noon on Thursday, 100.5 fm Vancouver time. Diane Leslie Kaufman, MD is the founder and director of Arts Medicine for Health & Healing. She is a board certified pediatrician and psychiatrist whose specialty is child psychiatry. Dr. Kaufman has been honored for expertise in clinical care and practice of humanism in medicine. She is a poet, children’s book author, and an expressive arts educational facilitator. As an artist and healing psychiatrist, her goal is to transform trauma into life affirming creativity There are poem videos on addiction: Desperate Love. Please view and like her poetry video Also we will talk about healing from trauma, Dr. Kaufman is the author of “Bird That Wants to Fly” that inspired a children’s opera: followed by personal story… Personal story time will be Mike B “My father is an active member of AA, sober since 1980, I grew up in the AA culture, still give my dad his cake and periodically attend his Tuesday night meetings, have several other friends in the program. Happy to share funny stories of the “family recovery ” process and how we learned to “discuss it all”, learn to laugh… for past shows visit www.TalkRecoveryRadio.com thanks for listening.
THE SUN IS GONE A Sister Lost in Secrets, Shame, and Addiction and How I Broke Free Jodee has known what the word “alcoholic” means since she was 5 years old. Not because anyone told her, families keep secrets, and he’s was no different. Or they think they keep secrets but even as little children they figure things out very quickly. By 6, she had already decided her parents alcohol fueled life was never going to happen to her. Never. She could not have been more wrong. When you meet Jodee’s younger brother Brett, you will see that he was no amateur alcoholic. As he walked the thin line between life and death, she experienced gut-wrenching highs and lows, obsessively doing everything she could to get his life back on track, sacrificing her own young children, marriage, career, and personal health. Like the millions of people worldwide who love someone addicted to drugs or alcohol, Jodee believed at the time she was doing all the right things.
Taking the First Step: Daily Meditations for 12 Step Programs is designed to help persons in Twelve Step Programs to daily experience the new philosophy of life which Recovery represents, and to recognize the benefits of discovering and expanding spiritual awareness. The basic principles of Twelve Step Programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, Co-Dependents Anonymous, Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Over-Eaters Anonymous, etc., are as old as recorded history. These principles not only form the working philosophy of Twelve Step Programs, but they provide a pattern for (1) Right living, (2) Overcoming difficulties, and (3) Helping us to achieve our aspirations. By working “The Program” at our own pace and in our own way; relying on the help and support of our Higher Power and others who also work “The Program”, we can change and be transformed. They include the following:
Ontario doctor who lost everything speaks out on fentanyl addiction ahead of sentence plus Personal story of Alexis
This Thursday at noon, we talk with Dr. Dan Edmunds .. he is the voice of compassion in the mental health system / Relational Approaches to Autism, Trauma, Extreme States of Mind. We will talk recovery with him about these topics and his new book MEANING AND THE ART OF RECOVERY plus we always finish off now with our new "Personal Stories" live at noon on 100.5fm on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO PST time
DTES Advocate Ann Livingston live on Talk Recovery Radio this Thursday at noon on 100.5 fm. Followed by a family growing up on Methadone and Crystal Meth, now living in recovery.... hear their stories. Ann's been a health care crusader, recently opening the Pop Up Injection tent, she co-founded VANDU in 1998, Pivot Legal Society in 2000, and was a founding member of the Eastside Movement for Business & Economic Renewal Society board in 2001. She sits on countless harm reduction, prostitution awareness. Join us on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO this thursday at noon, two guests, great stories.
Demographic shifts in America and Canada make for more modern 12-Step Fellowships such as Online Gaming Anonymous, Teen Addictions Anonymous, and Tech Addiction Anonymous, have adapted the 12-Steps to a newcomer with a greater thirst for recovery in a more modern narrative. Atheists, humanists, Buddhists, Taoists, agnostics, don't always find "God as we understand HIM" to be as inclusive as the authors intended back in 1939.
Thursday at noon, Counselor Melina McConnell specializes in trauma and addiction with "Somatic Experiencing" from Edgewood plus hear a personal recovery story from Cam. join us at noon on 100.5 fm.. Followed by Cam's Personal Story
Rhythm2Recovery - Canada and Rainbow Lodge Recovery Retreat on Talk Recovery this Thursday. R2R works with rhythm stems from an understanding of the way in which music impacts the brain to support human bonding, improve learning retention and increase emotional regulation. Rainbow Lodge is offering a free intro workshop 1 Day Addiction Recovery Retreat Series join us line on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5 fm live at noon. http://www.rhythm2recovery.com/
Today at noon - Mike Bundrant blogger for PsychCentral.com on air to discuss mental health, life coaching, hypnosis, self-sabotage, interpersonal communication and more.. followed by personal story from Patricia, does Treatment make a difference in an an addict getting clean. Join us on 100.5 fm on Vancouver Co-op Radio CFRO https://psychcentral.com/
Fentanyl Addiction Survivor, Dr. Darryl Gebein shares his story of recovery 12-1pm on 100.5 FM or stream live www.coopradio.org AND we have another guest sharing on our 'giving back' series!
Heroin Anonymous new program to help addicts recover, followed by Personal story from David S
Some Assembly Required: A Balanced Approach to Recovery from Addiction and Chronic Pain author Dan Mager, MSW, a writer and editor in long-term recovery. Followed by December's Christmas Giving Back Series featuring Graham's story.
2 guests, Dr. King from Centre for motivation and change and the book "Beyond Addiction" and Heidi Smith from Addictive Designs discussing her and Interventions on Demand fundraiser .. part of our December giving back series.
Rivka wondered if the ancient spiritual principles of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be applied to the healing of trauma.
This week on Talk Recovery Radio we talk with Rivka A. Edery about Trauma and Transformation through the Partnership of Modern Clinical Treatments and Ancient Spiritual Practices. Rivka wondered if the ancient spiritual principles of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be applied to the healing of trauma. One day, she was suddenly inspired with an idea that had a firm hold on her and has not let go since. It combined the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous that saved her life, with life problems that are a result of surviving traumatic experiences. The result, “Trauma And Transformation: A 12-Step Guide”, is a unique approach for trauma survivors who are seeking a combined spiritual and clinical approach to their personal effects of surviving trauma.
Naked in Public: a Memoir of Recovery from Sex Addiction and Other Temporary Insanities. A respected therapist and addictions specialist shares the powerful story of her own recovery from sexual addiction. Author Staci Sprout on Talk Recovery live this Thursday from noon to 1 pm. 100.5 fm Vancouver Co-op Radio #SexAddiction #Recovery http://www.stacisprout.com
Our minds are governed by a cycle of craving what we don't have, finding it, using it up or losing it, and then being driven by loss, need, desire, or insecurity to crave it all the more. This cycle is at the root of all addictions: addictions to drugs, drink, cigarettes, sex, love, soap operas, wealth, and wisdom itself. But why should this be so? Why are we so driven, often at great cost to ourselves? No one is better qualified to answer these questions than Dr. Marc Lewis. He is a distinguished neuroscientist. And, for many years, he was a drug addict himself, dependent on a long series of dangerous substances. His narrative moves back and forth between the long, dark, ultimately triumphant story of his relationship with drugs, and a revelatory analysis of what was going on in Marc's brain. He shows how drugs speak to the brain--itself designed to seek rewards and soothe pain--in its own language. He shows in detail the different neurological effects of a variety of powerful drugs, from oxycodone to heroin, from drink to love. This is the story of his journey, seen from the inside out.
A Memoir - Lisa Smith was a bright young lawyer at a prestigious law firm in NYC when alcoholism and drug addiction took over her life. What was once a way she escaped her insecurity and negativity as a teenager became a means of coping with the anxiety and stress of an impossible workload.
We speak to author Patrick O’Neil – Gun Needle Spoon. This memoir follows a punk rock pioneer on his slide into drug abuse and life as an armed robber, all the way through life in recovery and what it’s like to look back on those times, knowing all the while that he is still under the threat of three strikes, a twenty-five-to-life prison sentence waiting. He has no choice but to deal with it all drug free. During punk rock’s heyday, Patrick O’Neil worked at the San Francisco’s legendary Mabuhay Gardens. He went on to become the road manager for Dead Kennedys and Flipper, as well as T.S.O.L. and the Subhumans. He holds an MFA from Antioch University Los Angeles. http://patrick-oneil.com/gun-needle-spoon/
Author Sarah Benton - talks recovery with us .. When people think of the 'typical' alcoholic, images of the 'fallen-down' drunk come to mind. Most do not think of professional men and women with successful careers, vibrant families, and active social lives. However, high-functioning alcoholics exist in great numbers, are unseen, and suffer no less than their struggling, failing counterparts. They include corporate presidents, politicians, teachers, tradesmen, law enforcement officials, lawyers, physicians, and even stay at home parents, who are by most accounts successful. https://www.amazon.ca/Understanding-High-Functioning-Alcoholic-Breaking-Finding/dp/1442203900
show gone bad, world expert wants to cut interview short.. thought provoking conversations had by all .. Talk Recovery Radio is a live show that is inclusive, but something went wrong today, opinions matter, but they do not trump.. and this show is a good example why the Recovery Movement is needed, there is no shame in addiction.. hear the show and tell us your thoughts at https://www.facebook.com/TalkRecoveryVancouver/
today on Talk Recovery radio we speak about recovering from trauma with the help of the 12 Steps..how do we deal with mass shootings from far away? are we powerless? are the 12 Steps trauma informed?
the Multidisciplinary Psychedelic Harm Reduction for PTSD and Addiction Treatment Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Canada envisions a world where psychedelics and marijuana are safely and legally available for beneficial uses, and where research is governed by rigorous scientific evaluation of their risks and benefits. MAPS supports research into the safety and effectiveness of ayahuasca-assisted treatment for drug addiction and PTSD. MDMA for PTSD
Two guests, the show starts with the discussion of Recognizing and facing alcohol and drug misuse in older adults, with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, M.D, author of Not as Prescribed, followed by our second guests, Caleb Shearer, Co-founder of Solid Ground Addiction Treatment and the Solid Ground Narrative Project – helping men re-frame their stories of addiction and recovery.
Sex Addiction Therapy, the book Jagged Little Edges, and the book Diagnosing and Treating Addictions, all in one great show... an hour of recovery
It was on January 1st, 2010 that I made a decision that forever changed my life… Up until that point I believed there were aspects of my life that were out of my control. Bad things happened to everyone, especially me, and unfortunate circumstances were not my fault and just part of life. My ‘situations’ were thrust upon me, largely due to a belief that I was a magnet for finding myself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Aside: Seriously? Did I believe that crap? Short answer, yes…yes I did.
an interview with the authors Dr. Raju Hajela, Sue Newton and Paige Abbott, Addiction is Addiction is a book that looks at how treating Addiction as a disease can radically improve outcomes by using a holistic approach that balances the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of treatment needed for recovery. Whether you suffer from Addiction, know someone who does, or work in the healthcare field, Addiction is Addiction provides a comprehensive path to understanding, living with, and recovering from the disease.
Vancouver Author Philip Be’er, “Learning to Love -Your Guide to Personal Empowerment” joins us this Thursday on Talk Recovery Addiction Radio Show. Listen to our show every Thursday on 100.5 fm. to listen to past shows click here Few people recognise that love can only be felt by a person when they’re feeling Unconditionally accepted (not judged or criticised) Securely Connected Deeply Connected Learn about the Love Salons (study groups) in the Greater Vancouver region where participants meet regularly to support one-another doing the challenging exercises that accompany each chapter.
INSANE is a memoir delineating a young woman’s journey from a fragmented childhood, through tenacious hope, to a continuum of wellness. Riddled with eating disorders, addiction, and bipolar disorder, INSANE shines light upon extreme darkness.
“Too much shame and silence surround addiction. Burwell’s terrific memoir will move dialogue forward on one of the top health problems of our time.” — Greg Williams, director of The Anonymous People“Exquisitely detailed, this book chronicles the tortuous journey to recovery for both addicted individuals and all those who love and care for them.” — Katherine Ketcham, coauthor of Broken and Teens Under the Influence
humorist Dana Bowman chronicles her struggle with alcoholism—and subsequent recovery—through the prism of early motherhood, offering empathy, comic relief, and encouragement for moms everywhere.
Shawn Poppi Sabhaney, a Registered Acupuncturist with a focus on Addiction, PTSD and Trauma Related Injuries.
“Chronic pain affects as many as 30 percent of Americans . . . there are about 320 million people living in the United States, which means that approximately 110 million of them are likely to have chronic pain.” —Peter Przekop
Project Starlight - The Addiction Workshop. A workshop that trains the next generation of naturopathic doctors and allied health professionals (RMTs, DCs, PTs, OTs, etc ) how to ask the right questions, screen for addiction and provide referral to treatment
DO YOU REALLY GET ME? explains to readers: -The meaning of Theory of Mind and how it applies to having empathy for others - What the I-M Approach is and how it helps to reach your potential - The differences between a “white" lie and a “strategic” lie and why we tell them - Why we feel the need to belong and to establish connections with others - The various forms of alienation and how it affects us
while a handful of treatment are available to help opiate addicts, there are currently no options other than cold turkey for coke, meth, and other stimulants. ... some of the conversation of today's show
All Bets Are Off: Losers, Liars, and Recovery from Gambling Addiction. By Arnie Wexler with Steve Jacobson Wexler’s compulsive gambling once spiraled out of control. Now after forty-plus years in recovery, he’s become a nationally known expert on gambling addiction. www.aswecler.com
Recovery from alcoholism, addiction, or codependency takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The struggle to stay mindful is a profound topic, but a new book proves it is possible to see the bright side of the things you struggle with while discovering that laughter can be a sign of healing.
NAVIGATING GRACE is an intensely personal testimonial to calling on the power of grace in our darkest hours and those miraculous moments that change our lives forever. NAVIGATING GRACE A Solo Voyage of Survival and Redemption By Jeff Jay
A talk with the women behind Westminster House, a non profit women's addiction recovery centre
A revolutionary new book on the Cure for Alcoholism and Addiction. John, a long time member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), explores his life of chronic alcoholism and his successful return to social drinking, following 30 years of continuous sobriety in AA. Social Drinking for Alcoholics explores the mind body creation of addiction and its Cure, through knowledge, awareness and acceptance of the Cause” Replay past shows at www.talkrecoveryradio.com, a radio show about recovery and addiction issues, and the many pathways to recovery.
UNWELCOME INHERITANCE Break Your Family’s Cycle of Addictive Behaviors By Lisa Sue Woititz and Dr. Janet G. Woititz, Ed.D.
Listen to past shows at www.talkrecoveryradio.com Chronic pain is not a life sentence- If you are one of the 100 million people who suffer from chronic pain, you may be feeling hopeless and helpless, relying on endless medications that don't work, feeling worse and wopainrse. But there is hope—and help. The innovative program at the acclaimed Las Vegas Recovery Center, at which Dr. Mel Pohl is Medical Director, has helped thousands of sufferers to reduce chronic pain without the use of painkillers. The Pain Antidote shares this program's concrete tools and strategies, offering: -Cutting-edge research on how pain affects your brain -How your emotions affect your experience of pain -A comprehensive program, including a four-week Jump Start plan -Pain-reducing gentle exercises and health-supporting foods
getting high without drugs! six guilt free pleasure and escape principles that anyone can use to experience the best and most lasting natural highs. Author and award-winning journalist Jodie Gould "HIGH" is your guide to experiencing natural healthy high of all: Life itself!
David Chaloner | Specializing in addictions and addictive processes. Finding help and facing up to the challenges presented by any confrontation with addictive processes is of itself a huge challenge. This little book is designed to help you simply START the process, by presenting perspectives and ways of exploring that don’t make you feel as if you need an academic background to participate. David Chaloner | Specialising in addictions and addictive processes. Any approach to a stranger regarding such sensitive and self respect damaging processes requires a rare and potent courage and this is respected and honoured. Working at your own pace we will find the space, place and time that enables you to find the answers you are capable of. I cannot fix you, but we may find a new way to perceive the essential character of the challenges. I cannot take responsibility for you, but we may find new ways to carry the responsibility that divests you of unnecessary burdens. I will not promise you ‘the answer’, but we may find a solution that gives you confidence to move forward I possess knowledge and a lot of experience that can be shared as a result of my interactions with individuals and groups, numbered in the many hundreds.
Can I Change It? author Corey Porcher joins us to talk about his book and 3 Step Program for recovery from addiction and depression You can listen to Talk Recovery live on 100.5 fm from noon to 1 pm every Thursday or you can stream live at www.coopradio.org “THIS 1 DAY PROGRAM SAVED MY LIFE” www.canichangeit.com Three Step Program 1) We let go 2) Focus on things we can change 3) Serve others
Sat Dharam Kaur is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher trainer and instructor, author, and naturopathic doctor practicing in Owen Sound, Ontario. She has studied Kundalini Yoga with Yogi Bhajan since 1976 and has facilitated teacher training programs in Toronto (ON), Canmore (AB), and New Mexico. She developed the Beyond Addiction program with Jiwan Joti Kaur PhD, inspired by the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and Dr. Gabor Maté. She has also developed a breast health yoga training, designed to help educate women in breast cancer prevention through Kundalini Yoga and lifestyle change.
The debate over marijuana legalization has never been more heated as the issue continues to divide policy makers, the medical community, and the public alike. As the topic of medical versus recreational use continues, many states have already decriminalized possession, while 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana in some form. While it appears that acceptance of marijuana usage is growing, there is much misinformation about it and a lot more that needs to be understood regarding its effects on people, especially on the developing brains of young people.
Finally, a daily reflection book for nonbelievers, freethinkers and everyone: Beyond Belief: Agnostic Musings for 12 Step Life (2013) is the first secular daily addiction/recovery reader available for addicts/codependents in the rooms.
what do you do when there is addiction in the workplace and an employee is abusing drugs or alcohol?
The Twelve Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a long-standing and trusted method of drug and alcohol recovery for more than 75 years, yet there is a continuing debate as to its validity of success. Many outspoken critics argue that there is no actual data or scientific evidence to support claims that the program works. Dedicated “twelve-steppers,” on the other hand, stand by the familiar AA slogan “It works if you work it,” meaning if you follow the Steps, you will indeed find the path to recovery. To set the record straight, internationally recognized clinical psychologist Joseph Nowinski, Ph.D., author of Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF), which is listed on the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), reveals the studies and data that prove the Twelve Steps improve outcomes for those in recovery from the disease of addiction.
IT TAKES A FAMILY A Cooperative Approach to Lasting Sobriety By Debra Jay Nationally recognized addiction counselor and interventionist Debra Jay is taking a bold step with a new approach to helping families in recovery. In her new book, IT TAKES A FAMILY: A Cooperative Approach to Lasting Sobriety, Jay introduces Structured Family Recovery, a specific process and framework with the power to keep addicts sober and families on track in their recovery for the long haul.
Loving an Addict, Loving yourself by Candace Plattor. Today we talked about Christmas, New Years and Valentines Day, three big deals, Loved ones of addicts getting helped, and a workshop on what to do to get well when the addict in your life doesn't want to
PAINKILLERS, HEROIN, AND THE ROAD TO SANITY Real Solutions for Long-Term Recovery from Opiate Addiction, By Joani Gammill Author of The Interventionist oani Gammill, a recovering alcoholic, was struggling with a back injury and the pain it caused. After surgery, she was prescribed a cornucopia of opiate-based drugs including Oxycontin, which her doctor said was a nonaddictive painkiller used especially for recovering addicts (information that came straight from the drug company).
Written by Daniel D. Maurer, a former Lutheran minister, and illustrated by Spencer Amundson, Sobriety seems like a kind of X-rated Archie and the Gang. The problems are different, the solutions are different, the pranks are way different but the group always finds a way through with camaraderie.
360 lbs lighter and sober, Brian Flemming shares his story on being over weight and addicted....followed by Rachel from Over Eaters Anonymous talking about recovery.
Just as recovery requires daily practice, so does physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. In The Recovering Body, seasoned health writer, Jennifer Matesa ignites the recovery community with the first-ever guide to achieving physical recovery as part of your path to lifelong sobriety. http://bit.ly/recoveryhealth
this Thursday on Talk Recovery...nationally recognized expert Dr. Omar Manejwala joins us to explain addiction in the Workplace and the phenomenon of craving and gives us tools to achieve freedom from our seemingly insatiable desires by changing our actions to remap our brains. Craving: Why We Can't Seem to Get Enough by Dr. Omar S. Manejwala, M.D., www.manejwala.com/#!craving/cmqf
Susan Anderson, author of The Journey from Abandonment to Healing, Black Swan and Taming Your Outer Child talks recovery with us
Liberty Root Ibogaine Therapy will be on Talk Recovery today. can you hallucinate yourself into recovery with Ibogaine therapy? your questions answered.
Suzie Le Brocq from LifeServices.ca talk Sex Addiction Recovery with Talk Recovery ... learn what it is and what you can do
Eating Disorders and Addiction, personal stories on recovery and Eating Disorder Counsellor Caralynne Mclean Private Therapist and North Shore Eating Disorder Program www.caralynnemclean.com
Dr. Hajela one of Canada's Leading Addiction Specialists talks with us about Marijuana Truths and Myths.... the pros and cons despite all these changes in policy, the U.S. federal government considers marijuana to have no medical use and high potential for abuse. Under federal law, it is illegal for any person to manufacture, distribute, or possess cannabis for any purpose. Moreover, it is generally agreed by even the supporters of “medical marijuana” that smoking is injurious to the lungs both short-term and long-term; hence, the research on cannabis products for medical uses has been looking at alternate delivery systems such as pills, vaporizers, sprays and edible products.
From Grief to Action: When Addiction Hits Home, helps Families if your son or daughter has, or might have, an addictive disorder. www.fgta.ca
Guest from BPD Society of British Columbia and BDP Blog writer Becky Oberg from Healthy Place - www.healthyplace.com/blogs/borderline/ - http://bpdsupportgroup.wordpress.com/
Edgewood talks about the addiction treatment industry best practices on Talk Recovery Radio, recovery and addiction issues weekly on CFRO 100.5 fm
Lower the Stakes, a Public Health Approach to Gambling with Dr. Perry Kendall, Provincial Health Officer of BC
Almost Addicted, Most people who abuse illegal drugs don’t fit the image of the dysfunctional, hustling addict who can’t fit into normal society. Between the estimated 10 percent of the population who are true addicts and those who don’t use drugs at all falls a group of regular drug users who often don’t realize how much their use is affecting their daily lives. According to J. Wesley Boyd, MD, PhD, and Eric Metcalf, MPH, they are almost addicted. Whether their drug of choice is legal or illegal, an upper or a hallucinogen, almost addicts’ drug use is negatively impacting their quality of life—but falls short of meeting the diagnostic criteria for substance abuse or dependence.
Mother and Addict, Heidi telling her story about raising children in early recovery, what it's like to have social services invovled, how recovery is more about stop using.
As I rebuilt my practice I gradually revealed the story of my battle with alcoholism to colleagues and clients and new friends. Their reaction was the same: “Oh my God, you must write a book.” The Couch of Willingness: An Alcoholic Therapist Battles the Bottle and Broken Recovery System is that book. I wrote it with my partner, documentary filmmaker Maureen Palmer. The “Couch of Willingness” is an a actual couch in a rundown recovery home here on the Lower Mainland. That’s what everyone in the house calls it. Every newcomer must detox and sleep there until he “surrenders” and admits he’s powerless over alcohol. That’s where I landed when I lost everything. For more on The Couch of Willingness, click here. www.michaelpond.ca
author of "the Sober Truth" Dr. Dodes, talks bout how the 12 Steps harm addicts with people in recovery
Today's guest talks about how Harm Reduction is the problem with the Downtown East-side. hear his side of the story
Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users talk to Talk Recovery sharing their experience strength and hope... what is VANDU?
Do you have an addict in your life? hear solutions from a 12 Step approach to Alternatives to the 12 Steps... listen to hear what you should do and what is Enabling and Helping
I'm a miracle series featuring Mandi and James Jr who both got clean in their early teens. Hear their story and advice on Talk Recovery Radio
I'm a miracle - a series about people who have overcome addiction, today's show features Darcy, successful Vancouver Real Estate Agent, Mom, Recoverying Addict
Author of "The Law of Sobriety" taking Universal Laws and applying them to recovery and The Somatic Recovery Technique,
Addiction and Recovery During the Holidays with Candace Plattor by Last Door Recovery Society
Legalize Pot? How does that effect addictions in Vancouver by Last Door Recovery Society