Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Denise Krochta

The number one topic at the New Hampshire Caucus is heroin addiction.  All candidates for President are talking about it.  The President of the United States is talking about it.  Heroin Addiction is considered an epidemic.  Deaths and overdose statistics are staggering.  Do you know someone whose family is touched by heroin addiction?  It can happen to anyone. So, what … Read more about this episode...

Happy New Year! This is the first new show for the New Year and it is a show of hope and transformation. Denise interviews Ivana Grahovac, the executive director of Transforming Youth Recovery, which is an organization that supports the national collegiate recovery movement and provides oversight for five different strategic areas of focus for youth recovery, which she discusses … Read more about this episode...

This week’s guest is Bill Williams, a director, theater teacher/acting coach, leader of creativity workshops, and freelance writer.  Bill is also devoted to fighting addiction in every way possible.  Listen to his interview to find out why. Check out Bill’s Blog   … Read more about this episode...

This show is all about planning a family gathering, gifting, celebrating the holidays all while trying to cope with loving an addict. Please listen and learn. Check out these resources to help with your plans. “Sudar”, Denise’s book in Spanish “Surviving Family Gatherings” Denise’s book “Sweat: A Practical Plan for Keeping Your Heart Intact While Loving an Addict”… Read more about this episode...

This week is an interview with Natalie Costa, the executive producer of the documentary “Behind the Orange Curtain“. The documentary takes up the issue of just who is dying of prescription overdoses and why saying “My kid would never do that” just doesn’t ring true these days. Listen to her story and that of parents, educators, law enforcement … Read more about this episode...

In the last month Denise has traveled across the country to listen and be heard regarding the opiate epidemic in this country. From the Fed Up Rally at the White House and Washington Monument and the Unite to Face Addiction Rally (celebrating recovery), to the California Prescription Drug Overdose Summit in San Diego, it is important to know that there … Read more about this episode...

On this show we’ve talked about all kinds of relationships of loved ones with addicts. We’ve talked about the love of parents for their addicted children. We’ve talked about the love a husband for an addicted wife or vice versa. We’ve talked about grandparents loving their addicted children but having to raise their grandchildren because their adult children are not … Read more about this episode...

Are people aware of the Opioid Epidemic?  Have enough people been touched by this that everyone is aware of it?  The Fed Up Rally in Washington DC last weekend, October 3, 2015, was an effort to create more awareness for our law makers, government, and the general public.  The Rally and march to the White House was impressive.  There was … Read more about this episode...

September is National Recovery Month.  On this week’s show Denise interviews Dr. John Kelly about the Recovery Research Institute and its goals.  The Institute was formed to conduct novel and rigorous addiction science , and summarizes, synthesizes, and disseminates existing research relating to treatment and recovery.  The ultimate goal of these efforts is to increase the value, reach, and impact … Read more about this episode...

The topic of drug use at music festivals seems to be kept “under wraps” until there is a tragedy at a big festival and we have to talk about it.  Denise thinks its time to talk about it.  Listen to her interview with Emmanuel Sferious, Founder of Dance Safe, a public non profit trying to do something positive to … Read more about this episode...

Denise does three interviews this week.  All related to the opioid crisis/epidemic. You will hear from Judy Rummler, of the Steve Rummler Hope Foundation and Fed Up grass roots coalition about the Fed Up Rally in Washington DC on October 3, 2015.  (Two weeks ago we heard from Greg Williams, campaign director of the Unite to Face Addiction Rally also … Read more about this episode...

We often speak of possible paths to recovery on this show.  One of the most accepted and desired path is inpatient rehabilitation.  This week Denise speaks with Mark Gladden, CEO of Present Moments Recovery on his unique program.  His program director, Vicky Dyar also joins Denise and Mark to discuss conventional and holistic treatments as well as other options. Also, … Read more about this episode...

On this week’s show Denise reintroduces us to Greg Williams, the writer and producer of the film The Anonymous People, a film about the over 23 million Americans living in long term recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs. With people sharing their stories of recovery it is hoped that there will be less stigma. You can hear about … Read more about this episode...

Just a couple of weeks ago we heard of the death of Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown.  What went wrong? What could have been done? What should have been done? Bobbi Kristina was a loved one of an addict, actually of at least two addicts.  On this week’s show Denise shares an interview she did with Dr. Kristina Diener … Read more about this episode...

This month President Obama commuted the sentences of 46 prisoners, mostly drug offenders, and talked about the need to reform the criminal justice system, especially reviewing sentencing laws and reducing punishments for non-violent offenders. What does that mean for us, the general public and our society? Is it as simple as reforming the sentencing laws or will there be a … Read more about this episode...

As if PTSD from being in the military and separation from families is not enough to cope with for men and women in uniform and veterans, now we have people targeting our military here at home.  As Denise prepared this show about veterans and the military, there was another tragic event, this time the shootings in Chattanooga, TN at a … Read more about this episode...

Is it possible to be addicted to your smartphone? On this week’s show Denise speaks with Dr. Don Grant, a media psychologist with a specialization in addiction.   In his article, “The Digital Drug” Dr. Grant addresses this issue.  Listen to him talk about his research and the data and you decide?  Are you addicted to your smartphone?… Read more about this episode...

This week Denise speaks with Judy Wright, the wife of Glenn Wright, Founder of “The Most Excellent Way” ministry for addiction.  This ministry uses the bible and not the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous as the basis for their program.  Denise feels that the more choices offered, the more people will find something that can work for them … Read more about this episode...

How do we enjoy Father’s Day while loving an addicted child? It has to be our choice. This week’s show is dedicated to Fathers and support and resources. Listen to Denise’s interview with two Dad’s who found solace in support and friendship. Check out these other interviews with and about Dads and addictions, theirs and those of their children. A … Read more about this episode...

What Do We Know About The Business of Recovery? We know that addiction and addiction treatment can be very expensive. We know that many people who need help with their addictions do not get help for many reasons, finances being one of them. Do we know what we are getting for our money? What is the standard treatment model for … Read more about this episode...

In the June 2015 issue of National Geographic Magazine a marijuana plant is on its cover and the feature article is all about marijuana and how science seeks to unlock marijuana’s secrets.  This is not the only media lately to feature this controversial plant.  It is in the news everywhere these days.  So, what do we really know about it?  … Read more about this episode...

With the new laws being passed in different states related to gay/same sex marriages,  the recent announcement by Bruce Jenner about his sexual orientation, and ongoing articles with his Kardashian family related to his being transgender, it is time to talk a bit about stigma. We have spoken often on this show about how there is so much stigma related … Read more about this episode...

How was your Mother’s Day?  Was it a celebration or was it a day that made you sad?  When we have addicts in our lives, these kind of holidays can be extremely painful.  Since May is the month for Mothers and Mother’s Day, Denise is offering some solutions and support so the next time a time of celebration and family … Read more about this episode...

The topic this week is about resources for first responders for “protecting and healing their minds and hearts”. Denise speaks with Dan Willis who was a police officer for the past 25 years.  He has served as homicide detective, SWAT commander, and instructor for the San Diego Public Safety Institute, the county’s police academy, where he provided emotional-survival training. Dan’s … Read more about this episode...

One of the most asked questions is “what happens after our loved one comes out of rehab?”  We all want to know what our responsibilities are, if there is help we can offer, and what is the plan??? This week Denise interviews Matthew Cohen who is the Chapter head in South Florida of a grass roots organization called Young People … Read more about this episode...

What does the research indicate? Most people would agree that there is not just one way to treat addiction/alcoholism. Over the past few weeks there has been a lot in the news about AA and the 12 step programs, whether they work or not. There is always controversy when new methods are introduced that are not what people are used … Read more about this episode...

This week Denise speaks with Joe Schrank.  Joe has spent his life in and around active alcoholism.  After stabilizing his own post-undergrad depression and alcoholism, he returned to school and studied clinical social work.  Following a tenure at Promises in Malibu, CA, Joe established the first sober living facility in New York City, Loft 107. Frustrated with the lack of … Read more about this episode...

Ibogaine is a hallucinogenic drug being used for the treatment of addiction.  It has been in and out of the news most recently when reality tv star Scott Disick (Of “Keeping Up With the Karashians” fame) went to Costa Rica for treatment for his addictions to alcohol and pills. This week Denise interviews Dr. Deborah Mash.  As a neuroscientist, … Read more about this episode...

This week’s show is all about celebration and hope. Join Denise in celebrating both the 5 year anniversary of her radio show, book, and business as well as the 10 year anniversary of her son’s recovery from addiction. Check out her gift to you at her website addictsfamilylifeline.com Listen to what she has come up with for you, her audience, … Read more about this episode...

This week’s show is all about celebration and hope. Join Denise in celebrating both the 5 year anniversary of her radio show, book, and business as well as the 10 year anniversary of her son’s recovery from addiction. Check out her gift to you at her website addictsfamilylifeline.com Listen to what she has come up with for you, her audience, … Read more about this episode...

Inhalants, Huffing, and a Dad’s Take on Addiction This week we are talking about a few different things but they all come together in the story of our guest, Kim Manlove.  Kim lost his 16 year old son to addiction and follows his passion now to educate, inspire, and advocate in the field of addiction. He is the creator … Read more about this episode...

So many times we hear about children being taken from their parents who are addicts, or one or both of the parents have died because of their addictions, or the parents just are not capable of caring for their children.  There are many children in this situation these days.  They are in foster care, or being raised by their grandparents … Read more about this episode...

“Cuffed?” A new documentary is being produced to explore how different people find recovery and that ” one size fits all” does not work when it comes to recovery, just as it doesn’t work in life in general. Angelica Hester is the founder of Little Birdie Films.  She is a director, editor, and producer who currently is working in … Read more about this episode...

On this week’s show Denise interviews Dr. Emile Allen.  He is a crisis management expert.  We can all use some crisis management, don’t you think? Dr. Allen was a successful cancer surgeon when disaster hit and his life changed forever.  He talks to us this week about choices. If you are interested in talking to Dr. Allen after listening … Read more about this episode...

How often I hear this (not my kid!) when talking about the prevalence of addiction in young people.  I was one of these parents before my son began his spiral into his prescription drug and heroin addiction.  It is important to know these days that with the growth of prescription drug misuse and abuse, and these drugs found in virtually … Read more about this episode...

This week Denise speaks with Claudia Christian.  She is an American actress, writer, singer, musician, and director know for her role as Commander Susan Ivanova on the science fiction television series Babylon 5, as well as many other roles. Claudia is also an advocate for the Sinclair Method to help alcoholics, a little known method which she hopes to help … Read more about this episode...

What do we know about methadone and methadone clinics?  Denise really didn’t know that much about either but has been getting many inquiries from her listeners and decided it was time to find out the who, why, where, and what about them. Listen and learn about the possibilities and the details. This week she interviews Dr. Laura Rossi, a licensed … Read more about this episode...

This week Denise speaks with Lesley Wirth, a transformational coach, spiritual counselor with a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology, and author of “Own Your Worth: A  Spiritual Journey through Food Compulsion to Self Love”.  Although Lesley primarily deals with women with eating disorders, her tools can be used by anyone in a position of being bound to a substance … Read more about this episode...

Happy New Year!  Because there are so many family members as part of this audience Denise thought it would be a good start to the new year to do a show on family systems, family integration in treatment programs, and just brainstorm with one of our experts on simple tools and strategies for families to use to improve their situations … Read more about this episode...

Today’s show is about surviving “no matter what”. My guest is James Brown an author, college professor, and addict and alcoholic in recovery. His story is compelling and full of twists and turns. His recently re-released memoir, the” Los Angeles Diaries” and newly released (continuing) memoir,” This River” are stories movies are made of. Tune in and listen to a … Read more about this episode...

“The Gambler” is a new movie to be released on Christmas Day.  The screenplay is based on a movie of the same name from 1974. On this week’s show we are going to discuss gambling as an addiction. Is it, or not? The Holidays can bring lots of activities to the forefront that are sometimes hidden.  I have noticed in … Read more about this episode...

This week Denise gives a preview of a show that will be aired in the next few weeks on what some people are calling the “Thirteenth Step” of Alcoholics Anonymous.  There has been lots written and talked about in recent years about the fact that the criminal justice system regularly uses mandatory attendance at 12 step meetings as part of … Read more about this episode...

The Holidays are upon us and all of us know someone who is less fortunate than we are who will be “celebrating” the holidays as best they can.  This week Denise interviews a woman who spends her working hours reaching out to those people who are homeless.  She is out on the streets all week learning about who they are, … Read more about this episode...

This week Denise speak’s with an expert on cyber harassment, digital identities, privacy settings and many other things we question about posting and getting support online.  Jon Moffat will answer questions sent in by you and those Denise has collected.  He offers his email address: jmoffat@cyberedconsulting.com for anyone who has questions after the interview. Also, Denise suggests connecting to her … Read more about this episode...

After the show last week on Vivitrol (Naltrexone) many were confused and thought they would be hearing about a drug called Naloxone, a safe, non narcotic drug that works in minutes to reverse opiate overdose, used for decades in the Emergency Rooms across America. This week, Denise interviews Gretchen Bergman, a mom and activist (for sure a mom with a … Read more about this episode...

On this week’s show Denise interviews Dr. Paul Cassedy, a board certified addiction specialist, about the drug Vivitrol, used in medically assisted addiction treatment.  Dr. Cassedy will answer your questions and the many questions Denise has, about this drug.  Many of you have probably never even heard about Vivitrol.  Denise believes it is important to know as much as … Read more about this episode...

This week on the show Denise speaks with Tim Petri, a social worker, who believes that when kids are labeled at a young age they eventually begin to believe that label and that they believe that is who they are, forever.  What do you think about labeling kids?  Listen to Denise discuss this topic in relationship to prescribed drugs at … Read more about this episode...

Denise’s guest this week, Debra Alessandra, is all about helping families to navigate the path of recovery together. Debra has a degree in Education and Sociology from Lycoming College. She is a life-long educator, former counselor, and the author of 12 Steps 12 Stories; an insightful and entertaining collection of stories for parents, grandparents, counselors and members of 12 step … Read more about this episode...

On this week’s show Denise speaks with Jessica Yaffa, author of “Mine Until: My Journey Into and Out of the Arms of an Abuser”, public speaker, and advocate for Domestic Violence Awareness, about domestic violence and its relationship to substance abuse and misuse.  Jessica is also the Director of Community Education and Engagement at the Restoration Inn, a … Read more about this episode...

This week’s show is all about planning for a peaceful and joyful Holiday Season no matter what chaos and drama is in our lives.  The discussion is about what we can do ahead of time so we plan before a crisis happens.  Denise shares resources and tips that worked for her and things she learned from some of the experts … Read more about this episode...

This week’s show is all about possibilities.  The discussion focuses on the role of educators, families, communities, when it comes to preventing and educating our young people about substance abuse and life choices. This week Denise interviews Chris McDuffie, who is CEO and Founder of Turning Point Addiction and Recovery Services and a retired HS principal with two Masters degrees … Read more about this episode...