For some of us, our drug of choice may be caffeine or nicotine, while others may turn to alcohol or another type of substance, and some may even turn to food or find themselves obsessed with exercise or some other pastime. Addictions may appear in different forms, and these are just a few examples our listeners have shared. Jackie and Robin are delighted to be joined by Dr. Evelyn Higgins and Jacqueline Hall from ⁠Wired for Addiction ⁠® in this week's episode. 

Dr. Higgins shares her personal story and what feeds her passion for helping others with addictions and mental health struggles. In addition, Dr. Higgins and Jacqueline provide listeners with information on biomarkers and genes and why this information can empower families and foster positive decision-making. 

Significant comorbidities exist in mental health and addictions, creating difficulties with diagnosing and effective treatment. Therefore, we spend some time discussing addiction as a bio-psycho-social condition and the benefits of looking at biology to establish treatment protocols.

Finally, we examine the shame and stigma for many with mental health issues and addiction and how this might impact families and treatment.  

Founder of Wired For Addiction®, Dr. Evelyn Higgins is a recognized international expert in the science of addiction recovery.  As a Certified Addictionologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Disability Analysts specializing in pain management, and Diplomate of the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders, Dr. Higgins has had the honor of advising the U.S. Surgeon General, producing and hosting a Gracie Award winning nationally syndicated health and wellness radio program, and serving as a 1996 Olympic Team Doctor and Olympic torch bearer.  

With 35 years in practice, Dr. Higgins has specialized in the clinical application of the neuroscience & epigenetics behind mental health complexities.  Recent events include presenting at the 2023 Executive Summit on Addiction Treatment in Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii, honored as a ⁠2022 TEDx Speaker⁠, 2022 International Society of Substance Use Professionals Annual Conference panelist in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2022 International Gambling Conference in Auckland, New Zealand speaker, 2021 Nominee for Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Innovators in Healthcare, 2018 & 2023 Compass Transatlantic speaker, and frequent national media healthcare commentator, Dr. Higgins finds herself at the nexus of epigenetics, neuroscience, and health. 

Jacqueline Hall, Chief Operating Officer 

Merging nearly a decade of federal government relations and political affairs experience with the latest scientific research pertaining to mental health and addiction, Ms. Hall acts as the principal conduit between Wired for Addiction™ and the entities they serve. A member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Corrections Committee and International Society of Substance Use Professionals, she ensures that stake holders in the criminal justice community, members of state and federal government, and the international medical community have access to the services provided by Wired for Addiction. In addition, Jacqueline was the brakeman for USA Bobsled & Skeleton teams between 2011 - 2013, competing for the United States of America on the North America Cup Circuit, sliding with Olympians, National Team, and Developmental Team Pilots.

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