Addiction2Recovery

After a bit of a break, we are back! This episode has been alluded to for awhile and it's finally here, Heather's story. Publishing this episode on this date (9/20/2023) is actually a very important milestone for her, so in that regard, it worked out perfectly. In her story, Heather will discuss a bit more of her trauma history (mentioned in several other episodes- see the ACE Score episode specifically) and how she learned to adapt and cope- for many many years. How did her maladaptive coping mechanism last for so long and what was it that made her take the step to heal…. And go to treatment.

If this episode speaks to you, or you too struggle with the same diagnosis as Heather, please reach out- we are, as always, here to help in any way we can!

For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: [email protected] 
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Justin returns to tell us about his life after jail and after treatment, a life, per him, that probably would not have looked like this had it not been for an amazing probation officer. He was encouraged and supported in his recovery journey which led him to volunteering and then a drive to help others as a peer support specialist. Over the last 3 years, he has taken it even further and developed a program in forensics, focusing on helping those transitioning from the criminal justice system. Below is an article done on Justin by KSTP in Minneapolis.

Twin Cities man launches peer recovery program to help others in Hennepin Co. justice system - KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News

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Kaiser Foundation ran a national poll July 11-19, 2023 to see how many Americans are impacted by substance use disorders. This survey shows staggering results not only highlighting just how widespread addiction is but also how little those affected are receiving treatment. This episode will review this data and more. Ultimately, the more we talk about addiction and treatment and recovery, the more that those who are suffering and/or are addicted themselves will be [hopefully] comfortable reaching out for help. We need to, as a society, continue to normalize recovery because WeDoRecover! 

Link to the KFF poll survey and data: KFF Tracking Poll July 2023: Substance Use Crisis And Accessing Treatment | KFF

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Evan Powers Thill lost his battle to the disease of addiction 2 weeks shy of his 29th birthday. His father, Parnell (see episode 28 for the introduction), not only wrote a very honest and open obituary directly calling out the disease that took his son's life, but he also gave Evan's eulogy. This episode will give you a glimpse into the last couple of months of Evan's life and it will bring you to the night that Par and his wife, Blythe, learned of Evan's passing, Parnell then graciously recites the eulogy he wrote for his Little Prince, a eulogy that those with the disease of addiction should hear, their families and loved ones should hear, ‘that’ drug creating pharmaceutical family should hear, that all should hear, as it privileges you to the raw inner emotions of a father and family who join the many who have lost a loved one to this epidemic.

It is an honor to hear Parnell share his private pain in the hopes that he may help others.  If you have a message of support you would like to share with Parnell, please email us and we will pass it forward. Thank you

The below link goes to an article written by Parnell following Evan’s passing. 
https://www.pineknotnews.com/story/2023/06/16/opinion/notes-from-the-small-pond-knock-knock-whos-there-dont-ask/9457.html?fbclid=IwAR0poSjbMdibeiu0rAZp566veUrLc2h5fMo0qFbuP8j90p4NoceDbh_pPsg_aem_AUUlD5aWIThdTQ57t2J1UQuAQ_q9H4zghv6C8a4mkYyHI3XTdS4XvJcC3yoQVUci3ZM

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Parnell is a rural Minnesota married father of four. One of his sons is currently struggling with the disease of addiction and another one of his sons recently lost his battle to this very disease. Parnell shares with us the journey from catching one of them smoking marijuana on the first day of school through his devastatingly recent loss of his youngest. Much of his shared journey will depict the evolution of the understanding of the disease of addiction and, in parallel, the open acknowledgement of his kids' struggles. His story and oration are direct, honest, and raw which, in turn, will help others who find themselves in a similar plight. 

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April- She grew up with big emotions and a lot of feelings in a home where this wasn't freely accepted, and with a significant family change in her teenage years, April found love in many external and chemical ways. "When you have to suppress love in anyway, it spills into all relationships in your life." Personally, she calls parts of her life "relationship addiction just as much as chemical addiction." A series of events brought her to many places, many warrants, many relationships, and several substances until she met a caring probation officer who helped change her life trajectory. Now in long-term recovery, she has a passion for helping others and supervises peer support specialists. 

For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: [email protected] 
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Justin's Story: Justin had, for all intents and purposes, a good childhood, however, events that occurred prior to his active memories resurfaced, leading him down the path of substance use disorder(s). In the telling of his story, Justin describes what substances did for him and what they destroyed and resulted in. He now (as will be discussed in a further episode) is a mentor, peer and leader for those on their recovery journeys, but how that moment of change happened, is unique, shocking, and truly a pivotal moment for him and his story.

For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: [email protected] 
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Ralph, Part 2. When we left off, Ralph had left prison, met some new friends and started school at The School of Urban Missions. There he met his wife and made the choice to leave New Orleans and move to Minnesota. Now a minister, he had the dream to start his own ministry with the church, however, things didn't play out the way he planned. He maintained his faith throughout and found his life's true mission: creating a community/brotherhood for those with substance use disorders. Ralph is truly a passionate leader, and this episode will motivate and inspire all 

For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: [email protected] 
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As the beginning of another school year is upon us, it is important to be aware of what is actually going on in the lives of adolescence. Teachers, coaches and others at the schools have a unique opportunity to have a lot of contact with students who may just need someone to talk to. They also are situated to notice changes in behaviors and other things that may be concerning for substance use. Parents also need to be aware of the changes that occur when kids return to school- who are they hanging out with, how are their grades, what is going on in their lives. Adolescence, in particular, are gaining independence and monitoring them is truly challenging, but being aware of the risks of use, the red flags that use may be happening, and the reasons for use may help, and may make a big difference! 

For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: [email protected] 
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Josh shares the rest of his active use story. At the end of episode 4, we left off with Josh in treatment for the second time for his opioid use disorder. This also coincided with the end of his marriage and him admitting he was not in treatment for the right reasons. This episode will start with what happened after he finished treatment in November 2015 and will conclude with the 6th time he nearly died, just over 5 years later. How and why did things progress so quickly and to the extent they did? What happened over those 5 years? Why didn't the first 5 near death experiences 'change' his trajectory? And, finally, what was different about that last year and the 6th time he almost died? 

If you find yourself, or have a family member or loved one, in any or all of the situations Josh describes in this or any other previous episodes and you want help, please email us at the email below. It is NEVER too late and hope and faith do exist everywhere and in everyone. We hear you, we see you, Love Wins!

For questions, comments, episode recommendations or requests or to learn more, email us at: [email protected] 
Twitter: @A2RPodcast
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