The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return

Matthew (Matt) A. Tyner, Sr. is the author of Fast and Hard: From Addictions to Redemption.    He is a man who has reinvented himself and has invested his second chance at life with building positive relationships with those around him. Matt is best known for his work as a college baseball coach, but many know him as a walk-on baseball player from the prestigious University of Miami Baseball program that made three consecutive College World Series appearances. When all the world looked bright for Matt, it was his own demons who sabotaged all of his professional and personal opportunities.  For decades he was cross addicted to drugs and alcohol, while mired in the muck of unsavory behaviors. His painfully raw memoir chronicles the scared boy running toward the monster of addictions and finally to how he found redemption. Matt speaks to reaching the ill-fated rock bottom.  His memoir shows that if not for his reckoning with his demons, he would surely have lost his life. Fast and Hard is a dark story that ends with a man accepting the embrace of his spiritual awakening, the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and the forgiveness from his family and friends. For those longing for the life of a professional athlete, Matt shares the reality of the pitfalls and detours of a professional Minor League player. He is long past his days of playing for the franchises of the Baltimore Orioles, but his recall of those days is incredible.  That life could never compare to the present life of being clean and sober for over two decades. In his addiction free life, he has dedicated his life to serving others and provides leadership through coaching and public speaking to thousands of men and women of all ages. Matt is currently a NCAA Division I Head Baseball Coach for Towson University. He is also the owner of MLT Sports Investments, LLC and a professional motivational speaker for Tyner Effect (www.Tynereffect.com). His educational background includes undergraduate studies at the University of Miami and his bachelor's degree in Business Communications from Concordia University, Indianapolis, IN Campus. https://tynereffect.com Fast & Hard - From Addictions to Redemption: https://www.amazon.com/Fast-Hard-Matthew-Tyner-Sr/dp/B0F1C3KVVD HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Dancing since the age of 5, Sybil Stanonis' first love was tap. Taking classes and competing with top level recognition in tap, ballet and jazz throughout childhood; she knew dance was a passion. Her competition success provided her invitations to dance across Russia (Leningrad, Minsk, Moscow ) and Denmark (Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen). Her professional credits include 2 seasons as a NFL Cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which involved promotional work and community events. While pursuing & completing her degree in psychology at State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury she continued dance by adding to her professional credits dancing with the Knicks City Dancers summer dance events, coaching high school cheerleading and performing with the Fred Astaire Dance Troupe on Long Island, NY. Moving to Florida and starting a family has shifted Sybil's dance career to instruction/dance therapy.  The curriculum Sybil developed from her education, dance expertise & life experience offers a creative and therapetic approach that teaches skills to last a lifetime. DTWS is currently offered in studio and public & private schools, virtual and also at your location site for team building experiences. Dance Time with Sybil, Inc. is a patch partner with Girl Scouts of West Central Florida & community partner with numerous organizations.  Sybil & her students students perform for various charity events around the Tampa Bay Area including Wounded Warriors Benefit, Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, Drug Free America Foundation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, & American Lung Association.  Sybil also stays active with the Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleader Alumni & NFL Alumni through performances and community events. Sybil is an official Tedx speaker sharing her speech "Dancing through the Darkness with Pivots to your Purpose" with inspiration, motivation & movement. "To Me dancing is a beautiful way of expressing your thoughts, emotions and feelings through movement of our body...There is never any judgement on my dance floor...and it will forever be a part of my journey we call life." Find her on social media:  Facebook : Sybil Stanonis and Dance Time with Sybil Instagram: sybs99 TikTok: dtwsybil LinkedIn: sybil stanonis or dtwsybil Sybil's Website: https://dtwsybil.com HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Rob Lohman's battle with addiction began at just 14 years old, fueled by a family history of alcoholism. Throughout his teenage and young adult years, he lived a chaotic, chameleon-like existence, losing his true identity to drinking and drug use. Despite the mistakes he made during those years, Rob credits his journey with giving him the powerful stories he now uses to help others move from addiction to recovery. One night, while drinking heavily at a bar in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rob experienced a moment of divine intervention. He heard the words, "You're done," in the middle of the crowd and later, at home, came within seconds of taking his own life. It was the nudge of his dog, Jake, and a flood of thoughts about his family that saved him. The next day, Rob reached out for help, attended his first AA meeting, and has remained sober for 18 years, building a new life filled with family, purpose, and faith. Sober since 2001, Rob Lohman helps people suffering from substance abuse to find freedom from addiction and incarceration. He does this through sharing his testimony, Professional Interventions and Recovery Coaching, Advocacy, Self-Published Author and being the host of Beyond The Bars Radio Podcast and Addiction, Freedom & Faith Podcast Rob has been through the wringer, AND continues to press on! Freebie: Get a FREE copy of Rob's Best-selling book at https://freerecoverybook.com/   Secure your spot on the Wall of Hope in the IOP at https://recoverybrick.com/  Addiction, Freedom, and Faith Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/addiction-freedom-faith--4566082 HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/  

Bob Kinney is a recovered alcoholic after an 18-year battle of severe alcoholism. He is a father of six children and has 12 grandchildren. He is a veteran with a heart for homeless veterans. He is a Christian, retired carpenter, and devoted father and grandpa, residing in New Hope, MN. He is the author of Kill Me or Cure Me, a memoir published in 2024 which relives the story of his addiction and eventual recovery: Kill Me or Cure Me: A Message of True Recovery from Addiction.  This is a true story about addiction, recovery, and the destructive effects on family and loved ones. Treatment after treatment, meeting after meeting, and medications of every kind could not cure the craving or satisfy the emptiness brought on by my addiction. And none of which eased the quilt or shame he felt from the pain he had caused others. So, into the perpetual relapse he went, struggling for sobriety and attempting to conquer the craving, the great force feeding the addiction.  But this story does not end in defeat, a story sadly too common in this world. Rather this is a story to find an answer, to see ourselves for what we are and what we can become, being set free of this nightmare, and the ability to have true recovery and restoration of life. In this interview, Bob shares a story or two of his experience of being at the lowest point of life from alcohol addiction where he lost everything and became homeless - his point of no return. Then, how he turned it around finding recovery and re-establishing relationships with his children and grandchildren. He wants to share how much he appreciates sobriety and life as a father/grandfather thanks to our loving and gracious God. His daughter, Colleen Schaeffel, who wrote her own memoir (Do You Believe in Me) is also present in the interview to talk about her dad: the dad she helped see his way to recovery. In her book Colleen tells the true story of the perfect family torn apart by addiction. She rallied her siblings to stand together through adversity, loss and whatever it took to find hope in their lives and recovery for their father. Her book is a must read for anyone who has lived through family dysfunction and a family member's addiction. Colleen is so blessed to have him back in her life. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Success isn't just about climbing the ladder—it's about helping others climb it too. That's the heart of Nick Jonsson, co-founder and Managing Director of EGN (Executives' Global Network) across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Through EGN, Nick has built a lifeline for 800+ senior leaders—a safe space for connection, strategy, and real talk in the high-stakes, often isolating world of executive leadership. But Nick's impact goes deeper than titles and networks. After losing everything to addiction—career, health, and family—he turned personal rock bottom into a mission. Sparked by the tragic loss of a friend, Nick wrote the bestselling Executive Loneliness, a bold, honest guide that's helped thousands of executives face burnout, stress, and isolation. Now, as a top Ironman triathlete, executive coach, and global keynote speaker, Nick walks his talk on resilience and mental wellness. His insights have reached millions through 80+ podcasts, 30+ media features, and stages across Asia, including the APSS and CIPM HR conferences. Nick's story is one of comeback, courage, and compassion. If you think leadership is only about results, think again. Nick is here to show it's also about humanity. Listen in—because you're never too old to grow young. https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Loneliness-Overcoming-Isolation-Depression/dp/B09QH58C32 https://www.nickjonsson.com/ HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Dr. Frederic Luskin is a psychologist who has been teaching at Stanford University for the past 30 years. He has a Ph. D in Counseling and Health Psychology from Stanford University and holds clinical licenses as a Psychologist and a Marriage and Family Counselor.  Currently he is on the faculty for the GSB Executive Education program where he teaches mindfulness, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and positive psychology to executives from all over the world.  When not at Stanford, Dr. Luskin often speaks to a variety of audiences, including investors, corporate leaders, medical and mental health professionals, educators and several other organizations and individuals. He also serves as Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects.  The forgiveness projects sponsor teaching and research that validate his nine steps to forgiveness.  Dr. Luskin is one of the world's recognized authorities on forgiveness, both of self and others and has taught forgiveness to tens of thousands of people. Fred's group has completed some good pilot data and written a workbook to help folks. How to use the research derived 9 steps to forgiveness. There is particular need for self forgiveness in recovery HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Dan Zsido has had 15 years of narcotics investigative experience with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. He established and supervised the Strategic Diversion Task Force investigating pharmaceutical crimes, doctor shopping, fraud, trafficking and more. Currently Dan is the Training and Education Director at NADDI (National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators) - The Training and Education Director assists the Executive Board in the development and implementation of NADDI Training Conferences and Dan is the man for the job! Dan Zsido is an awesome addition to the NADDI Executive Board. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the NADDI organization and strives to keep our training's fresh, fun, and educational. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION: DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ #drugaddictionpodcast #alcoholaddiction #alternativetreatment #hopeforaddiction #helpforaddiction #newmaninterventions

A successful businesswoman and well-known political leader, Congresswoman Mary Bono (ret.) was hailed as the "embodiment of powerful American womanhood" by the Washington Times, rising to become Chairman of the influential U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. In April of 2022, Mary was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Merit Award from her alma mater, the University of Southern California. Today, she is widely recognized as a powerful advocate for issues important for addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. Mary was elected in 1998 to serve California's 44th (later changed to 45th) Congressional District after the untimely death of her husband, entertainer turned Congressman Sonny Bono. And in 2012, she became the first ever Chairman of the Women's Policy Committee (WPC) in the House. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Julieta's powerful journey from the border town of Juarez, Mexico, to becoming a relentless advocate for drug education is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in a community deeply affected by drug abuse, she witnessed firsthand not only the devastating impact on individuals but the ripple effect it had on entire neighborhoods. Realizing the urgent need for education and awareness, she became fiercely passionate about making a difference—especially when it came to educating children. Since 2007, Julieta has served as the President of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Florida Chapter, dedicating herself tirelessly to the cause. Her impact speaks volumes: she has personally delivered over 400 presentations, reaching more than 21,000 students, parents, teachers, and law enforcement officers. Beyond Florida and the U.S., her influence has extended across borders, training educators, officials, and community leaders in countries like Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, and Ireland. A true force for change, Julieta has inspired over 7,500 individuals to sign the pledge to live drug-free lives. With her team, she has distributed hundreds of thousands of 'Truth About Drugs' materials, spreading awareness far and wide. Since 2013, Julieta has hosted her own weekly radio segment, "La Verdad Sobre las Drogas" (The Truth About Drugs) on Vida 99.1 FM, where she continues to educate and inspire listeners. Her voice has reached millions, with over 150 media appearances, including TV, radio, and newspapers, both nationally and internationally. https://drugfreeworld.org HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Lang Martinez, a resident of Los Angeles, CA, has successfully transformed his life's challenges into a compelling narrative of resilience.  As a Trauma Survivor, Unconventional Advocate, Recovery Mentor, Hope Dealer and Speaker. Martinez leverages his experiences of sexual abuse and rape as a minor to advocate for the homeless, employing a peer-to-peer approach recognized in various publications, including the Washington Examiner, VCRreporter, Monticito Journal, Fillmore Gazette, Vc Star, Citizens Journal, La Crescenta Valley Weekly, Keys To Recovery, and a forthcoming documentary film on the abuse and addiction stemming from a notorious Hollywood nightclub, Odyssey. Martinez stands alongside notable figures nationwide as a prominent advocate.  Despite facing numerous challenges, including addiction, imprisonment, and homelessness, Martinez continues to learn and grow, recognizing his past as a catalyst for his present. Martinez enjoys a fulfilling career, a loving relationship, and dedication to helping others.  He shares his story of resilience and recovery, inspiring others with his journey from homelessness and near-death experiences. Martinez credits 'God's Angels' for their support and faith in his ability to overcome.  Rising from Skid Row's challenges, Martinez embodies hope and redemption, having found salvation and peace. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Dedee Pfeiffer, celebrated actress and younger sister of Michelle Pfeiffer, is known for her roles in hit shows like *Cybill* and *For Your Love* and her recent return to television as Denise Brisbane in ABC's *Big Sky.* But Dedee's journey is far more compelling than her screen credits alone. After stepping away from Hollywood for a decade to confront her alcohol addiction and raise her children as a single mom, she emerged not just as a survivor but as an advocate for recovery. During her hiatus, Dedee earned a master's degree in social work from UCLA and worked hands-on with the homeless and those battling mental health challenges. Her recovery journey was marked by courage and resilience, and she's since become a powerful voice for addiction recovery, encouraging others to “recover out loud” and break the stigma around substance abuse. Today, Dedee blends her revitalized acting career with her passion for helping others, sharing her story on platforms like the Betty Ford Center's 40th anniversary event and advocating for the power of support systems and self-healing. Her story isn't just about survival—it's about transformation. Join us as we delve into Dedee Pfeiffer's extraordinary journey on this episode of our podcast. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Jackie Siegel is best known for her role in the award-winning documentary feature, Queen of Versailles (Magnolia Pictures), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. A little back story: Jackie earned the "Queen" moniker when a decade ago, she and husband, David Siegel, began an extravagant project to build the largest private residence in the U.S.—named Versailles—and the ambitious construction ground to a halt as the '08 recession dented their fortune. The rise and fall of their grand ambitions were captured in the critically acclaimed 2012 documentary based on their plans for the 90,000-square-foot behemoth near Orlando, FL. In 2016, the Siegel's world changed forever when their then 18-year-daughter, Victoria, died of a drug overdose. This tragedy has trajected them into a new life purpose: to save lives through drug prevention programs. As a result, the Siegels have created a foundation in Victoria's memory called Victoria's Voice. Its purpose is to bring drug prevention education into the schools, offer healthy social media opportunities for young people, and assist first responders in receiving and administering Narcan (Naloxone) to an overdose victim, which has proven to save lives. When Victoria was discovered, she still had a heartbeat. It's possible she could have been saved if the first responders had been equipped with Narcan. In 2019, Siegel released a profoundly personal book, “Victoria's Voice,” compiled from the pages of her late daughter's journal.  The Siegels decided to leave it just as Victoria had left it with drawings, poems, heartfelt feelings of loneliness and sadness. It is a very emotionally-charged read that all need to take heed of. It is a glimpse into the heart of a hurting teen that reveals to parents not uncommon struggles of their children. “If only one life can be saved through our efforts,” says Mrs. Siegel, “it will have been worth all of the time, effort, and money.” Later that year, Siegel also released The Princess of Versailles documentary on the fourth anniversary of Victoria's passing. The documentary aimed to bring awareness of America's opioid crisis to another level. In 2020, Siegel published a children's book “Oliver Uncollared” with her twin teen daughters to help kids cope with loss and grief. Mrs. Siegel continues to schedule a full calendar as a model, actress, and philanthropist, but since Victoria's loss, more priority is now given to Victoria's Voice Foundation as she and her husband tirelessly work to bring local communities, state legislatures and even the federal government in agreement to do more about the opioid epidemic and its often tragic results. The former Mrs. Florida America is also actively involved in the national Mrs. America organization and now many of the beauty queens have become outspoken advocates of Victoria's Voice and saving lives. Most recently, Siegel welcomed cameras back into her life and the Versailles mansion with the Discovery+ original series, Queen of Versailles Reigns Again, released in March 2022.  HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Denise Barnes is a devoted mother of three, married to a wonderful Christian husband, and a proud native of San Diego, California. Her family, deeply rooted in their love for surfing and faith, faced an unimaginable tragedy this year when her youngest son was found overdosing on a Xanax laced with fentanyl. Despite Narcan being administered, 911 was not called—a critical misstep that cost her son his life. This devastating loss has left an irreplaceable void in their hearts and a profound sense of purpose in Denise's life.   Determined to prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak, Denise is now on a mission to raise awareness about the life-saving importance of combining Narcan (naloxone) with an immediate 911 call. She emphasizes that while Narcan can restart the heart, only medical professionals can provide the necessary care to keep it beating.  Denise is passionate about educating schools, the media, and the public about this crucial message: Narcan alone is not enough—it must be paired with a 911 call to save lives. Time is of the essence in an overdose situation, and spreading this knowledge is her way of honoring her son's memory and protecting others from the same tragic outcome. Through platforms like podcasts, Denise shares her story and advocates for change, hoping to spare other mothers, fathers, siblings, and loved ones the pain her family endures. She finds comfort in her faith and the hope of being reunited with her son in heaven one day.  NARCAN+911 - check it out on Instagram - denise.barnes37 on Instagram HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Melissa Hayward-Tucker was caught in the grip of addiction for years, a victim of drugs and alcohol from her early teens. Growing up in a turbulent world of abandonment, domestic violence, and abuse, she faced trauma most never know. By age fourteen, she was using crack cocaine, and her life spiraled into darkness on the dangerous streets of Houston and Los Angeles, where she was left homeless, addicted, and surrounded by violence. But on January 29, 2001, in her darkest hour, she heard a voice that sparked hope—a call to begin a journey of healing. Against all odds, she broke free from the chains that bound her and found purpose. In her powerful new book, *Caught Up: The Story of a Drug Addict's Return to Her Roots*, Melissa recounts every raw, harrowing detail of her life in addiction, sharing the pain, trauma, and the profound resilience it took to overcome. Today, Melissa is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, and the founder of God's Vessel Ministries. As a gospel artist signed with Genesoul Entertainment, she has won awards for songs that inspire and uplift, including the London MP3 Music Award for “Praize Praize” and the Indie Music Channel Award for “Transformed.” Her latest single, *Freedom Ring*, is available on all platforms, celebrating her liberation and calling others to find theirs. With a deep passion for faith, Melissa is devoted to helping women transform their lives through God's truth and power. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and lives as a testament to God's ability to restore and redeem. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In 2012, 14-year-old Dakota Dyer tragically took his own life after trying a synthetic drug. His father, Lance Dyer, was determined to prevent other families from experiencing this devastation. Confronted with the growing scourge of synthetic drugs - marketed as "safe" alternatives to marijuana - Lance fought back. Using investigative skills honed as an Army Ranger, Lance tracked down the manufacturing company responsible for his son's death. His efforts led to the arrests and lengthy prison sentences of those involved in the drug's production, distribution, and marketing. But justice for Dakota could not undo the unimaginable loss. Resolved to change the future, Lance began speaking out to educate young people, parents, and authorities about the dangers of synthetic drugs. He partnered with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, finding their factual, non-judgmental educational materials to be a game-changer in reaching youth. Through the Dakota Dyer Foundation, Lance has now reached over a quarter of a million people, contributed to banning synthetic drugs nationwide, and continued his fight to protect young people from this deadly threat. His unwavering determination in the face of personal tragedy serves as an inspiration. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Lauren Sisler is an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author, and keynote speaker known for her sideline shimmy. After landing her dream career with ESPN, reporting on college football and gymnastics, she began to open up about a story she once kept hidden: losing her parents to opioid addiction. Through sharing her story, she's been able to shed light on the stigma of addiction. Now, whether she's on the sidelines or on stages, her purpose lies in helping people tell (and love) their own stories, live more courageous, resilient lives, and find their own sideline shimmies. Lauren lost both parents to opioid addiction - At just 18, while most kids are learning how to navigate college life, Lauren faced a life-altering tragedy: the sudden and unexpected loss of both parents due to a hidden prescription drug addiction. Her parent's death left her grappling with grief, shame and countless unanswered questions. As she struggled to understand their addiction and its ripple effects, Lauren's life seemed shattered. Her new memoir "Shatterproof" - In her powerful memoir, Lauren shares her story of finding strength, redemption and a commitment to breaking the stigma of addiction. By openly discussing her family's experiences with opioid addiction, Lauren hopes to offer support and inspiration to others dealing with similar struggles—proving that in the face of trauma, it's possible to become shatterproof. The power of falling in love with your story. https://www.amazon.com/Shatterproof-Overcame-Parents-Addiction-Sideline/dp/1962802078 HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Marcel Gemme is a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS) and a member of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals who concentrates on helping families find help for their loved ones. He is the founder and CEO of DRS, which includes Addicted.org and Drugrehab.ca, two websites that have helped thousands of people find treatment for substance use disorder in the United States and Canada. Marcel is also a member of International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP). Marcel started as an intake counselor for a drug rehabilitation center in 2000. During his five years as an intake counselor, he helped many addicts get the treatment they needed. He also dealt with the families and friends of those people; he saw first-hand how much strain addiction puts on a family and how it can tear relationships apart. With drug and alcohol problems constantly on the rise in the United States and Canada, he decided to use the Internet to educate and help many more people in both countries. For the past 17 years, Marcel has been working with his family and other addiction professionals to build two of the largest substance use resource websites in the U.S. and Canada. These websites help millions of people each year by providing listings for every type of drug rehab service available in the country. To complement this, Marcel is constantly writing helpful tips and providing resources to keep individuals updated with the ever-evolving subject of addiction recovery. The quality of his work has not gone unnoticed, and the Government of Canada has recently included his Canadian website, Drugrehab.ca, on a short list of country-wide resources for getting help with substance use. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/  

Thaddeus' service to this country began its course while proudly serving in the United States Air Force. He served on the Terrell County Independent School District School Board for eight years and as the Board President four of those years. His viewpoint: “Students and our school's educators are at the forefront of our nations foundation. Texas must lead the nation by adapting our approach to doing what is best for the students first and foremost so we as Texans and parents promote the most effective solutions to prepare future leaders of Texas and our nation with what they need to reach their full potential.”  Currently Thaddeus C. Cleveland is the Sheriff for Terrell County, Texas. He was appointed as Sheriff on May 17, 2022. Prior to his appointment, Sheriff Cleveland spent just over 26 years in the United States Border Patrol and the last 11 years of his career as the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Sanderson Border Patrol Station. Sheriff Cleveland entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on February 26, 1996, as a member of Class 300. His first duty assignment as a Border Patrol agent was at the Nogales Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector. Since his entry into the U.S. Border Patrol, Sheriff Cleveland served as a Border Patrol Agent at Sierra Blanca, Texas, a Senior Patrol Agent at Eagle Pass, Texas, a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent at Douglas, Arizona and Artesia, New Mexico. He has also served as a Field Operations Supervisor at Naco, Arizona and Alpine, Texas. Sheriff Cleveland served as an Assistant Chief in Washington, D.C. at the Office of Border Patrol as well as Customs and Border Protection's Commissioner's Office of Anti-Terrorism and Office of State, Local and Tribal Liaison. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Dr. Tracy Strawberry is an international speaker, published author, CEO, and wife of baseball legend Darryl Strawberry. After many years of battling addiction, alcoholism and other life controlling issues, Tracy surrendered her life to Jesus Christ and experienced a radical life transformation through the power of God and the process of change. By sharing her testimony openly, with biblical solutions and practical application, Tracy is a highly sought after international speaker with requests to deliver her powerful messages of how to experience lasting change, re-inventing yourself, experiencing God in the most difficult of times, overcoming your past, and becoming the very best "you" that God created you to be, and much, much more! Tracy now holds a Doctorate Degree in Theology, with a focused study in Cultural Restoration and Leadership. She holds her Masters Degree in Business Administration and Management, with a Bachelors in Ministry Leadership. Dr. Strawberry is the Author of several publications including, Clean Sober & Saved, a Christ-Centered Recovery Curriculum that is established globally. In her weekly programs and traveling ministry, she teaches biblical truth with practical application to deliver a message of faith, redeeming hope, restoration and freedom in Jesus Christ. Tracy believes that those who are lost will be found and those who are bound will be free! Alongside her biblical teaching and preaching platform, she is an international business consultant with a specialty in assisting Pastors, Governments, and other Leaders with infrastructure and organizational development, strategic planning, and the creation of innovative solutions needed to reach culturally diverse demographics and territories. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Andrew Zimmern knew from a young age he wanted a career in food. After attending The Dalton School and Vassar College, he cooked in New York City restaurants for Anne Rosenzweig, Joachim Splichal and Thomas Keller, amongst others. Andrew helped open and run a dozen restaurants, and at the same time was also an addict spiraling out of control. After a year spent living on the streets, an intervention by close friends brought him to the Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota. Transforming his life around sobriety, Andrew took a job washing dishes at Minneapolis' Café Un Deux Trois. In 1992, he was named executive chef and during his six-year tenure, turned Un Deux Trois into an awarded, national caliber restaurant. An Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writer and teacher, Andrew Zimmern is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable personalities in the food world. As the creator, executive producer and host of Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern's Driven by Food and Emmy-winning The Zimmern List, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. In 2020, Andrew returned to television with the MSNBC series What's Eating America. His latest series, Family Dinner, airs on Chip & Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Network and steams on Discovery+.   HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Brace yourself for a fascinating episode of **The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return**, featuring the Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist, **Barry Meier**, as we peel back the layers of the opioid crisis, examining its roots, aftermath, and the unsettling role played by the Sackler family and their empire, Purdue Pharma. Meier also discusses how he ventured into investigative reporting and provides context for his journey in creating the book that started it all – **"Pain Killer: An Empire Of Deceit And The Origin Of America's Opioid Epidemic" In this groundbreaking book, Meier exposes the chilling truth behind the creation of OxyContin and its devastating impact on countless lives. The Netflix limited series, based on his work, thrusts viewers into the epicenter of the crisis, spotlighting the Sackler family's sordid connection to Purdue Pharma and their undeniable role in the nationwide tragedy. As you listen to/watch this interview and read the book, you'll gain incomparable insights into the opioid crisis that has ravaged America. Meier's narrative explores the origins and aftermath of this epidemic, giving voice to the perpetrators, victims, and those determined to uncover the truth. The Netflix series not only chronicles the haunting stories of those affected but also introduces us to the relentless truth-seekers whose lives have been forever altered by the invention of OxyContin. The Netflix series boasts a star-studded cast that brings this gripping narrative to life. **Matthew Broderick** takes on the role of Richard Sackler, the scion of the billionaire Sackler family and a senior executive at Purdue Pharma. **Uzo Aduba** from "Orange Is The New Black" embodies Edie, the investigator leading the case against Purdue, while **John Rothman** and **West Duchovny** portray Mortimer Sackler, co-owner of Purdue Pharma, and Shannon, a new recruit to the Purdue sales team, respectively. Additionally, **Dina Shihabi** steps into the shoes of Britt, a seasoned sales representative for Purdue. Tune in to our website or YouTube Channel - **The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return** - to gain a deeper understanding of the opioid crisis, the role of the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma, and the riveting personal stories that have shaped this tragic narrative. Subscribe now and be prepared to be both informed and moved by the revelations that unfold in this unmissable podcast episode. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Lunden Roberts is a mother, author, and financial officer from Batesville, AR. Her all-star basketball career culminated at Arkansas State University, where she was a McDonalds All-American Nominee shooting guard and studied criminal justice and psychology. Roberts went on to Washington, D.C. for the most prestigious CSI training in the country, where she met and began a relationship with Hunter Biden. She served as Biden's executive assistant at Rosemont Seneca and other business entities, and now serves as the financial controller for her family-owned business, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks. She is the mother of Navy, President Biden's seventh grandchild, she is in the process of launching a new fashion line, and serves as an advocate for women in unplanned pregnancies.   She is the author of the book “Out of the Shadows - My Life inside the Wild World of Hunter Biden” - available where books are sold. https://www.amazon.com/dp/151078229X/ HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Jim Willfred is a man with extensive life experiences that have fueled his insatiable passion to help those afflicted with substance use disorders and to support other parents in avoiding the pain of losing a child as he has. Jim struggled with substance use disorder for 20 years until he broke free in 2004. He was honored with the Individual Achievement Award by Governor Bond for his ability to utilize help from government agencies to rebuild his life. Jim was invited to speak before 500 government agency workers, emphasizing the importance of their work. Additionally, Jim was asked by the HeadStart organization to attend a weekend conference in Kansas City and then return to St. Louis to run a mentoring program, teaching fathers how to be effective parents. In 2005, he joined the Carpenters Union, spending 20 years as a Millwright. In 2006, just two years after overcoming substance use disorder, Jim purchased his first home and, for the next 16 years, housed people with substance use disorders in his own home. In 2018, Jim founded "A Second Chance at Life." However, this endeavor faced significant challenges, including financial devastation and the loss of five immediate family members within a year.  On June 20, 2023, Jim's son, Austin, was poisoned by fentanyl. This tragedy, combined with his life experiences and immense passion, led Jim to reinstate "A Second Chance at Life." He completely revised the company's vision, now working not only for sober living homes but also for advocacy, legislative change, drug prevention education, and coalition building and collaboration.  Though it is too late to save his own child, Jim dedicates his efforts to saving other children. https://asecondchanceatlife.org/ HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

John Bitinas is a native of New England, an entrepreneur, public speaker and young guy who has just been wildly successful after getting his life back from addiction. John has been clean and sober now for over 18 years, in that time he has built a successful business, found and married the love of his life and personally spoke to over 250,000 people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. John currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife Renee, where they own and operate their business Northpoint Financial. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

he tragic loss of her son, Devin, in Feb 2018 to an accidental drug overdose was the catalyst for INTO LIGHT Project. Through the simple act of drawing, Theresa discovered the power of art and storytelling to change minds and hearts. The INTO LIGHT Project, while born out of tragedy, has provided Theresa with an opportunity to shed light on those lost to addiction so that their spirit, kindness, humor, pain, and compassion are seen. She is passionate about changing the conversation about drug addiction. She believes that ending the stigma and shame of addiction is the first and most important step in overcoming the disease. And that begins with empathy. Debbie Simon's son Scott was featured in the Florida exhibit of Into Light Project. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/  

Anne Elizabeth Fundner lost her son Weston to fentanyl poisoning in 2022.  She blames the current administration for the opening of the borders for the death of her son.   Anne Fundner shared that Weston was a really good kid, and she and her family did everything right. They involved him in sports, and Anne was an active room mom. Their relationship was wonderful; Weston was her perfect little bouncing baby boy who taught her what unconditional love was, a love she had never known existed outside of her own parents. Being her firstborn son, he showed her the strength of love when she first held him in her arms. He meant everything to her.   Both Anne and Weston's father were very active in his life. They had family dinners every night, went on outings together, and enjoyed fun vacations. They led a nice life, with Weston attending private school. They did everything to set him up for a perfect life, from getting him braces to ensuring he had a 3.5 GPA, and encouraging his involvement in football, hockey, and friendships.   Despite all their efforts, fentanyl still found Weston. As a teenager, he faced peer pressure and sought independence. He decided to fit in with a new crowd at a new school, moving from private to public school. Anne believes he wanted friends who seemed fun and, unfortunately, succumbed to peer pressure. This ultimately led to his tragic death.   Anne Fundner's 15-year-old son Weston died from a fentanyl overdose after, in his mother's telling, he succumbed to peer pressure and “tried something” he shouldn't have. She said she blamed Joe Biden, Kamala Harris— “The Border Czar”—and Gov. Gavin Newsom, after California authorities declined to prosecute the case. “He did everything right,” she said of her son. “This was not an overdose, it was a poisoning.” HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Charlotte Bismuth was an attorney who started her career as a litigation associate. After joining the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor in 2010, she began investigating a doctor who was illegally overprescribing pain medications. After months of investigation, Dr. Li was finally convicted of 2 counts of murder and over 90 other counts. While she had a team that assisted, this is the story of one woman's campaign to right a deadly wrong. She continues to fight the good fight in educating families devastated by loss. She's helping them navigate the bankruptcy laws to help alleviate their pain. https://www.charlottebismuth.com/ HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Darryl Strawberry is described as a baseball legend by many who have been dazzled by the dynamics of his game. His many accomplishments in the major leagues include four World Series titles, eight All-Star Game appearances, and a nomination to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004. He has earned the legendary nicknames and phrases of one of the most feared home run hitters in the game of baseball: Straw's Sweet Swing, Strawberry's Field Forever, and The Legendary Straw Man! Though Darryl was extremely successful in his career, his personal life was plagued with addictions, abuse, divorces, cancer, jail time, and other issues. Darryl finally found true redemption and restoration in Jesus Christ. Today, Darryl's purpose and passion is serving the Lord Jesus Christ by traveling the country, speaking a message of hope and restoration through the power of the gospel. He is the author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller, Straw: Finding My Way (with John Strausbaugh), Don't Give Up on Me: Shining Light on Addiction with Darryl Strawberry (with Shawn Powell), The Imperfect Marriage: Help for Those Who Think It's Over with his wife, Tracy Strawberry, and Turn Your Season Around. In 2011 Darryl and Tracy founded Strawberry Ministries, and they use their global reach to restore the multitudes through spiritual and practical life applications. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Ryan David Leaf champions those battling mental and behavioral health issues, urging us to rethink mental health and addiction. He aims to crush the stigma, declaring, "asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness." As a former quarterback, Leaf's career at Washington State was stellar: Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (1997), First Team All-American, Sammy Baugh Quarterback of the Year, Heisman Trophy finalist, and leading the Cougars to the '97 Rose Bowl. Drafted No. 2 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, he spent four years in the NFL. Currently, Ryan is the CEO and President of RAM Consultant, Inc., and program ambassador for Transcend Recovery Community. In the sports world, he's a college football analyst for ESPN, where he calls games on ESPN2 and ESPNU, hosts the Pac-12 radio show on Sirius XM from 7-10 am PST, and regularly contributes to SportsCenter. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Steven May reflected on his legal journey, noting that despite losing the case on a technical motion to dismiss, the experience during discovery was profoundly enlightening. His case had traversed through various stages, including a Supreme Court review before ultimately being dismissed due to what he deemed an unfortunate technicality. According to May, there was a belief that governmental pressure influenced the court's decision to dismiss the case through any available means. May highlighted the core argument of his case, which contended that Purdue Pharma's alleged fraud in misrepresenting OxyContin's efficacy during the approval process contributed to the subsequent opioid crisis. He pointed out that had the drug not been approved based on falsified claims, both the company and the government would not have used it, potentially averting the crisis. Moreover, May underscored his role as a whistleblower in the Purdue Pharma case, drawing parallels to other whistleblower cases such as that of Brooke Jackson, who exposed issues with Pfizer's mRNA vaccines. He emphasized that these cases shared a fundamental premise: if pharmaceutical companies had not manipulated clinical data to support false claims about their products' efficacy, the products might never have been approved in the first place. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Ed Bisch's son died of an overdose of Oxycontin. Ed didn't sit by. He started researching Oxycontin and its manufacturer - Purdue Pharma; AND the family behind it - The Sacklers. He has been fighting this battle for years and doesn't see giving up until both the company and the family are made to take responsibility for the countless deaths due to oxycontin addiction and overdose. In December 2020, Ed appeared in the MSNBC special - The Forgotten Epidemic. Recently, Ed has been working to raise awareness and calling for the DOJ to prosecute the Sacklers after his 18-year-old son, Eddie, died of an OxyContin-related overdose in 2001. He founded Relatives Against Purdue Pharma. Judge Robert D. Drain Drain retired 7 years early and took a job at a law firm that was Purdue's General Counsel in a multi Billion dollar case he was hand picked for? How is this NOT illegal? Petition started called the Drain Curtain law to make it illegal to go to work for a vested interest in prior legal actions the judge presided over. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/drain-curtain-law Message the Attorney General; the Deputy Attorney General; and the Associate Attorney General. Email the DOJ here: https://www.justice.gov/doj/webform/your-message-department-justice If you want to read Mike Quinn's filing with the Supreme Court, go here: https://bit.ly/supremecourtfilingmikequinn Gracie Parker - 9 years old - her book - Shattered: Stories of Lives Broken by Substance Abuse and How We Put the Pieces Back Together https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Stories-Broken-Substance-Together/dp/B0CJKY8B5Y Her website: https://whyuskids.org/ Rick Mountcastle served as a federal prosecutor for more than 32 years, first at the Department of Justice and later at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia. As a senior trial attorney in DOJ's Criminal Tax Enforcement Section, he prosecuted criminal tax cases throughout the United States. He was the lead prosecutor on several high-profile health care fraud cases, including the first Purdue Pharma prosecution (featured in the Hulu series “Dopesick"). Rick previously served four years as an active duty Army JAG officer and 24 years as a National Guard and Army Reserve JAG officer. Rick is dedicated to the issue of justice for victims of oxycontin and as such speaks out on the subject and assists activists like Ed Bisch in this mission.  HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION: DONATE HERE: https://bit.ly/Fightdrugs PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK.  AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com   Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ #drugaddictionpodcast #alcoholaddiction #alternativetreatment #hopeforaddiction #helpforaddiction #newmaninterventions

Born in Redondo Beach, California, David Sanchez began learning about drugs at age 9 when a neighbor offered him marijuana. By age 15, he was using harder drugs that first led to juvenile jail and eventually to multiple penitentiaries. The turning points came in 2012 when he finally conquered his addiction, and then in 2014 when he began building on his own knowledge and studies of addiction, and on ideas to develop and keep communities healthier, safer, and free of drugs. https://www.strikeoutagainstdrugs.com/ HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Johnny Stack was born on February 7, 2000 and died by suicide on November 20, 2019 at the age of 19. He was an incredibly intelligent, funny, charming, handsome young man, which you can see in his tribute video. We are a normal suburban family and did normal family things. He had a happy life, a 4.0 GPA with a scholarship to college, and a family who loved him very much. Unfortunately, we live in Colorado, which was the first state to legalize marijuana in 2014, when Johnny was 14 years old. Johnny's Ambassadors is a non-partisan, non-profit, grass-roots alliance of individuals and organizations around the globe concerned about the harms of youth marijuana use. We are parents, coalitions, impacted family members, healthcare professionals, teachers, and nonprofits who seek to reduce youth marijuana use through education, prevention, and awareness. We use evidence-based, scientific research and experts to teach the impacts of today's high-THC marijuana on youth mental illness and suicide ideation. Our allied organizations come together to save the lives of our youth, and Johnny's Ambassadors actively promotes their activities. Our Mission: Johnny's Ambassadors educates parents and teens about the risks of today's high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. Research shows today's high-potency marijuana causes mental health issues and higher incidence of suicide when used recreationally and illegally under 21 years of age. Our Vision: To dramatically decrease the incidence of adolescent marijuana and substance abuse, mental illness, and suicide, to allow our youth to live productive, happy lives. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   #drugaddictionpodcast #alcoholaddiction #alternativetreatment #hopeforaddiction #helpforaddiction #newmaninterventions #johnnysambassadors #marijuana #marijuanaaddiction #legalizedmarijuana #marijuanasuicide

We've talked about marijuana many times on the podcast and noted that quite a few of the former addicts started their drug path with marijuana. In this episode, Dr. Kenneth Finn from Colorado gives us the facts about the use of marijuana as pain medication as well as it's adverse effects on young adults. Dr. Finn used slides during his interview so we suggest you watch the YouTube version of this interview so that you get the truth, nothing but the truth and the whole truth about marijuana.  He's got the credentials and the science to back it up. https://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Medicine-Evidence-Based-Kenneth-Finn/dp/3030459675 HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Philip Eil is an award-winning freelance journalist based in his hometown, Providence, Rhode Island. He is the former news editor of the alt-weekly newspaper, The Providence Phoenix. Since the paper's close in 2014, he has contributed to The Atlantic, Men's Health, the Boston Globe, Huffington Post, and the Columbia Journalism Review, among other outlets. He has also taught writing and journalism classes at Brown University, Columbia University's School of the Arts, and the Rhode Island School of Design. He holds an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from the Columbia University School of the Arts. This is his first book. The book is about addiction and a criminal doctor.  Prescription for Pain by Philip Eil HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Michael R. DeLeon, a successfully acclimated ex-offender who after nearly 8 years of drug addiction and gang involvement, spent 12 years in state prison and half-way houses for a gang-related homicide. Michael plead guilty in a very emotional and complicated case involving the murder of his own Mother by people tasked to kill him.  Since Michael's release from prison, he has earned 3 Associates Degrees, a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Management, with a minor in Criminal Justice and a CADC Educational Certificate. Michael is now in the process of obtaining his Tobacco specialist certification from the University of Kentucky School of Nursing, his Masters Degree in Social Work at Liberty University School of Social Work as well as pursuing his LCADC. Michael DeLeon is on a mission: A mission to educate the youth to stay on the right path when it comes to serious life issues, especially drugs. He has become the #1 booked school presenter in the country. Michael is the founder and powerhouse behind Steered Straight Inc., a non-profit organization formed in 2007 upon his release from prison and designed to carry an important message to youth on the extreme dangers of drugs, gang involvement and associated criminal activity. Steered Straight's program reaches out to children, teens and young adults with a message of reality about life-choices and the importance of consequential thinking so that they understand that there are consequences to their actions. The reality of the message comes from Michael himself, who was entwined in the life of drugs and traveled a troubling road to get to his future.  Throughout the country, Michael now leads a team of talented speakers who present a realistic and powerful prevention message.  His “no holds back” message resonates well with student assemblies, faculty and parents. Stay In Your Lane Media, the media arm of Steered Straight, was founded by Michael in 2012, and has produced four award winning documentaries, Kids Are Dying, An American Epidemic, Marijuana X and Road to Recovery. His fifth documentary, “Higher Power is currently in post-production. Michael has also produced multiple public service announcements, as well as educational and instructional videos on prevention and Recovery Michael founded a project of Steered Straight, Inc., called “The Recovery Army”. Recovery Army's mission is to recruit everyone to wage war on this pandemic of addiction. He tours the country in a Recovery Army Tour bus, visiting communities with educational resources, films and books. He visits schools, prisons, jails, treatment centers, Churches and community organizations addressing each group with catered messages and presentations. He captures stories of Hope and Recovery and has produced over one hundred video stories on the Recovery Army Website. Every state in America has experienced Michael DeLeon – one of the most passionate prevention speakers you will ever encounter.  He is a member of many associations, committees and boards, but more importantly, he will take the time to answer questions from any youth and talk with anyone in his audience. Why? As Michael says, “I don't want to just affect one kid; I want to affect them all.” HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/  

Navarone Garcia is Priscilla Presley's son. Navarone Garibaldi Garcia (born March 1, 1987) is an American musician who serves as the lead singer of Them Guns. Them Guns is a Los Angeles-based rock band made up of members Garcia (guitar/lead vocals), Kyle Hamood (lead guitar/vocals/keys), Bobby Vega (drums), and Chuck Holiday (bass). Santa Cruz Waves described their sound as "...a rock base, a tinge of surf/ska vocals, and funked out keys, a sound to satisfy the traditional, to alternative, to psychedelic rock music enthusiasts...birthed from the barrels of Them Guns". Navarone Garcia was raised in LA.  He was introduced to drugs and started using at a pretty young age.  He became addicted to fentanyl in 2016.  After getting clean in 2020 and a few relapses in 2022, he is now clean and sober for real.  He is now traveling with Michael Deleon from Steered Straight. He is talking to kids mainly about the danger of fentanyl and helping to raise fentanyl/vaping awareness.  The main point he wants to get across is that there is fentanyl in everything and it doesn't seem to be an accident. It's not like one dealer put fentanyl in their batch and it started killing everybody.. and all the other dealers said GREAT IDEA. It seems planned. And the growing vape industry is very misleading, making people think it is safer than smoking, or a way to quit smoking. https://steeredstraight.org HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

About 29 years ago, a public school teacher told Barbie Rivera that her 6 year old son had a mental disorder and she needed to put him on a mind altering drug - Ritalin.  Barbie thought that was nutty as her son was very bright, normal and already bilingual. She started home schooling him now has her own school - called HELP Miami.  Her story of how the drug companies offered to pay her $5K every year for every student she will recommend for medication is horrific. H.E.L.P. Miami is a non-profit, accredited private school and tutoring center whose mission is to empower the individual student to become a competent, independent learner with sound educational skills (without the use of labels and drugs) so that they can master their academics and succeed in life. Barbie's book:  https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Exposing-Education-System-Attempt/dp/1957128062 HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Tim has seen and done it all. He's been an addict. He's run million dollar companies. Drugs stole more than half of his life but now he's dedicated every waking minute since walking out of prison to dealing hope to addicts and their families. Tim says "where there is life, there is hope." Known as The Hope Dealer, Tim is a successful entrepreneur, grateful recovering heroin addict and alcoholic - and truth-talking convicted felon. Tim and their wife - Jennifer Gimenez - are a power couple, helping others. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Duke Rumely is a former alcoholic who has been sober since 1989. Since then he realized that what was needed at concerts and sporting events was an area for those who are sober and trying to remain that way. He founded Sober AF Entertainment and is making great strides in leading the sober movement - making sober the popular to be for young and old alike. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Paula Santos Young's world shattered when her beloved oldest son's life was stolen in March 2022 - poisoned by fentanyl-laced marijuana from someone he trusted. With his death, Paula's motherly instincts kicked into high gear. Now she's on a crusade, roaring from every platform she can find to wake up officials and communities to the fentanyl crisis destroying families like an unstoppable hurricane. Paula ferociously shares her anguish and her son's story on podcasts, TV and radio to put a human face on this epidemic. She mercilessly calls out the lack of urgency from leaders who act like this is just a minor storm, not the Category 5 emergency that it is. With steely determination, Paula founded a nonprofit to battle the crisis she calls "our war." She's leading the charge, uniting forces throughout Massachusetts to proclaim this fight. Her rallying cry is being heard - from cities recognizing Fentanyl Prevention Day to the State House honoring her efforts. Still, Paula won't rest until the crisis is tackled with the full might and resources it deserves. For she's more than a grieving mom; she's a warrior fighting to ensure no other mother feels the searing loss that forged her unwavering mission. Last month, she received a special Congressional Recognition on her Human Rights Award 2022 for her work combatting the fentanyl crisis.  He and her husband run the organization Achieve Greatness - https://www.achievegreatness88.org/. An organization originally started by her son Andrew. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

This weekend, we are attending a Drug Free Heroes event in Clearwater Florida that will have Marshall Faulk as one of the speakers.  We are excited to hear about how he continues to educate kids on drugs and promote the idea of living drug free - even in tough sports like football. We are republishing our interview with Marshall from 2020. Marshall Faulk was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons, both for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams. In 2011, Marshall was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.   Now he is the National Spokesman for “The Foundation for a Drug Free World”, a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live Drug-Free. https://www.drugfreeworld.org/ HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Dr. Dallas Bragg launched his Sobriety Coaching business in January 2023 to help gay men break free from addictive behavior and create life past addiction. After struggling with a crystal meth addiction, he decided to begin his sobriety journey on August 4, 2018. Since then, he and his two kids have rebuilt their lives together. Now, blending spirituality and recovery has led to an expansive coaching practice and a new podcast called The AfterMeth. Dallas makes time for physical fitness, houseplant, hiking, and his favorite pastime: writing. Dallas obtained his doctorate in Nonprofit Leadership in 2014 and still enjoys teaching part-time at post-secondary Universities.   Father of two adult children, out gay man, adjunct college professor, and sobriety coach who helps gay men recover from addiction.    www.drdallasbragg.com HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Grant Cardone is an American businessman, Equity Fund Manager ($4B Assets Under Management), Real Estate Investor, Business author and Founder of 10X Growth Conference, 10X Health System, Cardone Ventures & 10X Studios. Also author of seven best selling business books, creator of Cardone U online education and The 10X Growth Conferences (the largest business conference in the USA.) Grant Cardone has been a sales training consultant for over 25 years working with a wide range of organizations including Google, Morgan Stanley, Toyota, GM, Nissan, Infiniti, Reinhardt, Carrier, and the U.S. Army. He is also a New York Times best-selling author, executive producer of the reality TV business show, Turnaround King, and the host of The Cardone Zone. In 2012, Cardone was named Number-One Sales Expert and Top 10 Business Coaches to follow on Twitter. He is a regular contributor to a wide variety of publications including The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider. Also the author of Sell or Be Sold, The Closer's Survival Guide, If You're Not First You're Last, and The 10X Rule, he lives in Miami Beach, FL. https://addicted.org/supe HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Samantha Bushika is a survivor with a story she finds inspirational, one that has already saved lives. She celebrates eight years of sobriety in March, marking a journey away from a lifelong addiction to using and selling heroin. Her battle with addiction led her into an unjust justice system, where she became a scapegoat in her small Vermont town's first heroin bust. Despite possessing no heroin herself—it was found in her roommate's possession—Samantha was unfairly targeted due to her circumstances as a poor 20-year-old with addict parents. Over two decades, Samantha endured what she calls "Life on the Installment Plan," facing repeated incarcerations for non-violent, drug-related offenses, some of which are no longer criminal. Despite completing treatment successfully twice during 14-day rehab stints, she was labeled a treatment failure. Each jail term stripped her of her mental health and maintenance medications, often leaving her isolated in solitary confinement for months. In 2016, at the age of 35, a tragedy led to an unexpected turn: Samantha found herself pregnant. Despite never desiring children and doubting her maternal instincts, she saw this as an opportunity for love and redemption. With nothing but a correctional GPS ankle monitor and a 450 credit score, she checked into a homeless shelter, determined to build a better life for her unborn child. Driven by a desire to help others, Samantha launched her blog, "Progressing Not Perfecting," aiming to support people on a larger scale. Despite facing stigma within her niche and financial challenges, she remains committed to her mission, tirelessly working 18-hour days to #provethemallwrong and #showthemwhatwecando. With a domain rating of around 65 and 27k followers on Instagram, she has built a platform to share her message of hope and resilience. Despite her achievements, Samantha struggles to be taken seriously due to her past as a heroin user in recovery. Yet, she remains undeterred, reaching out to potential collaborators and expressing her willingness to work together for mutual benefit. https://addicted.org/supe HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Amy Ronshausen is the Executive Director of both Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. and Save Our Society From Drugs (S.O.S.), national nonprofit organizations that work to defeat drug legalization attempts, promote sound drug policies, and prevent drug use, abuse and addiction. Mrs. Ronshausen has dedicated most of her adult life to the work of reducing illegal drug use and drug prevention. In her twelve years with Drug Free America Foundation and S.O.S, she has assisted in coordinating successful grassroots advocacy campaigns to defeat marijuana legalization efforts, organized statewide prevention summits, analyzed and tracked state and federal drug policy legislation, and trained prevention professionals at local, national and international conferences. Prior to coming to DFAF, Mrs. Ronshausen spent three years as a program specialist with the Pinellas County Adult Drug Court, working under four judges. While in drug court, Mrs. Ronshausen linked defendants with treatment providers and monitored their progress through the criminal justice system. In 2007, Mrs. Ronshausen was awarded Best Team Practices for her work in Adult Drug Court. Mrs. Ronshausen started her work in drug prevention with Operation PAR, where she started off as a call specialist in their access center and then worked as a juvenile certified GAIN assessor. She also worked as a juvenile counselor for PAR's Adolescent Recovery Intervention Services and the Juvenile Enhancement Treatment Services and is trained in Motivational Enhancement and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Mrs. Ronshausen volunteers as the Executive Director for the Florida Coalition Alliance, representing over 30 community anti-drug coalitions. She chairs the Marijuana Task Force as part of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, and serves on the Pinellas County Opioid Task Force. Mrs. Ronshausen serves on the board of Informed Families and was recently elected President of the World Federation Against Drugs. Mrs. Ronshausen received her Bachelors of Arts Degree from University of South Florida. https://www.addicted.org/supe   HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Bobby Wiggins is a beacon of hope and transformation, rising from the depths of addiction to become a tireless advocate for recovery. Since finding his own path to sobriety through the Narconon Program in 1977, Bobby has dedicated his life to helping others break free from the chains of substance abuse. For nearly four decades, Bobby has immersed himself in the field of addiction recovery, working hands-on in rehabilitation settings to guide drug addicts and alcoholics toward a brighter future. His impact is far-reaching and profound, with a remarkable track record of success. Bobby's commitment to prevention is equally impressive. His dynamic drug education presentations have reached over 900,000 school children across five continents, igniting conversations and empowering young minds to make informed choices. Through audio-visual mediums, he has touched the lives of over 13 million students in thousands of schools throughout America. His expertise has been recognized with accolades, including two Aurora Awards for his educational DVDs, "Ecstasy – The Real Story" (2006) and "Drugs & Emotions" (2015). Bobby's influence extends to digital platforms, where he is featured in the acclaimed series "The 10 Things Your Friends May Not Know About Drugs" on YouTube, garnering over 2 million views. Bobby's impact transcends borders and industries. He has trained NFL alumni to deliver drug education in Northern CA, addressed Britain's House of Lords on substance abuse, and conducted programs at top universities in India. Bobby's dedication even led him to train agents for the Drug Enforcement Agency in the Philippines and educate pilots for the FAA in New England airports. His commitment to education is underscored by the creation of a groundbreaking curriculum for high school students, validated by independent scientific study and published in a major medical journal. Recognized by the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, the Narconon Drug Education Program stands as an approved and evidence-based solution. In recent years, Bobby has focused his efforts on shaping the future by working with youth detention centers and other youth groups in Florida, striving to reshape perceptions and prevent the cycle of addiction before it begins. Bobby Wiggins's journey from addiction to advocacy is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination. His life's work continues to inspire hope, transform lives, and pave the way for a brighter, drug-free tomorrow. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Michael Gray is the CEO of Actus Analytical, Inc., which develops spectroscopy solutions for public safety compliance, illicit drug detection, agricultural productivity, and other applications. Michael and his wife Nancy founded The Actus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2018. The Actus Foundation advocates for solutions to treating the entirety of the overdose epidemic problem in America, including the largely forgotten constituency of intermittent users. He founded, with partner Ed Kobilis in 2019, the Fentanyl Awareness Coalition - a coalition of tens of thousands of advocates in the US. Michael is a popular speaker, offering unique analyses and suggestions for creative solutions to a new problem, i.e., an old problem with a recently altered paradigm. Michael walks participants through the murky world of the drug problem clarifying the threat and dispelling myths. The Actus Foundation also advocates for the mentally ill, striving to deliver the message that mental illness is a disease the entire family suffers, and suffers in isolation; there are no well-worn paths to solutions available to those in chronic states of mental illness. For all our success in medical science – diagnostic practices, treatment/care and patient advocacy – our nation has left behavioral science in the stone age. Our practice of psychiatric care – diagnostic practices, treatment/care and patient advocacy – is the ugly stepchild hidden in the attic as the country proudly displays her medical science wonders to the world. In addition to advocacy, Mr. Gray is offering his 35 years of professional expertise in the world of scientific instrumentation as another element of his work on behalf of the victims of overdose. As the Interdict Law and other legislative activity considers nascent technological advances in the ability to detect illicit drugs at the street level, Michael adds his professional expertise to that debate. With experience in the areas of Infrared Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry, Michael is participating in the development and deployment of portable testing for narcotics, at the field level, as a means of confirming suspected illegal substances and protecting First Responders. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Loretta Boesing is the founder of Unite For Safe Medications. Unite for Safe Medications seeks to save lives and advance patient outcomes by improving the quality, safety, and accessibility of pharmaceutical care. Loretta's advocacy began after her son received a liver transplant after his liver failed after contracting the flu. She uncovered the monopolization of the pharmacy industry and its harsh impact on patients' affordability and accessibility to medications after being forced to an insurance owned mail order pharmacy for her child's life-saving medications. Prior to her advocacy, her childhood struggles and the loss of a loved one to substance abuse disorder inspired her to be a social worker. She was a caseworker and group facilitator for people who were dually diagnosed with substance abuse disorder and a mental health condition. Upon starting Unite For Safe Medications, she connected with advocates such as Ed Bisch and Dan Schnieder and is heavily inspired by their advocacy as she realizes that many components of their advocacy work are intertwined with hers. Her advocacy to ensure the safety and accessibility of pharmaceutical care is as critical as exposing and holding accountable those who fail in their roles to protect patients from harm. Loretta hopes to unite with others across the nation to ensure a safer and more accessible future of pharmaceutical care. She has been interviewed by NBC News, NPR, USA Today, & CNN and has been recorded for an upcoming documentary, Harmacy. This documentary will highlight the many pharmacy issues impacting safe patient care in America. HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Ricki Friedman is a motivational speaker, visionary, educator, and podcaster who takes you on the walk with her as she embarks on a life-changing journey of growth, healing, and expansion. Her humor, way with words, wisdom, and vulnerability make you feel seen, heard, and ready to transform your life, live your truth and walk towards your next level - one step forward at a time.  Ricki started a business called Break the Weight. With Ricki's system, she will help guide you every single step of the way, all while helping you to achieve your healthiest lifestyle possible. She'll be the first to tell you healthy habits don't happen overnight nor without putting forth the effort and work, but it can happen, and BTW has a number of success stories to prove it. Ricki teaches us the mindset and tools she used to walk away from weed. Her tools are universal in helping with any change or whatever you want to walk away from in your life. Since we interviewed her last year she has quit taking Adderall and any sort of stimulants.   In her interview with Newsweek, she said: “One year ago, I was taking 100 milligrams of adderall (and Vyvanse) trying to work up the courage to get off the medication. “I don't think I've ever been that terrified of walking away from something in my life. “28-years on a VERY dangerous drug that controlled my mind and body was hard for me to wrap my head around. This wasn't like walking away from weed…I knew that getting off this drug was going to make my life harder at first, not better. “However, I also knew that staying on them was dangerous and holding me back from healing, expanding and understanding WHO I truly was and how my brain worked. “So, I did what I always do…researched, educated myself and walked right into the most challenging journey I've ever been on. And today, one year after making the decision to begin taking these steps, I'm 9 months completely off stimulants and sharing my story in Newsweek.” (December 2023) stan.store/iamricki HELP SUPPORT OUR FIGHT AGAINST ADDICTION. DONATE HERE: https://www.patreon.com/theaddictionpodcast   PART OF THE GOOD NEWS PODCAST NETWORK. AUDIO VERSIONS OF ALL OUR EPISODES: https://theaddictionpodcast.com CONTACT US: The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return theaddictionpodcast@yahoo.com Intro and Outro music by: Decisions by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100756 Artist: http://incompetech.com/