Let's Talk Addiction & Recovery

Where have you been? What were you doing? Who were you with? Even though these questions come from a place of love and concern, parents who suspect their teen is drinking or using drugs could actually push their child further away with this approach. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with psychologist Tim Portinga, PsyD, about adolescence, substance use and family issues. The good news? Addiction treatment works for young people, and with time and effort, families can rebuild trust.

In championing transformational growth, innovation and collaboration, Mark G. Mishek has positioned the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation like no other organization in the world to effectively address the complex challenges of addiction at every turn. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with the widely admired president and CEO about parity, partnerships and public awareness—progress that translates into exponentially more patients, families and communities finding freedom from addiction.

After a decades-long struggle, federal legislation now deems addiction treatment an essential health care benefit, mandating insurance coverage on par with other medical conditions. So why do advocates view this as only a first step toward achieving recovery parity? Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with attorney Emily Piper about the biggest challenges and opportunities involved in efforts to fully integrate addiction treatment and recovery support within all aspects of health care.

"How are you?" has never been such a loaded question. From the COVID-19 pandemic to civic and racial strife to the economic downturn, everyone's on stress-overload. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with clinician Princess Drake, PsyD, about practical mental health self-care strategies and helpful professional resources. The takeaway? Pay attention to your mental health needs and reach out if you're struggling: "It’s okay to not be okay," says Drake. "Even therapists need therapists."

While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the expansion of telehealth treatment services, experts predict continual advances and growth in virtual care for substance use disorders. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with clinician Jennifer Nelson, who has been instrumental in Hazelden Betty Ford's rapid escalation of telehealth care. Nelson outlines technical, clinical and logistical measures involved in ensuring patient engagement, safety and confidentiality in the virtual care setting.

Sharing poignant memories and historical context at every turn, Susan Ford Bales guides you on this singular walking tour of the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California. The daughter of first lady Betty Ford offers a behind-the-scenes look at the heralded addiction treatment center her mother co-founded in 1982. Listen in as she leads host William C. Moyers along the Center's brick-lined path honoring patients and goes on to point out important milestones of Betty Ford's lifesaving work.

Blackout drunk and behind the wheel, Jessica H. caused an accident that sent her first to the hospital and then to a jail holding cell. As a social worker, Jessica knew her drinking was problematic, but she didn't see herself as "an alcoholic"—until, locked up and awaiting release on bail, the truth became inescapable. Listen in as Jessica tells host William C. Moyers why "everything is better" in recovery, so much so that she now devotes her life to helping others find freedom from addiction.

Accelerated in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, online addiction treatment and recovery services have rapidly become more widely available. But how effective is virtual addiction care? Are patients showing up and staying connected? Are counselors seeing outcomes comparable to in-person care? Are health insurers covering online programs? Yes, yes and yes. Learn more as host William C. Moyers talks with Hazelden Betty Ford's Bob Poznanovich about promising new telehealth solutions for addiction.

In the first chaotic days of the coronavirus pandemic, addiction treatment providers found themselves contending simultaneously with two potentially fatal illnesses: substance use disorders and COVID-19. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with Vic Vines, MD, a regional medical director at Hazelden Betty Ford, about pivots and precautionary measures taken to ensure patient and staff safety—and to keep the doors to lifesaving treatment open amid the pandemic.

At age 12, Jennifer Storm was raped after drinking beer and passing out. Alcohol and drugs then became Storm's escape route from feelings of fear, shame and anger over the assault. She got sober at age 22 but recovery from sexual violence would be a longer haul. Storm's best-selling memoir, Blackout Girl, serves as a survivor's guide to healing from addiction and trauma. Listen in as she talks with host William C. Moyers about her recovery and how trauma-informed care can help other survivors.

Known medically as "substance use disorder," addiction is a complex, chronic disease marked by compulsive alcohol/drug use that leads to actual changes in the brain. In other words, addiction involves more than the misuse of alcohol or other drugs. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with clinician Christopher Yadron about telltale signs of disease progression—physical, behavioral, social and spiritual indicators. His most important takeaway? Addiction is treatable and help is available.

Former First Lady Betty Ford put a stunning new face on recovery in 1978 when she openly sought treatment for addiction. Four years later, she cofounded the Betty Ford Center to help other women, men and families find recovery. Daughter Susan Ford Bales tells host William C. Moyers about Betty Ford's healing work and advocacy—from providing top-quality patient care to establishing innovative services for children affected by addiction to educating medical students about substance use disorders.

Far too many people who have addiction aren't getting the care they need and deserve. But advances in virtual services, outpatient care, targeted medicines and health care partnerships offer new paths forward in addiction treatment delivery and access. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with Mark Mishek, president of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Learn about telehealth solutions, clinical innovation counselor education and other efforts underway to reach and help more people.

Nina O. knew all about addiction. As a child, she grew up in a family hurt by substance use. As a nurse, she recognized addiction as a chronic disease. And yet Nina thought she was somehow immune, even as she diverted narcotics from work to sustain her drug dependence. Listen in as Nina tells host William C. Moyers how shame and stigma kept her from admitting her truth and seeking help—and why other health care workers need to know treatment works and recovery is within reach.

When a parent is in active addiction—no matter how they might try to hide the situation—a child can sense that something's wrong. Why is Mom sleeping all the time? Where has Dad gone? Without answers, kids tend to blame themselves for whatever's going on at home, says children's counselor Cynthia Galaviz-Olivas. Listen in as she talks with host William C. Moyers about self-care skills she teaches children who grow up with addiction in the family. Hint: Kids need to let out their feelings.