Video, Radio, Web
Ask the Expert
Each month (April - September) Recovery Month features an expert in Ask the Expert, where you can get answers to your questions about the topics covered in the latest 2013 Road to Recovery program. Submit your questions using our anonymous online contact us system, and answers from our expert will be posted by the end of the month.
Year:
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Month:
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
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(Premiered: 03/03/2010)
Ask the Expert:
Jesse B. Milby, Ph.D, ABPP, Director of Medical/Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program and Professor in Psychology, Medicine, Psychiatry, and Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The relationship between homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders is complex, multi-dimensional, and reciprocal. To effectively break this cyclical relationship, it is essential to understand that treatment for substance use disorders is effective and recovery is possible. With the help of evidence-based behavioral, clinical, medication-assisted treatment regimens, and recovery support services, individuals can enjoy independent and productive lives in the community. This show will examine the relationship between homelessness and substance use disorder treatment from both a program perspective and a policy perspective. Additionally, it will explore the issues of permanent supportive housing, comprehensive treatment protocols, and recovery support systems to assist individuals in achieving life-long positive physical and emotional health outcomes in long-term recovery.
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(Premiered: 04/08/2010)
Ask the Expert:
H. Westley Clark , M.D., J.D., M.P.H., CAS, FASAM, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The discussion surrounding addiction and treatment usually revolves around alcohol and illegal drugs. Often overlooked but equally important are prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications (OTCs). When used in accordance with instructions, prescription drugs and OTCs are safe and effective. However, when these are used improperly, they can be extremely dangerous and addictive. This episode will examine why it is important to use medications properly, how certain populations (e.g., teens, senior citizens) may be at special risk, what treatment and recovery options are available, and why we need to increase public understanding through education about this issue.
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(Premiered: 05/05/2010)
Ask the Expert:
Alexandre B. Laudet, Ph.D., Director, Recovery Research Center, Institute for Research, Education, and Training in Addictions (IRETA)
Recovery is a lifelong process that continues long after one completes a treatment or recovery program. Unemployment, the loss of a loved one, and a downturn in the economy are just a few of the stressors that have the potential to trigger a relapse. This episode will examine how to prevent relapse from occurring and what to do if relapse happens and addresses the misconception that relapse equals failure. Also, the show will emphasize the importance of establishing and maintaining a solid support system (including aftercare services) to ensure that individuals in long-term recovery continue to lead healthy and fulfilling lives in the community.
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(Premiered: 06/05/2010)
Ask the Expert: Greg Williams , Co-Director, Connecticut Turning to Youth and Families
Scientific research has concluded that the human brain is developing until about the age of 25. For young people who experience the disease of addiction before the age of 25, it is critical they receive help early before there are serious, lifelong consequences to their development. This episode will examine environmental and/or biological factors that can lead to addiction, how drugs and alcohol can affect a youth’s development, and the role of modern technology (e.g., social networking, texting) options available to adolescents and young people receiving treatment and recovery services. Some of those services are in-person; others are using new technologies and social networking. This episode will highlight available supports such as recovery high schools and colleges and other educational supports for young people in recovery; and discuss other support networks available such to youth such as family, faith and community to help them live healthy and productive lives in long-term recovery.
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(Premiered: 07/07/2010)
Ask the Expert:
Ronald Tannebaum- Co Founder, CEO and President of In The Rooms
Popular media influences public attitudes and opinions concerning addiction, treatment and recovery issues. Addiction is depicted throughout the entertainment industry, in both news and magazine articles about celebrities’ drug and/or alcohol use and their time in rehab facilities and addiction; and in treatment, and recovery storylines in movies and television shows. This episode will examine how addiction, treatment and recovery have been portrayed historically and where we are today. This show will look at the importance of the media in portraying factual information and depiction of addiction, treatment and recovery issues and the negative effects of publishing/airing stories and shows which glamorize use, promote inaccurate and discriminatory public attitudes, and discourage individuals to seek help.
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(Premiered: 08/04/2010)
Ask the Expert:
John de Miranda, Ed.M., President and Chief Executive Officer of Stepping Stone of San Diego and the pro bono Executive Director of the National Association on Alcohol, Drugs and Disabilities, Inc.
Addiction is not limited to any one race, religion, creed, or lifestyle. Fortunately, neither are treatment and recovery services. Achieving long-term recovery is often dependent on finding personalized treatment and recovery services that meet the specific individual’s cultural, religious, or lifestyle needs. This episode will look at how substance use is acceptable in some cultures and how this may create a barrier for individuals seeking treatment and recovery services, consider the importance of providing services that incorporate the specific needs of the individual, and examine how some treatment and recovery models may prove more effective for one group than another.
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(Premiered: 09/01/2010)
Ask the Expert:
John Kelly , Ph.D., Associate Professor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Associate Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)-Harvard Center for Addiction Medicine, and Program Director of the MGH Addiction Recovery Management Service (ARMS)
How we communicate about addiction, treatment and recovery to people seeking and receiving help and individuals living in long-term recovery makes a difference. Words have the power to help and heal, but also to discriminate and stigmatize. Some terms have a negative connotation (“abuse” or “addict”) that stigmatize people with an illness as well as those who provide the treatment and recovery services. Other terms (“person in long-term recovery” or “substance use disorder”) identify individuals and their illness with dignity and respect. This episode will address the language that we and how language can influence public perceptions; what research has shown about the use of language and suggestions and tips on how to speak about addiction, treatment and recovery to encourage individuals and family members to get help and support people in recovery and the individuals who work in the field providing services.