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In this episode, I sit down with Chris Logan, Director of Clinical Operations at First Responder Wellness. This discussion is all about addressing substance abuse, addiction, and challenges associated with co-occurring mental health concerns from a holistic angle.

Chris passionately serves the first responder community and their families, and helps break down all aspects of addiction from a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual perspective. Rising above a painful and turbulent past himself, Chris has been able to combine his real LIVED experiences with applicable knowledge and education, in efforts to successfully help those who struggle (as well as their families).

We cover the following and more:

• Chris's story of struggle during his upbringing and how addiction manifested
• Predisposition and genetic components according to science
• Losing the "power of choice"
• Micro and macro traumas and how those can play a role in addiction
• PTSD and how addictive behaviors can coincide
• High functioning individuals who may not recognize harmful behaviors as a problem
• Perception of family/friends and co-dependency struggles
• How the family unit must deal with addiction together and common feelings family members experience
• Guilt vs. shame 
• How faith plays a crucial role in healing
• Hope and how recovery is possible, despite circumstance or what it "looks like"

And so much more...

• Connect with Chris: [email protected]
• First Responder Wellness: https://www.firstresponder-wellness.com/
• Recommended Film: Pleasure Unwoven by Kevin McCauley (Regarding the brain and addiction) 

General resources, please visit to find local chapters:

• https://www.aa.org/
• https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ (faith-based)
• https://al-anon.org/ (family support)

Podcast/social media links:

• Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/well.with.vanessa/
• Vanessa Lopez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofgoods/
• Podcast on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntentionallyWellPodcast
• Podcast on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@well.with.vanessa
• Vanessa's Link Site (discount links, etc.): https://linktr.ee/thegiftofgoods
• Email: [email protected]

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This episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.