End It For Good

In this episode, Christina Dent talks with Rebekah Mutch about how she found recovery with the help of neuro-electric therapy (NET), a device that eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Rebekah shares what life was like after 8 other treatment attempts, what changed during her time at Isaiah House, and why she now works to make NET available to others.   This is an honest, down-to-earth conversation about a lesser-known pathway to recovery that could be one of the best tools we have - if only more people know about it.   Resources & Links: Isaiah House website: https://isaiah-house.org/ NET Recovery: https://www.netrecovery.net/ End It For Good's website: https://enditforgood.com/

Mark LaPalme spent years in active addiction and was arrested upwards of 40 times. He couldn't have imagined he'd one day be at the forefront of addiction recovery. But after finding freedom through his own recovery journey, he built a network of treatment centers in Kentucky called Isaiah House that would become a lifeline for thousands, and the unlikely site of a groundbreaking clinical trial. In this episode, we explore what happened when Mark said yes to testing a new detox device called Neuro-Electric Therapy (NET) that promised big things in a small package. What followed was both deeply personal and quietly revolutionary, resulting in FDA clearance in 2024. The future of detox (and how it will reshape addiction treatment) is here.  Mark is a masterful storyteller and passionate advocate, living out his values in inspiring ways as he continues to work to save every life and give every person hope that he can. He describes watching people on NET as watching "a miracle happen before your eyes." If this episode moved you, taught you something new, or sparked hope, please leave a review! It helps others find the show and join the conversation. Resources & Links: - Isaiah House website: https://isaiah-house.org/ - NET Recovery: https://www.netrecovery.net/ - All Together Recovery: https://alltogetherrecovery.com/ - Christina's book Curious: https://a.co/d/fVecLLx

Jeff Lott once thought the NET Recovery device sounded too good to be true. Today, he's the Communications Director for the company behind it. In this episode, Jeff shares how a chance family connection led him into the heart of a growing movement to transform withdrawal and recovery. Developed from an accidental discovery involving electro-acupuncture, NET Recovery uses a small device to ease withdrawal symptoms and eliminate cravings in just a few days—without the use of medication. It's already changing lives in jails and treatment centers, offering a third path that doesn't fit the usual “medicated or abstinent” binary. Jeff walks us through the origins of NET Recovery, the clinical trial process, and the roadblocks they face in gaining acceptance—despite promising results. If you care about innovation in addiction recovery, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

In this deeply moving and ultimately uplifting episode, Christina Dent sits down with Pattie Vargas—a mother who has lived through the heartbreak of losing a son to overdose and the joy of watching her daughter find lasting recovery. Pattie shares her family's journey with remarkable honesty, from years of struggle and loss to an unexpected turning point: discovering NET Recovery, a device designed to ease the pain of withdrawal and help reduce cravings. It was this breakthrough approach, used at Isaiah House in Kentucky, that helped her daughter begin a new life after years of homelessness and addiction. More than a story of loss, this is a story of what's possible. Pattie offers hard-won insight, fierce compassion, and a vision for recovery rooted in connection, innovation, and hope. If you've ever wondered whether real change is possible—even after everything—this conversation is for you.

What if Mississippi could lead the nation in turning the tide on addiction? In this episode, Christina Dent talks with Dr. Dan Edney, Mississippi's State Health Officer and a physician specializing in addiction medicine. They dive into the quiet revolution taking place in our state—from expanding access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to legalizing fentanyl test strips to saturating communities with naloxone. Dr. Edney shares how Mississippi became one of only five states to reduce overdose deaths for two years in a row—and why saving lives must be prioritized. They discuss why harm reduction saves taxpayer dollars, how recovery truly happens, and what still needs to change—like ending the ban on syringe services. You'll also hear about Mississippi's groundbreaking MSUD program, offering free treatment and MAT through local health departments, and why Dr. Edney believes it's time to treat addiction as a health issue. Whether you're new to these conversations or deeply engaged in reform, this episode will leave you with real hope.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Carr McClain, a seasoned cardiovascular surgeon who has seen the human toll of failed drug policy in the ER as well as the OR. He helps us connect the dots between drug policy and the health of everyday people who pay the price. In this episode, we discuss: Dr. McClain's early experiences as a medical school graduate, encountering the violence tied to the underground drug market as he worked in one of the busiest Emergency Rooms in the US. How the criminalization of drugs has led to contamination, causing long-term damage to people's heart valves that he encounters in the Operating Room today. The challenges we face with the botanical kratom, and how it presents an opportunity to get things right when it comes to public health. About Dr. Carr McClain: Dr. McClain is a cardiovascular surgeon, father of six, and husband to Pam. When he's not in the operating room, you can find him cheering on his alma mater, Duke University, where he studied before completing medical school at the University of Virginia, a residency at VCU, and a fellowship at the University of Florida. Remember to Subscribe & Leave a Review! Your support helps more people discover the show and brings hope to more lives.

Today's episode is a rebroadcast of a popular show we did with New York Times Bestselling author Johann Hari, on his research about drug markets and how drug prohibition incentivizes and rewards crime and violence. We're creating the very thing we're supposed to be fighting.  It's counter-intuitive, but the harder we crack down on the drug supply, the more crime we have seen and will continue to see. It's not chance. It's economics, and Johann breaks it down and makes it easy to understand for everyone.  His book, “Chasing the Scream: the First and Last Days of the War on Drugs,” helped spark the movement that created End It For Good and this podcast.

Lisha Adcock is a hair stylist from Meridian, Mississippi, who became addicted to opioids after struggling with chronic pain. After years of chaos and draining her bank account to pay for pills, she had to find a way out. Kratom is a natural product made from the leaves of a tree in Asia. It has been used as a stimulant and pain reliever in that part of the world for hundreds of years, and has become popular in the United States as the war on legal opioids has intensified over the last 15 years. Lisha shares her story of hope as kratom helped her overcome her opioid addiction and be able to manage chronic pain and continue to work and be present for her kids. You can read Lisha's story here from The Magnolia Tribune and read more kratom news and stories here. 

Dr. Jeffrey Singer is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. He is the Founder of Valley Surgical Clinics, the largest and oldest private group surgical practice in Arizona. He has been in private practice as a general surgeon for more than 40 years. He is also a visiting fellow at the Goldwater Institute in Phoenix. Singer is a member of the Board of Scientific Advisors of the American Council on Science and Health. He writes and speaks extensively on regional and national public policy, with a specific focus on the areas of healthcare policy and the harmful effects of drug prohibition. In this episode Dr. Singer shares his extensive knowledge on the history of prohibition, then the crackdown on prescription drugs, and what a world with more legal drugs might look like. He busts a few myths too, and some of them will blow your mind because they're opposite what we hear on the news. Dr. Singer believes a much healthier world is available to us if we move away from prohibition, let doctors be doctors, and police be police, and allow adults to have more legal, regulated options for substance use. Learn more at https://enditforgood.com/

Jan Moore lost her only son to an overdose almost ten years ago, and her journey of healing led her to go back to school and become a licensed professional counselor who has worked with people struggling with addiction as well as their families since then. Today she shares her story as well as talks about Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Invitation to Change, and how families can be healthier as well as helping their loved one be healthier. She's passionate about teaching families how to truly help, and helping them as they lay down the battle for control and embrace an approach of influence.  Jan is a licensed professional counselor in private practice in Hattiesburg, MS. She has lived in Hattiesburg for about forty years. She is married to James Moore and has two children, one of whom is deceased. Prior to becoming a counselor, she worked as an elementary school teacher and an admin assistant at a local hospital.  She worked in an inpatient substance use disorder facility for five years after getting her master's degree. She has been in private practice for the last several years. In both settings, she has gotten experience working with people with substance use disorders and dual diagnoses as well as their families. Jan talks about: Invitation to Change: https://cmcffc.org/approach/invitation-to-change CRAFT training and support: https://alliesinrecovery.net/ Motivational Interviewing: https://motivationalinterviewing.org/understanding-motivational-interviewing You can reach Jan through Journeys Counseling here: https://journeyscounselingcenter.clientsecure.me/

In today's episode, Dr. Dan Ciccarone joins us to talk about the Three Waves of the opioid epidemic, what Harm Reduction is, what it isn't, and where we've gone wrong with it. Dr. Ciccarone has studied drugs and addiction for more than two decades, combining his passion for people's individual lives as a medical doctor and his interest in data as a researcher. He is the Justine Miner Professor in Addiction Medicine in the department of Family and Community Medicine, at UCSF. He has been principal or co-investigator on numerous National Institutes of Health-sponsored public health research projects, including his current Synthetics in Combination study. He is a recognized international scholar on the medical, public health, and public policy dimensions of substance use, risk, and consequences. He consults for numerous private and public entities including the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the CDC and the FDA. For over 20 years, Dr. Ciccarone has been actively involved in expanding the use of clinical harm reduction technologies and services such as naloxone, buprenorphine, and drug checking. He has provided harm reduction-based clinical services at several San Francisco syringe exchanges and is currently the volunteer Medical Director of Remedy Alliance, the US' largest not-for-profit wholesale distributor of naloxone. To learn more about Dr. Ciccarone's work visit: https://profiles.ucsf.edu/daniel.ciccarone

Christina Dent and Bryan Mauk discuss what the research actually says about different types of drug treatment and what helps more people recovery. Did you know that some mutual aid groups have their participants introduce themselves as "a competent person" rather than "an addict"? Does it make a difference in outcomes? What about sober living options for people on medication? We dive into this and more! Learn more about EFG at https://enditforgood.com/

Bryan Mauk's Friday nights in high school were spent making friends with people experiencing homelessness. During his college years, he drew 1/4 of his fellow students into the same ministry. Bryan has spent two decades working to serve and empower people who are often forgotten. He is a visionary and a builder who loves to cast big ideas and then execute them for maximum impact. His work has spanned homelessness, re-entry, social entrepreneurship, and most recently helping low-income communities have access to affordable computers and internet. On the episode we get to know Bryan and the path that led him to us as our new CEO! Learn more about Bryan: http://enditforgood.com/bryan

Jordan Rogers built a career in brand marketing at Nike after recovering from heroin addiction and a year of incarceration 21 years ago. While he has gotten to work with some of the best athletes and artists in the world, his heart and passion stay close to the brokenhearted and those in addiction and incarceration. He tries to use his gift as a communicator to bring about change and freedom for those impacted by addiction and incarceration. He started his own business two years ago and now is a keynote speaker, sports marketing consultant, and content creator. On the episode we dive into his story, his learnings, and how being 2 decades past his prison experience has changed how he views it. Jordan is a fantastic communicator and thought leader, investing in so many people who have been through the challenges he has. You can connect with Jordan Rogers at https://www.jordanrogers.xyz/ Get Christina's book Curious at https://enditforgood.com/curious/

Jim Horton lost his only child, Zachary, to an overdose five years ago. His work today with the Zachary Horton Foundation helps individuals and families never face addiction alone. We talk about what he's learned since his son's death and what he wishes he had known before Zachary died. Jim is full of love, compassion, and joy in spite of heartbreaking loss. He brings ideas and hope to families who are still walking with their loved ones, as well as comfort and support to families who have lost theirs. Jim Horton is the founder and president of the Zachary Horton Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges. Inspired by the memory of his son, Zachary, who tragically lost his life to addiction, Jim has made it his mission to create a compassionate and informed community that prioritizes recovery, education, and advocacy. Learn more at https://www.zacharyhortonfoundation.org/ Get Christina's book Curious at https://enditforgood.com/curious/

Jesse MacLaughlin the State Policy and Advocacy Director at Reason for Hope, a national suicide prevention non-profit. He's also a former Republican state representative, elected at just 24 years old. Jesse shares his journey from being a "tough on drugs" advocate to having his own experience with psychedelics that began his journey of healing from depression, and what triggered his passion to make experiences like his accessible to other people who are suffering. He also shares some of the risks, as well as what he hopes the world looks like in 20 years related to psychedelic therapy.  

Juliana Mercer is a nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience serving the veteran population. She's a Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. She is also a survivor of personal and military trauma who found healing and transformation through psilocybin-assisted therapy, an FDA-designated breakthrough therapy. Currently, she is the Director of Veteran Advocacy & Public Policy at Healing Breakthrough, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the research, training, and deployment of system-wide adoption of MDMA-AT in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Juliana is passionate about expanding veteran access to psychedelic therapies and empowering them to thrive in civilian life. On the show we talk about her experiences trying to help other veterans transition back into civilian life. She shares the stunning veteran suicide rate and the potential of psychedelic therapy to help more of them find healing before it's too late. 

Adam Marr is the Director of Operations and a founding member at Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition (VMHLC), a coalition of partner organizations that aims to prevent suicide and deaths of despair among Veterans and Americans through increased access to safe and affordable psychedelic-assisted therapy. Adam is also a US Army Veteran, a best-selling author, a former management consultant executive, and a passionate advocate for the safe and responsible use of psychedelic therapies. Adam credits his own ibogaine and 5MeODMT protocol as a life-changing experience that helped him heal. On the show he shares his story, his challenges, what he learned about psychedelic therapy, and why he works today to help more veterans have access to it.  You can learn more about VMHLC at https://vmhlc.org/

Melissa Lavasani is the Founder & CEO of Psychedelic Medicine Coalition. She was a healthy, happy wife and mother, pregnant with her second child, when she was overcome with debilitating depression that continued after her son was born. For several years Melissa tried to keep functioning even though she was struggling against suicidal thoughts.  Melissa shares her story as someone who had never used a psychedelic in her life and was terrified of them, to finding healing for her depression and a shifted career advocating for others to have access to the treatment that saved her life.  To learn more, visit https://www.psychedelicmedicinecoalition.org/

If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, you should tune in to this week's episode of the EFG Podcast!    Our guest, Laurie MacDougall, talks with Christina about the CRAFT method for interacting with loved ones who are dealing with an addiction. Laurie works for Allies in Recovery, which provides step-by-step tips on how to apply the CRAFT method in your everyday life.   Laurie talks about her journey walking with her son through his addiction, how she became a supporter of the CRAFT method, and gives many examples of how you can use the CRAFT method.   To learn more about Laurie and Allies in Recovery, you can visit https://alliesinrecovery.net or email Laurie directly at lcmac11 [at] comcast.net.   To learn more about End It For Good, visit https://enditforgood.com

Have you ever wanted to share your story of triumph over hardship, but were worried about regretting it later? If so, you need to tune into this insightful episode with guest Meghann Perry.    Meghann shares her recovery story, and talks about her work helping people share their own stories in a healthy and effective way. Christina and Meghann also emphasize the importance of treating your story with compassion and respect.   You can learn more about Meghann's team and their work at www.meghannperry.com

Join us for Episode 64, as Christina chats with Christi Berrong-Barber about her journey with her son, who has struggled with an addiction to drugs for many years. Christi opens up about how she has been able to maintain a relationship with her son through the chaos of addiction, and shares many insightful and encouraging words for those who may be in a similar position. Christi also talks about the work that she does with The Molly Angel Project, which she founded to help make sure that people have access to the life-saving drug Narcan, wound care training, and other resources that can help reduce harm and prevent death from overdose.   You can learn more about The Molly Angel Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMollyAngelProject/   More of Christi's story is included in Christina's new book, Curious, which can be purchased here: https://enditforgood.com/curious/

If you've seen Christina Dent's TEDx Talk or heard the story of End It For Good's beginning, you've heard of Joanne, the mother who once struggled with addiction and ultimately changed Christina's life. In today's episode, Joanne Shedd shares her story in her own words. From the years she struggled to the beautiful life she's building with her son, Beckham, she lets us in on her world and her journey to healing and wholeness.     You can learn more about End It For Good, and Christina's book, at https://enditforgood.com/

In this episode, Christina is joined by George Wood, founder of The Timothy Initiative and author of The Uncovery. George's story is that of a life radically changed by Jesus, and he is dedicated to changing the way the world views recovery. Christina and George discuss what we have misunderstood about addiction and recovery, the importance of authentic connection with others during recovery, and many other topics.   You can get George's latest book, The Uncovery Devotional, on Amazon at https://a.co/d/86xamiH.

Retired Judge Mary Beth O'Conner and Christina talk about her remarkable journey From Junkie to Judge, as told in her memoir. There are many paths to recovery, and Mary Beth and Christina discuss the importance of seeing people in recovery as individuals, and allowing them to create their own recovery plan. Philosophy and meeting format vary greatly between recovery programs, and there is no one path that will work for everyone.   You can find Mary Beth's book, From Junkie to Judge on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/9fB7W2n   And you can get Christina's new book Curious here: https://a.co/d/7nCoT2j

Christina talks with Jeffery Harvey, the Clinic Director at Jackson Comprehensive Treatment Center. Jeffery grew up in a religious household but developed a substance use disorder after suffering abuse as a child. Although today Jeffery works to provide as many pathways to recovery as possible for those struggling with addiction, he didn't always support this approach. Jeffery shares his own story, and he and Christina discuss the benefits of pathways outside the traditional model for recovery, the importance of choice in recovery plans, the negative effects of societal stigma, and more.   Learn more: enditforgood.com

Dr. Branden Henry's story is included in Christina Dent's new book, Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction. He joins us on the podcast today to unpack ideas that didn't make it into the book, including why so much addiction treatment is unhelpful. It fails to address three drivers of addiction that we dive into on today's episode. Dr. Henry also shares his perspective as a Christian who has wrestled with a biblical view of addiction and how we can better understand and support people who are struggling as well as the people who love them. His clear, vulnerable, and honest perspective will give you hope. Buy Christina's book Curious here: enditforgood.com/curious

Will Morgan's story is highlighted in Christina Dent's new book, Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction. On this episode, we talk to Will as well as his wife, Sarah, hearing her journey of supporting Will through his years-long journey with chronic pain and prescription opioids. They offer a window into the other side of the war on prescription opioids - the patients who struggle with chronic pain and now have a harder time finding the medications they need. And yet, the very thing that at one point helped Will became part of the problem. Their story illustrates the tremendous complexity of prescription opioids and the lived experiences of the people who need them and the loved ones supporting them. There are no easy answers here, but a story that gives us a view into the real lives and families impacted by opioids and the policies that govern access to them.  Buy Christina's book Curious here: enditforgood.com/curious

In the final episode of this 4-part series, Christina and Angela discuss how they learned about the term "harm reduction" and how they grappled with whether or not harm reduction measures were enabling users. Listen in as they take a dive deep into all things harm reduction - what are the options, what's working, and what's not. We've come a long way in understanding addiction and how to best reduce harms related to the war on drugs. Where do you stand on these harm reduction options?

In Part 3 of this 4-part series, Christina and Angela breakdown the chain reaction or cycle of harms related to drugs and addiction. They dive deep into what happens to a person when they are arrested in the realms of health, family and finances. Note: This conversation is not to defend anyone who's committed a crime but it's an explanation of the dominos that fall and the cost to society.

In Part 2 of this series, Christina and Angela discuss why having honest conversations about someone's drug use is so hard. When the expectation is to be completely abstinent, when and where is it safe to talk about some of the pitfalls of drug use? Listen in as they talk about the importance of recognizing potentially problematic substance use, how people can have a better relationship with substances, and understanding the reasons behind someone's drug use.

In this 4-part series, Christina talks with EFG's Angela Mallette about one of the most asked questions for End It For Good - "What would the world look like if substances were legal for adult use?"  In this in-depth conversation, they take a deep dive into the "what if's." What programs, funding, and policies might be needed to make health-centered approaches to drugs work? Join them as they discuss possible scenarios and potential outcomes as they envision a world without the war on drugs.

Mr. Floyd Rogers, Jr., an Associate Pastor at Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church, has lived many different lives. Starting from a traumatic childhood experience, he ended up in an environment where drug dealing was glamorized, eventually landing him in prison. However, he was able to change course and was given a second chance. This is a fascinating conversation from the perspective of a former drug dealer who turned his life around and now helps others in so many ways. 

End It For Good's Development Coordinator, Jane Clair Tyner, is our last team member to share her story on how she changed her mind in favor of health-centered approaches to drugs. In this very personal interview, Jane Clair tells Christina the heartbreaking story of losing her precious son, Asa. The issues of how we address drugs and addiction are vast. Her story is a unique perspective and outlines the deeper problems with the current system. 

The self-described "outsider," Jennifer Allen, talks about how she ended up at End It For Good and how she changed her mind on the War on Drugs. We always talk about how we want others to go out and tell their friends and family about the harms of the drug war. Even for her, it took some time to learn all about this complex issue and be able to explain it to others. Join us to hear her journey! 

It's our 50th Episode!!! Christina was excited to sit down with End It For Good CEO Brett Montague to talk about his journey in walking with his brother through addiction and recovery. He also talks about how hiring those who the criminal justice system has impacted is vital and will help communities and the state of Mississippi thrive. We also get to hear about his guilty pleasure. Can you guess what it is? 

How did the End It For Good team members change their minds in favor of health-center approaches to drugs? Starting with End It For Good's Director of Outreach, Angela Mallette, Christina talks with her about her background, struggles, triumphs, and how she got to where she is today. 

In this episode, Christina talks with Chris Freeze, former FBI Special Agent in Charge for the state of Mississippi. They dive into what he's learned in the last few years that intersect with the work End It For Good focuses on, what is the Science of Hope, and where he stands on the Drug War. 

Christina sits down with Reverend Steve Casteel from Heritage United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. Steve was part of the Faith panel at the 2022 End It For Good SHIFT Summit. In this episode, he talks about how he became involved with these issues of drugs and drug use, why stigma is so prevalent in the faith community, and how having hard conversations is good for the church. 

The End It For Good podcast is back after 16 months!! What have we been doing over the last year and a half? Find out what we've been learning, where we've been, and who we've met along the way. Christina and Mike will touch on Fentanyl and weigh some options on what truly reduces the harms of the drug war. 

As the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prisons and Youth Justice in the UK, he worked within the prison system and now is cutting a clear path for reformed drug laws through his group, The Conservative Drug Policy Reform Group. Listen to how he came to these conclusions and what he wants to do to help.

It's not very often that we find a current law enforcement officer, in active duty, speaking out about the harms of the drug war. Peter Muyshondt, Police Chief in Antwerp, Belgium, changed his mind after he saw the harms of drugs in his own family. Listen to his powerful story. 

Christina talks with Dan Reynolds, Host of the ALEC podcast Across The States. American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is America’s largest nonpartisan, voluntary membership organization of state legislators dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism. She tells them the story of what changed her mind. 

Author Colleen Cowles shares her wealth of information on several different aspects of the War on Drugs - the good, the bad and the mind-blowing!

Christina offers her best tips, from a Christian perspective, on how to have a respectful and meaningful conversation about the ending the Drug War.

Chief Taylor's upbringing made her want to become a police officer and she achieved that, and so much more, in the state of Missouri. She has changed her mind about the War on Drugs because of the things she witnessed. Spend a few minutes with Christina and Chief Taylor to hear her story.

If you've never heard of Kratom, you probably will.  We discuss what it is, how it's used and what the government thinks of it.

When it comes to fines and fees, how difficult is it to get out of the criminal justice system once you get in it?

An attendee at one of our events was concerned that legalization will lead to further moral decay in America. Is that true?

Zara Snapp lives and works in Mexico. What does drug prohibition cause south of the border?

More ER visits? Higher youth arrest rates? And what about driving under the influence? Mike & Christina respond to the points made in this op-ed on why the author believes legal marijuana has devastated Colorado: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/08/07/marijuana-devastated-colorado-dont-legalize-nationally-jeff-hunt-column/536010001/