Addiction2Recovery

Following our episodes highlighting US Weekly's "The Missing Issue", this episode will dive deeper into the why and how behind co-occurring disorders. Often thought of as the which-came-first "The Chicken or the Egg", it is challenging to understand which-came-first, the mental health diagnosis or the substance use disorder. Ultimately, however, how much does it matter? The importance of discussing and highlighting co-occurring disorders lies in the need to have awareness and understanding and then the ability to fully and completely approach and treat both. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

In this episode, we will discuss the remainder of The Missing Issue, US Weekly's homage to Co-Occurring Disorders, made possible by partnership with The Harris Project. Matthew Perry, Mac Miller, Cooper Noriega, Pete Davidson, Avicii, Aaron Carter and Demi Lovato's stories will be honored, as they each suffered from, lost their battle to, or live and thrive with not only a highly publicized substance use disorder but also a mental health diagnosis. Each of their stories highlights, in its own way, the importance of getting help for all diagnosis. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

US Magazine released "The Missing Issue" special edition in March 2025, highlighting the other side of the story of celebrity substance use articles. Past articles where celebrities had either died of an overdose or had done something 'news worthy'. In this edition, however, the rest of the story is discussed, the 'why' behind the use- their co-occurring mental health diagnosis. US Weekly partnered with The Harris Project, a non-profit started by Stephanie Marquesano (mother of Harris, a 19-year-old who had co-occurring MH and SUD who had passed of an accidental overdose), focusing on prevention, integrated treatment, and support for co-occurring disorders. The Harris Project In this episode we will discuss: Juice Wrld, Liam Payne, Kelly Osborne, Drew Barrymore, Lamar Odom, Amy Winehouse, and Oscar De La Hoya. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

Tusi, originally getting its name from the synthetic compound 2C-B, also has been called 'pink cocaine' gets its name, as expected, from its distinctive pink color. This party drug, however, contains very little, if any, 2C-B or cocaine, rather, it is a cocktail of many other substances. The most common components are ketamine (and its precursor), MDMA, caffeine, meth, and, to add another level of risk, on occasion, fentanyl. In some places of the world, it is more desired than cocaine, and there's now an entire new world of underground enterprise and trafficking. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

You do NOT want to miss this episode! Every parent who suffers from the disease of addiction has guilt and shame surrounding their kids, but what do kids think? We have the absolute HONOR of having Josh's oldest son, Ben, on today. The episode will start with Josh describing his parenting before his use started, while he was using (and the 2 years he was completely absent), and now in recovery. He'll walk us through all of the emotions and how he often felt that his boys were better off without him. We will then hear it from Ben's perspective and how he, now 16, sees addiction as well as his dad. What does their relationship look like today?! You will hear what worked, what didn't, and other advice that will give parents, loved ones, and kids hope! For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

We are back! In this episode, we will dive into trauma and healing as Josh interviews Heather about her new book, Trauma's Worth. Although this is Heather's memoir, it also dives into her thought process as she healed from her trauma's Heather uses her story to give hope to others and to shed light on the different ways we cope with trauma and the importance of healing from it with forgiveness and grace, of self most of all. To order Heather's book, or to read her blog posts, visit: https://booksbyheatherbell.com For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

Josh welcomes Scott, our resident AA/NA expert, back to discuss steps 4 and 5. In Step 4, members are asked to make a fearless and moral inventory. Scott helps explain what it means to be fearless, what a moral inventory may look like, and why sponsors are particularly important in this step. In step 5, members are asked to "Admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs" (God is used as a symbol of something 'greater than ourselves' and is not exclusive to "God"). This episode will, hopefully, guide listeners through these, often believed to be some of the most challenging, steps. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

There are many ways licitly (legally) and illicitly (illegally) medications (drugs) are used and abused. In this episode, we will review the various ways one can take and use medications and drugs as well as the differences between them from the physiological standpoint. In other words, why do the effects happen faster when used one way vs using another way. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

Scott joins Josh for this episode to continue the discussion about AA and the 12 Steps. An important part of the AA program is support, not just at meetings but also with those who have gone through the process, know the program, and have sustained recovery. Sponsors are a very important part of recovery for many people, and Scott, who has been a sponsor to many on their recovery journeys, discusses how sponsorship works and some of the intricacies he has picked up along the way. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

Although we discussed the history of AA back in episode 67, this episode will give an overview of each of the 12 steps. We will have a discussion on how we each view each step and how the 12 steps can be applied to not only those in recovery or seeking recovery, but also for all people, as a guidebook of sorts for how we all should live our lives. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

We are joined today by Alicia House, Executive Director of Steve Rummler Hope Network, an organization focused on overdose prevention, education and advocacy. From naloxone access points to distribution of fentanyl test strips to naloxone trainings to the creation of Steve's Law in Minnesota (in short, this law provides immunity to those who call 911 who are also using substances, for another person with them who has an overdose- encouraging monitoring and life-saving care for those with SUD), this organization has led the country in Harm Reduction. Learn more about this amazing organization at: www.steverummlerhopenetwork.org For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

We are excited for Conroy Scott to join us on this episode. Scott experimented with many substances when he was younger, a natural fit as a very talented musician, this love he eventually gave up in order to find and maintain sobriety. That was just the first choice he made in his story that saved his life. He had to emotionally let go of many things from his past stating, "I don't want to be a victim of my past". Now, more than 20 years in recovery, he is a devoted AA member, participating in meetings daily, sponsoring many, and always leading with a positive acknowledgement of showing up. "The program is working if you are here." For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

We are honored to be joined in this episode by Kateri Coyhis, the director of Wellbriety. Wellbriety, and its overarching White Bison, focuses on 'going beyond being just sober--- it is whole-person wellness" focused on inclusion and universal human teachings. Wellbriety focuses on integration of the Native American culture (or through inclusivity any human idea of culture) into prevention, treatment and long-term recovery. The movement has continued to grow, as you will hear, and has added the additional foci of initiatives aimed at youth, reentry programs, communities in healing, the fatherhood initiative, Mending Broken Hearts (focused on grief, trauma and intergenerational trauma), and more, as they are always evolving and growing to meet the needs of the people. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

Benzodiazepines ('benzos'), part of the sedative hypnotic class of drugs, are widely prescribed medications. They are, however, also a widely desired drug of abuse. Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin (generic names respectively: alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam) are the most commonly desired benzos, with xanax leading the pack due to its fast onset of action and high potency. Benzos are prescribed, most often, for anxiety and insomnia and are desired for these same relaxation and calming effects. What many people don't know, especially those who get these and take them as prescribed from their doctor, is that people become tolerant quite quickly and stopping them is not only difficult but also potentially life-threatening. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

On the last MOUD episode, we discussed Methadone (a full agonist opioid treatment for OUD) and Naltrexone (an antagonist treatment for OUD). In this episode, we will discuss Buprenorphine, which is a partial agonist opioid treatment for OUD. Buprenorphine, the sublingual name brands of Suboxone and Subutex and the injectable name brand of Sublocade, is becoming a mainstay of treatment for OUD. We will discuss the hows and whys of buprenorphine and what makes it a great treatment option. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

Treatment Court, also and formerly known as Drug Court, is a well-researched method for preventing recidivism (the revolving door of persons in and out of correctional institutions). Today we are joined by Aleesha Ward, the Treatment Court Coordinator for St. Louis County, MN. She will describe who can, and should, be involved in a treatment court, the team-based approached used in treatment court as well as what the program actually looks like. She states, "Jail does not work, we know that. These people are sick, they are high risk and high need." Treatment court uses a collaborative team effort to help stabilize and rehabilitate individuals so they are able to live as productive members of society in the short and long-term. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

After many requests, we are going to start diving into the different medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We will start with the basic 101 level overview of these medications, whereas future episodes will be much more detailed and nuanced. In this episode, methadone and naltrexone will be discussed. We will discuss how and why they work as MOUD as well as a few of the things that make each more or less appropriate for certain patients. Every person is different and there will be certain characteristics that make one MOUD 'better' for that patient vs. another. Ultimately, however, treating this disease is the goal, and MOUD is a part of treatment so understanding the how and why of each medication is very important. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) has been a concept in medicine and society for around 300 years despite its seemingly recent debut with the rise of the opioid epidemic. This episode will kick off the next series we will embark on, MAT and MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder). We will discuss when the concept of MAT first originated and how it has evolved from a "magic elixir" treatment to a scientifically proven treatment concept. We will also touch on some of the more historic, and seemingly controversial, places and ways MAT was done and used. Future episodes will explore more of the details of the hows and the whys of the different types and options of MAT. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

We will conclude our meth series with a fairly common, albeit not talked about enough, topic- Meth Psychosis. This psychosis encompasses many of the same symptoms as schizophrenia- hallucinations/delusions/paranoia/etc., and many of the risk factors do overlap. We will review these risk factors, as well as others, and discuss how patients present and can progress. Finally, we will talk about the long-term effects of meth use, including what meth withdrawal looks like. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you or a loved one suffers from meth use disorder and needs support! For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast

WARNING- This episode may be TRIGGERING! This episode will educate all listeners on all things using meth. We will review common slang/street names for meth as well as for getting high on meth. This then evolves into the various routes for use of meth and explains [most/all of] the terminology associated. For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @A2RPodcast Facebook: Addiction2Recovery Podcast Instagram: Addiction2RecoveryPodcast