Join host Dan Hauser on a journey through the shadows of addiction into the light of recovery and hope with guest Nikki O'Donnell of Words of Hope 4 Life. In this compelling episode of the Addiction Help Podcast, Nikki, a veteran child psychologist and a fervent advocate for mental health, unravels her personal and professional battles against addiction. Through her resilience, innovation, and community activism, discover the transformative power of support and empathy in overcoming life's most daunting challenges.

Who is Nikki O'DonnellNikki is a prominent mental health advocacy and community support figure, recognized for her dedication and innovative approach. She boasts over 20 years of experience as a licensed child psychologist and co-founder and Executive Director of Words of Hope 4 Life, a mental health ACTION non-profit that empowers individuals and families to navigate life's challenges with resilience and hope. She also has a private practice offering therapy, speaking engagements, and consulting.

Nikki O'Donnell’s Background and Work:

The Impact of Family and Personal History on Mental Health:

The Concept of "Secret Keepers" and Its Effect on Families:

Community Support and Creating Safe Spaces:

Mental Health Outreach and Education Initiatives:

Challenges and Realities of Dealing with Addiction and Mental Health:

Innovative Approaches to Mental Health and Therapy:

The Importance of Community in Mental Health Recovery:

Future Directions in Mental Health Advocacy:

Check out this episode of The Addiction Help Podcast, where Dan Hauser talks with AddictionHelp.com Founder Chris Carberg about his 19-year sobriety journey. Chris gets real about the highs and lows of staying sober, tackling other addictions, and how he's continually working on himself. This episode is a raw look at the realities of addiction recovery and the strength it takes to maintain it. Listen to Chris's story of determination and growth. #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RealStories

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Episode Overview:

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Produced by Chris Carberg & Michael Moesch

Copyright 2024. AddictionHelp.com. All Rights Reserved.

Navigating Sobriety During the Holidays: A Deep Dive into Addiction and Mental Health

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Addiction Help Podcast, your trusted source for insights into addiction and mental health.

In this special holiday episode, host Dan Hauser, alongside Chris Carberg, founder of AddictionHelp.com, dive into the unique challenges of maintaining sobriety during the festive season.

Join us as we explore the dual nature of the holidays – a time of celebration and potential stress for those in recovery. We discuss the hidden pressures of the season, from managing social gatherings to coping with the ‘Holiday Blues.’

The episode features invaluable insights from Kristen Umholtz, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, who provides practical strategies for dealing with holiday-induced stress and maintaining mental wellness.

As we move towards the New Year, we also delve into the concept of resolutions and how to approach the year ahead with a mindset geared towards health and sobriety.

This episode is about navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities for growth and connection that this time of year offers.

Whether you are in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in mental health and well-being, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how to approach the holidays and New Year with resilience and hope.

Remember, you are not alone in your journey. Support is available, and recovery is possible. Tune in for an episode filled with guidance, encouragement, and expert advice.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Addiction Help Podcast on your preferred platform. Let's spread awareness and support each other in the journey towards wellness.

Produced by Chris Carberg & Michael Moesch 

Copyright 2023, AddictionHelp.com. All Rights Reserved.

Join us for episode 22 of the #AddictionHelpPodcast as we explore the newly released SAMHSA / HHS 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health findings with #addiction expert Dr. Kent S. Hoffman. We discuss the growing issue of fentanyl addiction, its unique challenges in treatment, and the broader impact on public health and recovery. #AddictionRecovery #FentanylAwareness #AHPodcast

The 2022 survey presents a troubling picture: nearly one in five Americans ages 12 and older reported having a substance use disorder in the past year. Alarmingly, about 60% of adolescents and adults used substances like alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, or vaped nicotine. Among these, 7.3% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 used tobacco or vaped nicotine in the past month, signifying a growing trend among younger populations.

The Rise of Fentanyl

A critical focus of our discussion was the rise of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Its prevalence and potency have necessitated a shift in treatment approaches. Dr. Hoffman explained the unique challenges of treating fentanyl addiction, emphasizing the increased risk of relapse and the need for targeted education and prevention strategies.

The Evolution of Addiction Treatment

In the past two decades, treatment approaches for opioid use disorder, including fentanyl, have evolved significantly. Dr. Hoffman highlighted the specific strategies emerging to combat fentanyl addiction, differing from traditional methods used for other opioids.

Fentanyl's Impact on Treatment Dynamics

The rise of fentanyl has complicated the landscape of opioid use disorders. Dr. Hoffman spoke about the hurdles in treatment and recovery, especially with fentanyl users, due to its high potency and addictive quality.

Adjustments in Treatment Plans for Fentanyl Users

Traditional opioid addiction treatments require adjustments when dealing with fentanyl. Dr. Hoffman detailed these specific approaches, focusing on managing the high potency and risks associated with fentanyl.

Public Health and Fentanyl

We also touched upon the impact of fentanyl on communities and healthcare systems. Dr. Hoffman emphasized the importance of adapting treatment facilities and public health strategies to this growing challenge.

Education and Prevention Strategies

Dr. Hoffman underscored the critical role of education and prevention in addressing the fentanyl crisis. Raising awareness about its dangers compared to other opioids is paramount.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the grim statistics, there are positives to acknowledge. The Biden administration's commitment of over $1.55 billion to improve treatments and expand recovery support services is a step forward. Additionally, the rate of overdose deaths in the U.S. has "flattened" in recent years, signaling a potential shift in the right direction.

The Path Forward

Dr. Hoffman's insights reinforce the need for comprehensive strategies in combating the fentanyl crisis. It's not just about treatment; it's about prevention, education, and policy changes. As we continue to face these challenges, it is crucial to remember the human stories behind the statistics - the struggles, the recoveries, and the ongoing fight against addiction.

Produced by Chris Carberg & Michael Moesch

Copyright 2023, AddictionHelp.com. All Rights Reserved.

Key Links:

Peggy Sapp, President & CEO of Florida Family Partnership, spearhead of Red Ribbon Campaign, has devoted over 30 years to the noble cause of drug prevention and promoting family wellness. At the helm of Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership, Peggy's tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on both local and national landscapes of drug prevention.

https://www.x.com/victoryovrvices

Greetings, dear listeners! The milestone 20th episode of The Addiction Help Podcast has finally arrived, and we couldn't be more excited to dive into the questions you've been eagerly waiting for us to answer. You delivered the queries, and we're here to provide the answers. Join us in this special episode as we tackle some of the burning questions surrounding addiction, its risks, treatments, and unexpected correlations.

Your Questions, Our Insights:

Question 1: Predicting Addiction Risk:

Question 2: The Most Addictive Substance:

Question 3: Supporting Those in Need:

Question 4: Opioid Use and Dementia:

Question 5: Bullying and Addiction:

Wrap-Up and Call to Action:

The Hidden Opioid Crisis: A Dive into Big Pharma's Dark Secrets
The addiction epidemic is hardly a secret, but the behind-the-scenes orchestrations might surprise even the most informed of us.

In Episode 19 of "The Addiction Help Podcast" we delve deeper into the shocking role played by big pharmaceutical companies and the devastating impacts of their choices, as we discuss part 2 of HBO's documentary The Crime of the Century.

We revisit the story of the “guinea pig” guy, a man pursued by Purdue to be the poster child for high-dosage OxyContin usage. Their aim? To advertise that continually increasing the dosage led to no adverse reactions. This wasn’t for the patient's benefit, rather, it was a strategic move knowing his unusual tolerance.

Some alarming statistics to consider:

Behind these statistics, companies like Purdue have masterfully created a prescription opioid market. This lucrative enterprise was soon flooded with other companies creating generic versions of opioids, marking the rise of a new drug cartel, not smuggled from foreign lands, but birthed in corporate boardrooms.

We further delve into Joe Rannazzisi's insights from his time at the DEA's diversion control division. The emerging trend of online pharmacies and the DEA's crackdown, Operation Pill Nation, serves as chilling reminders of the lengths addicts will go to and the system's struggle to keep pace.

Yet, the story darkens. As prescriptions became harder to obtain, many turned to cheaper and more accessible alternatives: heroin and fentanyl. By 2019, over 10 million Americans had misused opioids, with at least 1.6 million addicted.

Join Dan and Jess as they provide insights, discuss their thoughts, and question the role of big pharma and government in this crisis. Is the opioid addiction from OxyContin as rare as the Sacklers claim?

Dive in with us to find out.

A Dive into HBO's 'The Crime of the Century'"

Introduction:

Join us as we recap and review this impactful documentary, shed light on the opioid epidemic's historical roots, and discuss its multifaceted impacts on individuals and society as a whole.

HBO's 'The Crime of the Century': A Hard-Hitting Recap:

The Sacklers and the Opioid Epidemic's Origins:

Dark Truths: Opioids, Deception, and the Role of Authorities:

Dan & Jess' Reflections and Closing Thoughts:

As we wrap up, we reflect on Dr. Lynn Webster's insights and the urgency of addressing this issue head-on.

Join us in this episode as we peel back the layers of 'The Crime of the Century' and examine the opioid epidemic's far-reaching impact. Let's continue raising awareness, fostering understanding, and working together towards a solution.

Overdose Awareness: What You Need to Know

August is Overdose Awareness Month, culminating in International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st. This global campaign is the world's largest effort to combat overdose, remember the individuals who have passed away without stigmatization, and recognize the anguish of the bereaved families and friends.

Understanding Overdose

When we talk about an overdose, we're referring to the consumption of a toxic level of substance(s) that impedes the normal functioning of the brain and body. A common misconception is that all overdoses result in death. This is not the case. However, the impact of overdose in the US alone is staggering. In 2022, over 100,000 drug overdose deaths were reported, making it one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in the country. The majority of these deaths involve opioids.

Different substances can result in varying overdose symptoms, from cardiac events to respiratory depression. Renowned celebrities like Mac Miller, Heath Ledger, Prince, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Michael Jackson tragically lost their lives to overdoses.

Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Overdose

Recognizing the symptoms can be the difference between life and death:

What To Do During an Overdose

Immediate action is crucial:

Join Dan & Jess in their latest episode of "The Addiction Help Podcast" as they dive deeper into this topic, providing insights, personal stories, and expert advice on the subject.