The Renew Perspective

This edition of the Well Aware Podcast features Aware Recovery Care’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lauren Grawert and Dr. J. Craig Allen, Board-Certified addiction psychiatrist and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare.  

Together, Dr. Grawert and Dr. Allen explore a range of pressing topics in the addiction treatment landscape, including his work with Aware’s in-home care model, the treatment offered at The Ridge Recovery Center, and how nicotine and vaping fit into evolving definitions of sobriety. They also discuss the role of emerging technologies like AI in behavioral healthcare and the impact of expanding medication-assisted treatment in Connecticut’s correctional facilities. 

Tune in for a wide-ranging, insightful conversation between two experts in addiction treatment that will expand your knowledge of what’s possible in behavioral health.  

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, hosted by Aware Recovery Care’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lauren Grawert, we meet Rachel Hechtman, peer recovery specialist and the voice behind the Instagram account @soberincentralpark.

They explore the link between ADHD and addiction, the usage of stimulant medication while in recovery, and how Rachel rebuilt her life through movement, community, and advocacy, including her work with Brooklyn’s first non-alcoholic bar, Soft Bar.

Tune in for an honest conversation about sobriety, neurodivergence, and the strength it takes to step away from substance use to build a new life. 

In this episode, Lauren Grawert, Chief Medical Officer at Aware Recovery Care, has a discussion with Garrett Kamps, CEO of The Small Bow, centered around the power of storytelling and hope for the future of addiction recovery. 

Garrett is a veteran media executive, entrepreneur, and journalist, and his work has appeared in numerous publications, including “Billboard,” “HuffPost,” and “Spin.” Through his deeply personal newsletter Healings and his leadership at The Small Bow, Garrett is using storytelling and technology to build a more authentic and accessible recovery community. 

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Grawert and Garrett explore Garrett’s vision for The Small Bow and the many paths to addiction recovery. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking deeper understanding, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what recovery can look like today. 

In this special episode of the Well Aware Podcast, hosted by Aware Recovery Care’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lauren Grawert, listeners are invited into an inspiring conversation about addiction, resilience, and recovery. 

Dr. Grawert is joined by best-selling author, speaker, and podcast host Laura Cathcart Robbins. Laura’s memoir, “Stash, My Life In Hiding,” offers a deeply personal look at her journey through addiction, secrecy, and ultimately, self-discovery. As the host of “The Only One In The Room” podcast, Laura amplifies the voices of those who have felt like outsiders—creating a space for raw, vulnerable conversations about identity, belonging, and recovery. 

Together, Dr. Grawert and Laura explore the challenges of living with a hidden addiction and the courage it takes to share one’s truth. Join us for this compelling discussion, one that highlights the power of vulnerability and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the recovery space. 

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, Aware Recovery Care’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lauren Grawert is joined by author and victim rights expert Jennifer Storm for an insightful conversation on how trauma and addiction go hand-in-hand. Together, they explore the challenges of experiencing addiction at a young age, the long journey of healing from sexual violence, and the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and transformation—and this conversation offers insight, hope, and inspiration for anyone touched by trauma or addiction. 

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, host Dr. Lauren Grawert, Chief Medical Officer at Aware Recovery Care, sits down with Joseph D. Bernard, a nationally recognized Operating Under the Influence (OUI) defense attorney, to explore the critical intersections between the legal system, medical treatment, and addiction recovery. Together, they discuss common misconceptions about addiction within both the legal and medical fields, the role of forensic science in legal outcomes, and how language can either reinforce or reduce stigma. The conversation highlights the challenges individuals in recovery face within the justice system and how legal and medical professionals can work together to drive meaningful change for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. 

In this special Women’s History Month edition of the Well Aware Podcast, host Dr. Lauren Grawert, Chief Medical Officer at Aware Recovery Care, sits down with Dr. Humaira Siddiqi, a psychiatrist and Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Together, they explore strategies that women can utilize to prioritize their own wellbeing while balancing their personal and professional life. This episode provides valuable insight for women, especially women in the mental health space, who are struggling to make time for self-care and want to avoid burnout. 

In this episode ofThe Well Aware Podcast, Dr. Brian Holzer, CEO of Aware Recovery Care, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Michael Broman, Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University College of Social Work. Dr. Broman’s research focuses on substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, with an emphasis on systemic barriers and facilitators to access. 

The conversation delves into the unique challenges faced by college students in recovery, particularly those without access to collegiate recovery programs. Dr. Broman shares his findings and highlights strategies for creating supportive environments that promote recovery and prevent high-risk drinking on college campuses. 

Dr. Holzer and Dr. Broman also discuss how innovative approaches like in-home addiction treatment can uniquely support college students. By providing personalized care in a familiar setting, in-home treatment helps students maintain their academic and social routines while addressing their recovery needs. This model reduces the stigma often associated with traditional treatment settings, empowers students to build resilience in their daily environments, and creates a bridge between recovery and their academic goals. With a focus on hope, resilience, and community, this episode provides actionable insights for educators, clinicians, and anyone supporting individuals in recovery. 

In this episode of The Well Aware Podcast, Dr. Lauren Grawert, Chief Medical Officer at Aware Recovery Care, engages in a profound conversation with Jason Coombs, author ofUnhooked: How to Help an Addicted Loved One Recover and founder of Brick House Recovery. Jason opens up about his personal journey through addiction and recovery, offering invaluable insights into the complex challenges faced by individuals with substance use disorders and their families. Dr. Grawert and Jason explore the principles outlined in his book, sharing practical advice and strategies for supporting loved ones on their recovery journey. They discuss the pivotal role of family in the healing process, the emotional and psychological impact of addiction on relationships, and effective methods for building resilience and achieving long-term recovery. Join us for an enlightening and inspiring discussion that underscores the importance of empathy, support, and hope in overcoming addiction. 

In this episode of The Well Aware Podcast, Dr. Lauren Grawert, Chief Medical Officer at Aware Recovery Care, engages in a meaningful conversation with renowned author Claudia Black, internationally recognized for her pioneering and contemporary work with family systems and addictive disorders. They explore the intricate challenges faced by individuals with substance use disorders and their families, with a particular focus on the profound impact of addiction on young and adult children—a key area of Claudia's expertise. Together, they discuss how trauma and addictive disorders are often a result of psychological injuries experienced as a child and explore effective strategies for healing and support. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that delves into the importance of addressing childhood trauma in addiction recovery, the role of family in the healing process, and practical approaches to fostering resilience and long-term recovery.