Rooted and Real

In this episode of Rooted & Real, we’re joined by Heather Delaney, a Counselor at Root Center’s New Britain clinic, to talk about acupuncture and the role it can play in supporting the recovery journey.

Heather shares what acupuncture involves, some of the benefits patients may experience, how she became interested in the practice, and why it can be a helpful option for individuals looking to explore additional forms of support during treatment and recovery.

Her message is simple: give it a try. It may not be for everyone, but you don’t lose anything by being open to something new.

🎧 Listen now and learn more about how acupuncture can support overall wellness and recovery.

#Acupuncture #RecoverySupport #SubstanceUseRecovery #HolisticHealth #MentalHealthMatters #RecoveryJourney #RootedAndReal

As we approach International Overdose Awareness Day (8/31), we're having an important conversation about overdose prevention, harm reduction, and recovery.

In this episode, we're joined by Cameron Breen of Liberation Programs to discuss the latest overdose trends, the impact of harm reduction strategies, and why recovery is always possible. Together, we explore how education, compassion, and community support can save lives and help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

#InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay #EndOverdose #HarmReduction #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthMatters #SubstanceUseDisorder #Recovery #WeDoRecover

Pride Month may be over, but the conversation about inclusion, acceptance, and mental health continues.

In recognition of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we're joined by a representative from the New Haven Pride Center and a mental health provider, who also volunteers with the center, for an important discussion about creating affirming spaces, breaking down barriers to care, and supporting LGBTQ+ communities all year long.

Tune in as we explore why belonging matters, how inclusive care can change lives, and what we can all do to foster acceptance beyond the month of June.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about the New Haven Pride center, visit: https://www.newhavenpridecenter.org/

#MinorityMentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #LGBTQIA #Inclusion 

In this episode of Rooted and Real, we talk to author Matt Grace about his upcoming new book, "God Doesn't Relapse", which is set to be released in August. 

In this unflinchingly honest memoir, Matt Grace takes readers inside the chaos, compulsion, and collapse that defined his spiral into substance use. He lays bare the layered dependencies that stole his dignity, the recklessness that shattered the lives around him, and the spiritual reckoning that ultimately saved him. Grace never softens the truth. He never hides behind excuses. What he offers instead is raw reality—and the profound transformation that followed.

We are honored to be hosting Matt for an upcoming author event that will be open to the public at our Branford site. For more information, please visit: https://www.rootcenter.org/root-center-hosts-author-event

For more on Matt Grace, visit his website: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/God-Doesnt-Relapse/Matt-Grace/9781637635506

Social media: 
TikTok: @Root_Center_CT
Instagram: @root_center
Facebook: / rootcenterforadvancedrecovery
LinkedIn: / root-center

#WeDoRecover #RecoveryIsPossible #Recovery #Addiction #author

What is social media really doing to our minds?

In this episode of Rooted and Real, we get honest about the highs, the lows, and the unseen impact of scrolling, comparing, and staying constantly connected. From validation and anxiety to the feeling of being hooked on our screens and struggling to put them down—and how all of this is affecting kids growing up in a digital world—nothing is off limits.

If you’ve ever caught yourself reaching for your phone without thinking or wondered how it’s shaping your mental health (or the next generation’s), this conversation is for you.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and get real with us. Special thanks to our guest, UCONN Professor and Digital Media Expert, John Murphy, for all of his excellent insight on this episode!

#RootedAndReal #MentalHealthMatters #SocialMediaImpact #StayGrounded #DigitalWellbeing

Happy listening!

Social media: TikTok: @Root_Center_CT

Instagram: @root_center

Facebook: / rootcenterforadvancedrecovery

Twitter: @RootCenterCT

LinkedIn: / root-center   

On this episode of Rooted & Real (formerly Recovery with Root), we’re excited to welcome Ashley Hickey, Chief of Operations at Root Center, as she steps into a new role as co-host of the podcast.

Ashley joins Chief of Staff Margaux Hyde as they take the conversation forward—diving into mental health and substance use topics with honesty, openness, and curiosity. Together, they’ll also bring in guest voices to expand and deepen the discussion from a range of perspectives.

This podcast is designed to feel like a real, approachable conversation for anyone interested in these topics—whether you’re personally impacted, supporting someone else, or simply looking to learn and engage.

Follow us on social media to stay updated on new episodes, and don’t hesitate to reach out with topics or questions you’d like to hear discussed in future conversations.

Happy listening!

Social media: TikTok: @Root_Center_CT

Instagram: @root_center

Facebook: / rootcenterforadvancedrecovery

Twitter: @RootCenterCT

LinkedIn: / root-center   

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropic... code: GLPUR3NGGBGJOW55

On this episode of Recovery with Root, we discuss problem gambling with Fiorgio Fetta from DMHAS, and David Ruela from Amplify, and the very real impact that it can have on a person and their loved ones.

If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, they can call the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-789-7777, or call Root Center at (800) 862-2181 to learn about our Problem Gambling Support Group.

Be sure to follow us on social media to get notified when we have new releases, also, feel free to send us a message with a topic or question that you would like to have discussed.

Happy listening!

Social media: TikTok: @Root_Center_CT

Instagram: @root_center

Facebook: / rootcenterforadvancedrecovery

Twitter: @RootCenterCT

LinkedIn: / root-center   

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropic... code: GLPUR3NGGBGJOW55

On this very special episode of Recovery with Root, we sit down with Kristyn Zajac and Liz Narwold, medical researchers with University of Connecticut, to talk about a recent study with Root Center Patients. The study looked at what metrics patients used to define their own success in their recovery, and how researchers can reflect on the data to inform future studies regarding patients in recovery. 

If you're interested in this kind of work and want to support research coming out about recovery, check out chearr.org to learn more!

Be sure to follow us on social media to get notified when we have new releases, also, feel free to send us a message with a topic or question that you would like to have discussed. 

Happy listening! 

Social media: 

TikTok: @Root_Center_CT 

Instagram: @root_center 

Facebook: /rootcenterforadvancedrecovery 

Twitter: @RootCenterCT 

LinkedIn: /root-center 

Music from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropic... code: GLPUR3NGGBGJOW55 

 The New Year is starting strong with our January episode of Recovery With Root being all about building and keeping new habits, beautiful communities, and sturdy support systems. Manchester Senior Counselor Demesis Negron, LCSW sits down with us to talk about how Root can help patients keep their new year ambitions going strong, even when things get tough, through support systems like our IOP groups, individualized counseling, and amazing resources to help patients thrive. 

#newyear #wedorecover 

Be sure to follow us on social media to get notified when we have new releases, also, feel free to send us a message with a topic or question that you would like to have discussed. 

Happy listening! 

Social media: 

TikTok: @Root_Center_CT 

Instagram: @root_center 

Facebook: /rootcenterforadvancedrecovery 

Twitter: @RootCenterCT 

LinkedIn: /root-center 

Music from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropic... code: GLPUR3NGGBGJOW55 

 In this episode of Recovery with Root, our Director of Nursing, Joe Maddalena, shares with us the impacts of kratom. Kratom is an herbal addition to many energy shots that can be found in gas stations and smoke shops, and has earned the nickname "Gas Station Heroin" for its highly addictive properties and ability to bind to opioid receptors in the brain. 

Be sure to follow us on social media to get notified when we have new releases, also, feel free to send us a message with a topic or question that you would like to have discussed. Happy listening! 

Social media: 

TikTok: @Root_Center_CT 

Instagram: @root_center 

Facebook: /rootcenterforadvancedrecovery 

Twitter: @RootCenterCT 

LinkedIn: /root-center 

Youtube: Root Center for Advanced Recovery

Music from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropic... code: GLPUR3NGGBGJOW55