Reduce The Stigma

Conquering PTSD, Addiction and ADHD: Mel Saady’s Story

Join Mel Saady on her journey to conquer PTSD, addiction, and ADHD. This powerful story touches on mental health, mindfulness, grief, and LGBTQIA+ issues, offering valuable peer support for those facing similar challenges.In this episode of Reduce The Stigma - Meet The Peer, Melissa Saady shares her inspiring journey of recovery from addiction and PTSD as well as managing ADHD. Mel is a certified peer recovery specialist from Virginia whose decade of substance use triggered by a severe injury and subsequent painkiller prescription. With six years in recovery, Melissa discusses how her lived experiences help her connect with and support others in their recovery journeys.Melissa talks about the importance of providing hope to those struggling with addiction and mental health issues, emphasizing the value of connection over sobriety. She shares her personal experiences with PTSD and ADHD, advocating for holistic and individualized approaches to peer support, including mindfulness and grounding techniques.Connect with Melissa: melissasaady.peerspecialist.usChapters01:08 - Introduction01:50 - Melissa's Recovery Journey04:10 - The Role of Hope in Peer Support07:05 - The Power of Connection in Recovery08:29 - Melissa’s Experience with PTSD and ADHD10:16 - Melissa’s Style as a Peer Specialist12:49 - Challenging Stigma Around Substance Use and Mental Health13:45 - A Message for Those Struggling14:18 - Melissa's Passion for Supporting Women, LGBTQ+ Folks, and GriefFull transcript of the episode: https://reducethestigma.com/managing-ptsd-adhd-the-power-of-facing-your-feelings-mel-saady/#reducethestigma #hope #ptsd #adhd #recoverystories

Syndicate12: A New Platform for Recovery Connection | Jonathan Lewis | Reduce The Stigma

Visit Syndicate 12 and join today! https://syndicate12.com In this episode of Recovery Conversations, Whitney Menarcheck interviews Jonathan Lewis, the co-founder and CTO of Straight Up Care. Jonathan shares his inspiring journey and makes a significant announcement about the launch of Syndicate 12, a revolutionary platform designed to support mental health and substance use recovery. Join us as we discuss the features of Syndicate 12, including anonymous connection, video rooms, a secure journal, and a points-based reward system. Learn how this platform aims to build a supportive community and provide valuable resources for recovery. Don't miss out on this exciting news and find out how you can be a part of Syndicate 12!Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and announcement preview01:30 – Welcome to Recovery Conversations01:58 – Jonathan Lewis introduction02:33 – Founding of Straight Up Care06:45 – Launch of Syndicate 1210:49 – Earning points and rewards22:51 – Additional features of Syndicate 1226:26 – How to join Syndicate 1227:18 – Final thoughts on recoveryDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on recovery and wellness!#recovery #connection #youarenotalone

Healing Through Helping | Toni Morrison | Reduce The Stigma

In this episode of "Meet the Peer," host Whitney Menarcheck sits down with Toni Morrison, a Peer Support Specialist from South Dakota. Toni shares her powerful journey from battling addiction and facing legal challenges to embracing recovery and becoming a beacon of hope for others. Discover how Toni's lived experiences and resilience have shaped her into a compassionate peer specialist dedicated to helping others navigate their recovery journeys.Tune in to hear Toni's inspiring story, learn about the vital role of peer support in recovery, and understand the impact of compassionate guidance on transforming lives.If you found this interview uplifting, please share it with your friends and family. Help us spread the remarkable stories of peer specialists making a difference.#InspiringStories #AddictionRecovery #Resilience #CompassionateSupport #TransformingLives

Genetic Keys to Parenting, Addiction, & Mental Health | Dr. Danielle Dick | Reduce The Stigma

In this episode of Recovery Conversations, Whitney Menarcheck sits down with Dr. Danielle Dick, Director of the Rutgers Addiction Research Center and renowned author of "The Child Code", to explore the profound impact of genetics on substance use disorders, mental health, and parenting. Dr. Dick delves into the myth of super-parenting, the pressures it creates, and the adverse impacts of severe environmental influences. She highlights how understanding our children's unique genetic makeups can reduce stigma, tailor parenting strategies, and revolutionize prevention, intervention, and treatment approaches. Discover innovative projects at Rutgers, including the groundbreaking Research Community Partnership, which bridges the gap between researchers, clinicians, patients, and the community. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to support their children's mental health and well-being effectively.#genetics #mentalhealth #addictionrecovery #recovery #parentingtips #parentinghacks #reducethestigma Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:01 Pathway to Addiction Research03:48 Collaborations in Addiction Research07:13 Research Community Partnership09:06 Using Genetics to Tailor Treatment15:22 The Child Code: Individualized Parenting29:23 Genetic Risk Pathways in Substance Use Disorders36:39 Genes Are Not Destiny: Managing Genetic Risk Factors

Overcoming Pain: Healing with Honesty

Welcome to "Meet the Peer," a special series by Straight Up Care, where we shine the spotlight on peer specialists making a difference. In this episode, host Whitney Menarcheck sits down with Tom DeCoteau Jr., a Peer Support Specialist from South Dakota. Tom shares his powerful journey from childhood trauma and addiction to 21 years of sobriety. He discusses the importance of self-love, the role of cultural heritage in recovery, and the transformative impact of peer support. Tom's story is a testament to resilience and the strength found in community. Join us to learn how peer specialists like Tom are helping others navigate their recovery journeys.#transformativeimpact #southdakota #tribalculture #RecoveryJourney #PeerSupport #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #CulturalHealing #SelfLove #TraumaRecovery #PeerSpecialist #Sobriety #StraightUpCare #RecoveryCommunity

Healing From Chronic Pain, Addiction, and Trauma | Elizabeth Kipp | Reduce The Stigma

Join us in this powerful episode of Recovery Conversations as we sit down with Elizabeth Kipp, a stress management and historical trauma specialist, to explore her incredible journey of healing from over 40 years of chronic pain, anxiety, and addiction. Elizabeth shares her expertise in addiction recovery coaching, ancestral clearing, compassionate inquiry, and yoga, detailing how these practices helped her find freedom from suffering and live a thriving life. As the bestselling author of "The Way Through Chronic Pain: Tools to Reclaim Your Healing Power", Elizabeth offers profound insights into the nature of chronic pain and the importance of addressing trauma at its root. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that sheds light on the transformative power of healing from chronic pain and trauma. Subscribe for more Recovery Conversations and inspiring stories of resilience and recovery!Connect with Elizabeth: https://elizabeth-kipp.com/#reducethestigma #chronicpain #addictionrecovery #traumahealing #stressmanagement #mentalhealth #healingjourney #ancestralhealing #CompassionateInquiry #yogaforhealing #painmanagement #mindbodyconnection #stressmanagementtips #spiritualselfcare

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Imperfections

Join Angel Fuller in her empowering narrative as she shares her journey of embracing imperfections and finding self-acceptance. This video explores the importance of mental health, self-improvement, and peer support in navigating co-occurring disorders. Her heartfelt insights on fostering confidence and self-love, along with her empowering message, are sure to resonate with anyone facing similar challenges.On this episode of Reduce The Stigma, Angel Fuller, a certified peer support specialist from North Carolina, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges, achieving over 11 years of recovery. She discusses the vital role of peer support in recovery, offering invaluable tips for maintaining mental health, recovery, confidence, and self-love. Angel's dedication to helping others navigate their paths to recovery and independence is truly uplifting.🔗 Connect with Angel Fuller: angelfuller.peerspecialist.us and @riseandthrivepeerservices 📅 Subscribe for more inspiring interviews: @straightupcarellc7554 Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:00 Angel Fuller's Journey and Co-occurring Diagnosis05:00 Role and Importance of Peer Support09:00 Personal Experience and Motivation to Become a Peer Specialist14:00 Challenges and Tips for Maintaining Sobriety and Mental Health18:00 Final Thoughts and Message to Those StrugglingFull episode transcript: https://reducethestigma.com/replacing-shame-and-stigma-with-confidence-and-self-acceptance/#reducethestigma #PeerSupport #MentalHealth #SubstanceUseRecovery #AngelFuller #Inspiration #RecoveryJourney #SupportSystem #Confidence #SelfLove #selfacceptance

Empowering Women and Transforming Careers | Dr. Angela Colistra | Reduce The Stigma

Dr. Colistra shares her journey from overcoming personal challenges to helping women navigate career transitions and find true alignment in their professional lives. Learn how her unique approach empowers women to set boundaries, prioritize their well-being, and achieve careers filled with joy and purpose.Dr. Colistra also touches on her experience in addiction and mental health care, but the focus is on her passion for coaching women to make bold, fulfilling changes in their careers.Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes!Connect with Dr. Angela Colistra:Website: https://drangelacolistra.my.canva.site/actmissionandvisionFree coaching call: https://go.alignedcareertrajectory.com/live-pageACT - Aligned Career Trajectory (TM): https://go.alignedcareertrajectory.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drangelacolistra/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage03:06 Dr. Angela Colistra's Work on Co-occurring Care in the ACM Criteria06:28 The Need for Integration of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care 10:26 Dr. Colistra's Personal Journey and Interest in Co-occurring Care24:49 The Importance of Spiritual Well-being and Self-care for Counselors29:50 Creating Space for New Opportunities and Growth32:38 Empowering Women to Redefine Non-Negotiables in Their Careers36:12 Reducing Stigma in Addiction and Behavioral Health46:59 The Power of Personal Stories in Education and TrainingFull transcript: https://straightupcare.com/coaching-career-helping-women-find-purpose-joy/#careercoachingforwomen #careercoaching #careertransitions #womenempowerment #purpose #joy

Overcoming Addiction: Empowering peers to achieve dreams

Join us in this powerful video as we discuss the importance of peer support in overcoming addiction and empowering individuals to achieve their dreams. If you or someone you know is on a recovery journey, this video is a must-watch for valuable insights and inspiration.In this episode of Reduce The Stigma - Recovery Conversations, Dr. Mo (Melissa Dittberner, PhD), co-founder and CEO of Straight Up Care, discusses her experiences and motivations in the field of peer support services, substance use, and mental health. She shares her personal journey of overcoming addiction and how it led her to pursue a career in helping others. Dr. Mo also talks about the importance of breaking stigma and creating an ecosystem of support for people in recovery. She discusses the services offered by Straight Up Care, including a HIPAA compliant virtual telehealth platform, peer specialist social network, and peerpreneur program. Dr. Mo emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are, seeing them as human beings, and providing the support they need to achieve their optimal selves. She encourages everyone to remember that humans are humans, and we should celebrate people's differences and cultures.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:24 Dr. Mo's Journey into Recover and Education04:45 Challenges and Achievements08:05 Current Feelings and Reflections10:47 Breaking Stigma in Professional Spaces11:59 Bridging Lived Experience and Professional Expertise18:27 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans22:32 Creating an Ecosystem of Support26:10 Message to Combat Stigma30:53 Closing RemarksFull episode transcript: https://reducethestigma.com/dr-mo-melissa-dittberner-empowering-peers/ #recoveryrockstars #reducethestigma #recovery #recoveryjourney

National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)

In this episode of Reduce The Stigma, host Whitney Menarcheck interviews Denise Bertin-Epp and Mary Beth Collins from the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) about their program, Celebrating Families. NACoA's mission is to eliminate the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol on children and families impacted by addiction. Celebrating Families is a unique program that focuses on the whole family system and aims to double the reunification process for children involved in child welfare or kinship programs. The program includes family meals, peer group sessions, and activities to strengthen family bonds. NACoA has also adapted the curriculum to meet the needs of multicultural families and offers support in multiple languages. To get involved in Celebrating Families, organizations and individuals can reach out to NACoA through their website or social media channels.Learn more about NACoA: https://nacoa.org/Takeaways- NACoA's mission is to eliminate the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol on children and families impacted by addiction.- Celebrating Families is a unique program that focuses on the whole family system.- The program includes family meals, peer group sessions, and activities to strengthen family bonds.- NACoA has adapted the curriculum to meet the needs of multicultural families and offers support in multiple languages.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of National Association of Children of Addiction04:02 Personal Stories and Motivation 09:24 Celebrating Families Program Origins and Impact 13:21 Program Structure and Family Integration 26:24 Addressing Cultural Needs and Expanding Reach 35:08 Breaking Stigma and Providing Resources Full episode transcript: https://reducethestigma.com/breaking-cycles-building-bonds-nacoa/