Avoiding the Addiction Affliction

It is not trite to say that some people see challenges as obstacles and others see them as opportunities. Katy Arvidson was ten years old when she was diagnosed with Pompe disease. In spite of that diagnosis, she kept going and eventually obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Katy is currently Ms. Wheelchair Alaska, embracing a platform of not just surviving but thriving. She talks about her life, work, and dedication to hel...

Desilynn Smith lost her husband to drugs in 2021. Her husband, a Black man, belonged to one of the highest demographic groups in our country losing their lives to drugs: older Black men. Desilynn talks about her work with that community and her dedication to doing that work in her husband’s memory. Desilynn is the Executive Director of Uniting Garden Homes, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Just...

Jessica Guerrieri is a writer and novelist who lives in Northern California with her husband and three daughters. With a background in special education, Jessica left the field to pursue a career in writing and raise her children. With over a decade of sobriety, she is a fierce advocate for addiction recovery. She discusses her recovery and her award-winning debut book club fiction novel Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Jes...

Some people seem to be born to help others. Rev. Dr. Monica L. Cummings is one of them. She has dedicated her life to being of service to others. Drawing on her experience as a college basketball player, Army Officer, Peace Corps Volunteer, parish and community minister, university faculty member, yoga and meditation instructor, and substance abuse counselor, Rev. Dr. Cummings supports those she works with with an inclusive, non-ju...

If you ask almost anyone about the time of year that people feel the most down, the time people are most at risk for depression, suicide, and increased substance use, they will answer winter. Surprisingly, perhaps, the research shows that it’s actually when spring moves into summer. Joshua Arvidson discusses that research and what can be done to help individuals improve their mental health during challenging times of the year. Josh...

Like a lot of young people, Bradie Ewing dreamed of playing college and professional football. He became one of the few to achieve that dream, but all too soon, the dream ended. Bradie discusses how to reset your life, your goals, and your dreams. Bradie Ewing is a National Account Coordinator for Kelley Supply, Inc. He is also a motivational speaker, sales professional, and former college and professional football player who playe...

Getting help for mental health and substance use issues is not easy. It’s made more difficult when access to the appropriate care is denied. Kandyce Walker discusses her work with people experiencing mental health crises, and her advocacy to get them the help they need. Kandyce was the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Nursing at Trauma Recovery Institute in Cedar Park, Texas. That center, unfortunately, closed due, in part, ...

It’s not unusual that those who have experienced substance use disorders or severe mental illnesses have had interruptions and difficulties in their employment. Re-entering the workforce in recovery presents obstacles. Abbie Timmerman talks about the challenges and opportunities people new to recovery with issues in their employment history face when seeking employment. Abbie is a Talent Acquisition Leader & Business Partner with t...

Getting help for a substance use disorder is not a one-stop proposition. There are obstacles, doubts, backslides, and often frustrating delays, waiting lists, and an absence of resources. Nanci Schiman talks about the challenges an individual encounters when finally making the decision to stop using substances and get help. Nanci is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of experience in the mental health field wor...

Mimi Tallo grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a northeastern, blue-collar town if there ever was one. Surrounded by dysfunction, abuse, and addiction, Mimi talks about her struggle to make something of her life while battling the demons that seemed to pop up around every corner. Mimi is a speaker, author, and podcast maven. Access to her books and story are here, and her podcast can be found here: Be Heard: Empower Yourself


The ...

Tom LaGrave is a former Navy SEAL. His military career ended due to drug use. After a recovery program, he set out on a new journey. It began with his working with adolescents, then a return to higher education, and finally licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He is the author of a new book, called “Special Welfare . Social Warfare,” which pulls together all of his many years of experience, giving a roadmap of hope, espe...

Eddie Jones is an attorney who found himself in trouble with drugs and with the law. A federal prison sentence allowed him the opportunity to get help and turn his life around. Now, twenty-three years into recovery, Mr. Jones is an attorney in the Paducah, Kentucky, office of Boehl, Stopher & Graves and is also the McCracken County Commissioner. After years of helping others through his volunteer work, Eddie recently received a par...

There isn’t a script to follow that turns growing up in a chaotic family into living a life of peace and serenity. In fact, it seems like a miracle when someone does turn that life around. Melissa Huray is a former radio and television broadcaster, an addiction counselor, and an author whose memoir "Blackout to Blessing” chronicles her path towards sobriety and salvation. Melissa is currently the Executive Director of the Lindell R...

For many, spending time with family during the holidays is joyful and fulfilling. For others, spending time with family is emotionally challenging as they navigate varying degrees of disease, disinformation and dysfunction. Guida Brown talks about how we can take care of ourselves, set healthy boundaries, and handle relationship dysfunction with honesty and respect. Guida is the Principal for Guided by Guida and serves as the Commu...

Jordan Davis found himself at a crossroads between his passion and his addiction. He discusses the decision he made to get his life back on the road to success. Jordan is the director of operations of The Chocolate Moose, a restaurant and creamery in Bloomington, Indiana. He is also the host of the podcast “No Dishes,” a discussion dedicated to finding Bloomington’s culinary gems. He can be reached at The Chocolate Moose | Best Des...

DJ Quam is in recovery from a substance use disorder but experienced ongoing depression and occasional anxiety. After discussing options with his partner and sponsor, he decided to try ketamine therapy. He discusses his experience and results. The FDA has warned that ketamine and compounded ketamine products aren’t approved to treat any psychiatric disorders, although a ketamine-derived drug called esketamine is approved for some ...

There are many roads to long-term recovery. Janice Claps discusses the road she took and her belief that predicaments are wholly self imposed through our own thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Janice is an Expressive Therapist at Lake Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois. She is also a yoga instructor, CrossFit coach, meditation teacher, and recovery mentor. She is an Active member of The Phoenix Sober-Active Community and desc...

The holidays are often a time of reflection and gratitude. Troy Schaefer shares a story about a moment with his father and how each of them viewed that moment moving forward. Troy is the Principal of Sevastopol, Wisconsin, Middle and High School. He was also a college pitcher and professional bowler, but, for this story, he was a son with a deep love and appreciation for the gift his father gave him.

Watch the Bowling With The Cham...

Losing her father early in her life created a trauma that took Gail Taylor on a lifelong journey full of curveballs. Gail talks about turning that trauma into inspiration. Initially working in finance and experiencing remarkable success as an investment advisor, Gail fearlessly embarked on a profound second act in life that transformed her into a prolific songwriter, motivational speaker, and philanthropic force. She is the author ...