Let's Talk Addiction & Recovery

Job stress and emotional exhaustion among physicians, nurses, therapists, addiction counselors and other health care providers pose a major threat to quality care and patient safety. Listen in as educator and recovery advocate Joseph Skrajewski talks with host William C. Moyers about the prevalence of burnout syndrome in the health care field, including the increased risk of developing addiction. Learn the signs and symptoms of professional burnout as well as practical prevention strategies.

Anyone who's watched as alcohol or other drugs take over a family member's life understands the dilemma: would an intervention help to turn things around, or might it make matters worse? Listen in as addiction clinician and intervention specialist Drew Horowitz talks with host William C. Moyers about the intervention process—what happens, who is typically involved, when to take action, how to prepare and what you need to know about treatment and recovery.

Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with celebrated psychotherapist for the rich and famous, Paul Hokemeyer, PhD, about his book, Fragile Power: Why Having Everything Is Never Enough. Hokemeyer explains why insecurity, shame and emotional pain are part of the human condition, no matter the size of your fan base or bank account. More important, he shares that empathy (available to everyone) is the true super power because it fosters mutual understanding, connection and authenticity.

When is a drinking problem actually addiction? What are the physical and psychological symptoms of alcohol dependence? Can genetics or family history predispose a person to alcohol addiction? Listen in as psychiatrist Stephen Delisi, MD, talks with host William C. Moyers about the warning signs of alcohol use disorder (the term doctors now use for alcoholism), including physical and mental health symptoms, the process of withdrawal and effective treatment options.

Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with three young adults about the process of rebuilding their lives after struggling with the disease of addiction. Panelists describe how and why they made the turn away from addiction to seek help, and share the biggest lessons learned along the way—about shame, adversity, strength, perspective and gratitude. The best thing about getting clean and sober as a young adult? You can actually become the person you always wanted to be.

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Johnny Solomon opens up with host William C. Moyers about the mix of self-doubt, addiction and undiagnosed bipolar disorder that led him further and further away from the person he wanted to be—and the healing he found (and continues to find) by reaching out for help and support. Now in long-term recovery, Solomon guides others along that healing path as an addiction and mental health counselor. An unexpected bonus of recovery: he's writing more music than ever.

Listen in as three people in long-term recovery from addiction talk with host William C. Moyers about reclaiming their lives from alcohol and other drugs. With candor and humility, each describes the hope and healing they've experienced in Twelve Step recovery as well as the challenges they continue to navigate one day at a time. So what's the secret to staying sober? Hint: it has a lot to do with gratitude, giving back and being of service to others.

Unique programs at Hazelden Betty Ford treatment centers bring medical students, physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers and other professionals to campus for intensive, week-long educational "residencies" on addiction and recovery. Listen in as the program director, Joseph Skrajewski, talks with host William C. Moyers about the importance of equipping health and human services professionals with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to the challenges of addiction.

Learn why outpatient addiction treatment has become an increasingly viable option, especially for people with opioid use disorder. Recovery expert and clinician Matthew Polacheck, PsyD, joins host William C. Moyers to discuss the growth of outpatient addiction treatment programs, the importance of individualized care, and the vital role of peer support and for a healthy and thriving recovery.

Listen in as Joseph Skrajewski, Wall-Streeter-turned-addiction-educator, talks with host William C. Moyers about the difference between being sober and being in recovery. Discover why sobriety from alcohol or other drug use becomes, for many, the starting place for ongoing personal transformation. Learn more about the role of addiction treatment, the risk of relapse and the importance of addiction recovery support.

Why is alcohol withdrawal so dangerous? How long does alcohol detox take? What's involved in treatment for alcoholism? Listen in as host William C. Moyers asks addiction recovery expert Marvin D. Seppala, MD, about the symptoms and complications of alcohol withdrawal, the process for safely detoxing from alcohol and the most effective ways to treat mild, moderate or severe alcohol use disorder.

Get the facts about methamphetamine, the powerfully addictive street drug made from combinations of unspecified dangerous chemicals. Methamphetamine is inexpensive, illegal and goes by names like crystal meth, speed, crank, ice and glass. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with addiction expert Christopher Yadron, PhD, about the health risks and side effects of using crystal meth, signs and symptoms of meth addiction, and effective options for treatment and recovery.

Addiction to alcohol or other drugs takes a heavy toll on families, including the loving relationship between a parent and young child. Children's counselors Jerry Moe and Helene Photias join host William C. Moyers to discuss the impact of a loved one's alcoholism or other drug addiction from a child's perspective. Learn why addiction is described as a family disease, what kinds of help and support are most effective, and how to involve children in the recovery process.

While the long-term public health impact of marijuana legalization is yet to be determined, many experts agree that marijuana use is risky for some people and addictive for others. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with psychiatrist Marvin D. Seppala, MD, about the health risks of marijuana (especially for teens), the difference between heavy use and marijuana addiction, and how to find help if you're concerned about marijuana use or dependence.

Listen in as Sandy Swenson—author, advocate and mom of an addicted child—shares her story and lived experiences with host William C. Moyers. Sandy talks about how understanding the distinction between her son and the disease enabled her to love her child and help him fight the disease. She also shares the importance of self-care as a mom of an addicted child—shedding the shame, blame and guilt to heal and transition from a place of helplessness to a place of strength and hope.