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 explores substance use disorders with expert guests.
Latest Episodes
Clean – There is Always Hope
Michael Rebellino is a civil engineer. And a writer. Michael’s stream of consciousness novel, Clean is the fictional story, inspired by true events, of Cameron, an independent, accomplished, and strong-willed young adult caught in the grips of alcoholism and drug addiction. Whoever you are and whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone. And there is…
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Or is it? Can drugs long labeled as problematic be used as therapeutic aids? Kevin Franciotti is a Denver-based writer and licensed addiction counselor trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy. He discusses an increasing amount of research indicating that some substances can be beneficial in the treatment…
The Compassion Whirlpool
Where is the line between caring about someone else’s pain and caring so much that it affects your own well being? Lynn McLaughlin and Karen Iverson Riggers talk about how to manage empathy in our relationships, especially for those who work in the helping professions. Lynn and Karen are consultants, co-owners, and members of Ebb…
Recovery Has Given Me Peace
Chrissy Dunn began drinking and using marijuana in early high school. Before she graduated she discovered heroin and crack cocaine. What followed was a series of failed rehabs, relapses, and a pregnancy. Now five years into recovery, Chrissy discusses how she got to a place of peace. Chrissy got help at The Horizons Program at…
Recovery Doesn’t Happen in a Vacuum
Recovery doesn’t happen in a vacuum any more than addiction does. Family, friends, and coworkers are all affected by the disease. Jim Savage discusses the importance of family education and support in recovery. Jim is the owner of “Rehab Works! Family Support Program” and Jim Savage Consulting. He is the author of Rehab Works! A…
Sometimes, You Can’t Go Home Again
When a child’s caregivers are bullies, the child often carries the scars of that relationship around with them into adulthood. Dr. Ghazeleh Bailey discusses the trauma caused by those primary relationships — and the healing that can take place. Dr. Bailey is a certified therapist, couple’s therapist, supervisor, and trainer with a PhD in Psychology….
EMDR, Getting at the Trauma
Dr. Wendy Freitag discusses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy that accelerates the treatment of many different pathologies and trauma related to disturbing events and present life conditions. Dr. Freitag is a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR Therapy clinician, trainer, and consultant as well as a Professional & Life Coach with…
Meet Your Host
Michael McGowan is President of McGowan and Associates, a training and consultation firm specializing in workplace, school, and family issues. He works with helping agencies, companies, schools, parent groups, and students as a trainer, consultant, and motivational speaker.
Mr. McGowan has spent the last twenty-five years working with families and children. He worked as an educator, a family and addiction counselor, an administrator, and a trainer. He has directed state-certified training and rehabilitation programs. And he is host of the national podcast, "Avoiding the Addiction Affliction." During the last twenty years he has given presentations and keynote addresses to tens of thousands of people annually and has trained thousands of social service workers, educators, students, coaches, and administrators worldwide. Additionally, he has worked with the Department of Corrections, professional athletes and teams from the NFL and MLB, and dozens of private companies as a trainer and consultant.
