Let's Talk Addiction & Recovery

Latest Episodes:

Eliminating Stigma: The First Lady of North Dakota Speaks Out May 27, 2020

Show notes

A self-described introvert thrust into an extrovert's job as the First Lady of North Dakota, Kathryn Burgum has clearly found her voice as a leading advocate for addiction recovery. Listen in as Burgum talks with host William C. Moyers about the intersection of her personal recovery experience and her public persona and platform. She explains why she's on a mission to eliminate stigma: every recovery story shared creates a pathway for others to find the help and support they need and deserve.

Precision Treatment: Addiction Medicine Gets Personal May 13, 2020

Show notes

As science further reveals the neurobiology of addiction, treatment providers are able to tailor increasingly customized care for patients. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with addiction psychiatrist Marvin D. Seppala, MD, about the most promising advancements in personalized treatment for substance use disorders. Learn how technology, genetics and predictive analytics can be used to help shape an individual's treatment course, from specific medicines to therapeutic approaches.

What Kids Need to Know about the Grown-Up Problem of Addiction Apr 29, 2020

Show notes

Children who experience the trauma of parental addiction tend to blame themselves for what's happening. But caregivers and educators can help kids understand the truth: addiction is an illness that isn't caused by anything a child has done or not done. Listen in as host William C. Moyers asks children's therapist Jerry Moe about his work with Sesame Street in Communities to create developmentally appropriate messaging and resources to help kids everywhere who are impacted by parental addiction.

An Exclusive Interview with Susan Ford Bales: The Story behind the Betty Ford Center Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

Photojournalist, author, philanthropist and daughter of Former First Lady Betty Ford, Susan Ford Bales recounts the 1978 family intervention that led to her mother's treatment for addiction. Listen in as she tells host William C. Moyers the moving story behind the founding of the Betty Ford Center—her family's unconditional love, her mother's extraordinary courage, and the never-give-up legacy of healing and hope exemplified and endowed by Betty Ford.

A Second Chance at Life: Getting Sober at Age 24 Apr 01, 2020

Show notes

With her first sip of alcohol as a teen (tasted horrible, felt great), Holly S. discovered something she wasn't even looking for: a ready anesthetic for life. Listen in as Holly talks with host William C. Moyers about drinking away her college years while knowing, deep inside, she had a serious problem. Holly describes how her father's death gave her a second chance at life, why asking for help was the hardest part and what it's like when sobriety is your new normal at age 24 (hint: wonderful).

Hope Gets Real: Finding Recovery at Age 22 Mar 18, 2020

Show notes

Tucker R. "crash-landed" into rehab at age 22. It was his fourth try at treatment, and this time, he was ready to do a few things differently. Like actually take suggestions. Listen in as Tucker talks with host William C. Moyers about what it's like to be a young man in recovery from alcohol and heroin addiction. He explains how he's found his people—as part a thriving collegiate recovery program—and why community and connection are so important in building his new, hope-powered life.

Youth at Risk: A Convergence of Concerning Trends Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

For adolescents today, social media can amplify ordinary feelings of inadequacy or loneliness into fatalistic thinking and even an increased vulnerability to risky or harmful behaviors. What's a parent to do? Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with psychiatrist Joseph Lee, MD, about the convergence of cultural polarization, family stressors, technology and other influences on the health and well-being of youth, specifically in relation to mental health and substance use.

How Sesame Street Is Helping Kids Hurt by Parental Addiction Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

Nearly one in three children in America grow up in homes impacted by addiction—and most have no idea that other kids wake up with the same worries every day. Sesame Street's newest Muppet, Karli, is helping millions of kids affected by parental addiction feel a little less alone. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with beloved children's advocate and clinician Jerry Moe, who collaborated on Karli's storyline and other resources to help kids and families heal from the hurt of addiction.

Why Medical Students Need to Learn about Addiction Feb 05, 2020

Show notes

While addiction is recognized as America's No. 1 public health problem, very few medical schools require or even offer education on substance use disorders. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with three medical students who shadowed clinicians and patients during weeklong educational "residencies" at Hazelden Betty Ford treatment centers. The students share what they learned about the pervasive, complex and treatable disease of addiction—and how to best help future patients and their families.

Addiction Recovery Tools, Technology and Apps Jan 22, 2020

Show notes

Research reveals more every day about the complexities of addiction recovery, including the importance of sober support and relapse prevention strategies. Fortunately, new technologies put many of these game-changing recovery tools within reach for millions. Listen in as addiction clinician Janelle Wesloh talks with host William C. Moyers about the most promising innovations in recovery support—coaching, apps, tools and activities—and why daily encouragement is such a powerful motivator.