What does the landscape of addiction and substance use treatment look like today? What are the hidden truths behind society's fluctuating responses to drug epidemics? Join me as I speak with Lisa Ellis Gavin, a highly experienced clinical mental health and substance use clinician, who provides an insider’s perspective on the current state and future directions of the field. Lisa discusses her extensive career, detailing the journey from harsh, abstinence-only models and Wars on Drugs to compassionate, person-centered approaches that consider the mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being of individuals. This episode emphasizes the necessity of kindness, understanding, and compassionate support for those navigating recovery, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in addiction, substance use counseling, and mental health.
 
Lisa also discusses the dangers of fentanyl and its role in today’s drug landscape, alongside a deep dive into how drug use alters brain structures, leading to addiction. This discussion unravels the complex nature of addiction and highlights the evolving landscape of drug epidemics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues.
 
Curious about the pathways to recovery and effective communication strategies for substance use awareness? We cover everything from the benefits of CBD for medical conditions to recognizing problematic usage of substances. Lisa offers invaluable advice for parents on maintaining non-judgmental, supportive dialogues with their children about substance use. Additionally, explore the diverse and individualized paths to recovery, including therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Harm Reduction approaches, and self-help options.

Resources:

988: National Suicide Hotline

211: NJ Resource Website/Number for Housing, Utilities, Mental Health, SUD, Legal

1.844.ReachNJ: NJ Substance Use Treatment Support

SAMHSA.gov for National Treatment Locator

Lisa Ellis Gavin's website: collaborativetherapyservicesllc.com

Montclair State University Department of Counseling: montclair.edu/counseling

"You can only scare people so much, and if you scare them too much, they move to inaction." On this episode of There’s a Lesson in Here Somewhere, Geof Rochester, founder of GRC Advising, discusses the importance of thoughtful sustainability and social impact goals. From renewable energy to healthcare, explore how individuals and corporations are taking matters into their own hands to create positive change. While acknowledging that there is still so much work to be done, Geof shares examples of people and organizations that are solving problems, and he highlights the importance of hope and optimism as we face the challenges that lie ahead. Join us for an inspiring discussion!

Learn more about GRC Advising here: https://www.grcadvising.com/. 

On this episode of There’s a Lesson in Here Somewhere, Minister Tashkovich shares the impactful and emotional story of helping a homeless couple off the streets. A former Minister for Foreign Investment  of Macedonia, Minister Tashkovich reflects on Doris Buffet's philosophy of providing a "hand up, not a handout," and delves into the tedious process of navigating bureaucratic hurdles and system challenges to secure basic needs for Nikole and Joseph. This moving episode reveals the broader issues faced by the homeless, including mental health and addiction, and underscores the importance of compassion, trust, and determination in transforming lives. Minister Tashkovich’s story is an inspiring journey with twists and turns through personal and societal challenges, and is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership and humanitarian efforts.

For more details, please check out Minister Tashkovich's great blog posts about Nicole & Joseph:   Gligor Tashkovich – Together in Dignity – Medium and Nikole’s Affirmation of Life. By Gligor Tashkovich | by ATD Fourth World | Together in Dignity | Medium

In this episode of There's a Lesson in Here Somewhere, we speak with Lisa Orloff, Founder of World Cares Center, about helping people in high stress work environments develop emotional resilience, and how that can apply to any individual and workplace. We also discuss the work that Lisa and her team does to train citizens to be Ready Responders and help people and organizations develop disaster preparedness programs, as well as World Cares Center’s extraordinary disaster response efforts around the world over the past 23 years. Join us as we highlight adaptability, agility, and empowerment in a world where everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. 

Join us for this episode of There's a Lesson in Here Somewhere as we speak with Jennifer Ketchens of Emergence Consulting about cultivating a workplace where employees can thrive and feel genuinely valued. The conversation focuses on employee wellbeing, DEI strategies, allyship, and developing and retaining a diverse talent pool.

Join us as we speak with Peter Carucci and Becki Davis of the band The Four26 (https://thefour26.com/) to discuss their initiative, Share Your Story, where they guide diverse groups—including veterans, seniors, youth, and prisoners—through the songwriting process. By delving into personal experiences, memories, traumas, and emotions, participants create songs that serve as a definitive expression of their stories, as well as a catharsis. Learn more about this impactful program that discovers and celebrates individual narratives through music. Hope you enjoy it!

Discover the inspiring journey behind the creation of a foundation that has impacted countless lives. Airam da Silva, President of the Icla da Silva Foundation (https://icla.org/), shares the moving story of the foundation’s origins and its remarkable efforts to provide essential financial and emotional support to individuals and families in need of bone marrow or cord blood transplants. 

What you should know about the ongoing mental health crisis among adolescents. Hear the perspectives of Great Neck North High School Principal Dr. Dan Holtzman on the current situation as well as some advice for both parents and educators on this episode of There’s a Lesson in Here Somewhere.