Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition
When does it stop being a party and start becoming a problem? Is there a way to steer clear of addiction? Every Wednesday, Mike McGowan, host of the podcast "Avoiding the Addiction Affliction," explores substance use disorders with expert guests. The podcast series is sponsored by the Kenosha County Substance Abuse Coalition.
Original cover art created by
Kelly P. of Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Everyone Working Together
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Kenosha County’s Behavioral Health Manager Kari Foss discuss the ongoing opioid epidemic and efforts to address that and other substance abuse issues in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Ms. Kerkman and Ms. Foss propose that working together to bring the county resources to those who need them, where they live, is…
Not Your Local Coffee Shop
The coffee shops of Amsterdam in the Netherlands are legendary but not for their coffee. Other countries and cultures address drug usage differently than in the United States. Paul Bierman talks about the coffee shops of Amsterdam, where, despite it being illegal, cannabis usage is allowed. Paul Bierman is a professional trainer and founder of…
An All of the Above Approach
Congressman Bryan Steil discusses the ongoing opiate epidemic and what the federal government is doing to address the flood of fentanyl analogs coming into the country while also assisting those in need. Representative Steil believes it’s a combination of education, interdiction, legislation, and treatment that will make the difference in stemming the tide of the…
The Drugs Aren’t the Problem, It’s Me
Zach’s problem with opiates started at age thirteen with a doctor’s prescription. By the time he finally got into long-term recovery he was homeless and using the strongest street opiates he could find, hoping to not wake up. Zach’s ongoing story is one of resilience, hope, and life. Recovery is possible. If you or a…
Changing Future Stories
Cade Reddington and Logan Rachwal are two of the more than 100,000 individuals who lost their lives last year to a synthetic opioid overdose in the United States. Their moms, Michelle Kullmann and Erin Rachwal, discuss their fight to bring awareness to this epidemic and their own personal battles with their grief due to their…
On the Street Where You Live
It doesn’t matter where you live, drugs are available. Detective Mike Osmond, an Investigator with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, discusses the prevalence and increase in street drug usage, overdose deaths, and fentanyl. It’s the partnership of law enforcement, education, and treatment that Detective Osmond believes makes a difference in communities. The Wisconsin Alliance for…
I Say His Name Every Day
How do you cope with losing someone you love to an overdose death? Jason Fritz talks about the life and legacy of his brother Terry, who passed away with a needle in his lap, alone, in his car, across the street from a police station. Jason is a Treatment Advocate and Business Development Officer with…
Higher and Friendly Powers
Are suffering, long-term pain, and surrender necessary before individuals address their substance abuse? Dr. Peg O’Connor echos the sentiments of the philosopher William James and says “absolutely not.” Peg O’Connor, PhD, is a Professor of Philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. She believes that philosophy helped her address her addiction and aided…
A Glass Half Full
How does a person overcome dropping out of school, substance abuse, and a mountain of trouble? Tiffany talks about how she has turned her life around. She chose life and recovery. Her infectious optimism and determination are the foundations of her recovery, If you are concerned about your use, you can call: 262-564-6611. You can…
The Summer of ’22
Less structure, more down time, and the availability of almost every chemical you can think of, including some you’ve never heard of, presents summer challenges for families. Shauna Blackledge, a Community Impact Coordinator with the United Way of Door County, talks about how to help young people make good decisions about alcohol and other drugs…
