Podcasts about risky drinking

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Clarissa and Molly sit down with psychologist Dr. Carrie Wilkens to unpack what it really means to help people change without shame, stigma, or power struggles. Drawing from decades of work in substance use, eating disorders, trauma, and family systems, Carrie invites us to rethink "denial," "relapse," "codependency," and even the disease model itself, while still honoring the seriousness of addiction and the depth of people's pain. Together, we explore how self-compassion, curiosity, and values-based behavior change can transform not only individual recovery but also how families, helpers, and communities show up for the people they love. In this episode, we explore: Lived experience & professional work How Carrie's own long-term healing around food and her body continues to shape the compassion and curiosity she brings to her work. The idea that our relationship with food and our bodies changes across the lifespan—and why "lifelong relationship management" matters more than perfection. Do you have to be "in recovery" to help? The pressures clinicians face when they're asked, "Are you in recovery?" and how that question can be loaded with judgment and assumptions. Why personal experience with a specific substance or behavior is not a prerequisite to being deeply effective as a helper. How Carrie talks with clients and families about her own history in a way that's honest, boundaried, and clinically useful. Rethinking 'denial' and harmful language Why words like "denial," "addict," "codependent," "chronic relapser," and "it's a slippery slope" can shut people down rather than open them up. A more curious approach: asking "What do you mean by that?" and unpacking the real story underneath labels. How language can either invite people into self-understanding—or reinforce shame, fear, and disconnection. Softening the disease model without minimizing the problem Nuanced ways to honor addiction as a serious, complex disorder without collapsing everything into a rigid disease frame. How fear (of overdose, loss, chaos, or death) drives a lot of rigid thinking in systems and professionals. Why behavior change is slow, non-linear, and rarely a straight line—and how accepting that can actually make care more effective. Relapse as an "old solution that once worked" Carrie's reframe of relapse as returning to an old behavior that, at one time, made sense and worked on some level. How naming the function of a behavior (soothing, numbing, regulating, connecting) opens the door to new, less harmful solutions. The difference between "You didn't want it enough" and "Your brain reached for an old strategy that once helped you survive." The Invitation to Change Approach (ITC) The core elements of ITC: Motivational interviewing–informed curiosity and ambivalence exploration. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and values-based living. A deep commitment to self-compassion as a foundation for behavior change. Why ITC was originally developed for family members and then adapted for people with substance use concerns themselves. How the "wheel" of ITC lets people step in wherever they are—self-awareness, values, behavior strategies, or compassion—and build over time. Families, shame, and staying engaged without "tough love" Inviting family members to ask: "How does my loved one's behavior make sense?" instead of "What's wrong with them?" How this shift helps parents and partners move from fear and control into strategy, support, and skillful engagement. Concrete examples of how families can respond to return to use with curiosity, concern, and clearer communication instead of lectures or ultimatums. Codependency and other overused labels Why Carrie has never formally diagnosed anyone with "codependency." What often lives underneath that label: trauma histories, cultural norms, attachment dynamics, fear of loss, and learned survival strategies. How flattening all of that into "codependent" erases nuance and blocks meaningful change. Neurodivergence, trauma, and substance use/eating behaviors The high rates of PTSD and ADHD among people seeking help for substance use—and why that matters for treatment design. Carrie's reflection on her own undiagnosed ADHD and how it likely drove much of her earlier eating disorder behavior. How binges, purging, and substance use can function as powerful nervous system regulators, especially for neurodivergent and trauma-impacted brains. Why we need more ground-up, neurodivergent- and trauma-informed approaches that focus on emotion regulation, executive functioning, and skill-building. Self-compassion as a behavior change superpower Carrie's journey from skepticism ("this sounds too woo") to seeing self-compassion as essential, research-backed behavior-change work. How self-compassion reduces shame, helps people tolerate slow progress, and makes it safer to look honestly at their own behavior. Using both "tender" and "fierce" self-compassion to choose boundaries, seek support, and keep moving through discomfort. Reimagining 'expert' roles and community care Why Carrie is skeptical of rigid expert hierarchies in addiction treatment. Inviting families, community leaders, and lay helpers into the work through accessible tools like ITC groups and trainings. The power of giving non-clinicians simple, evidence-based language and frameworks so they can respond with compassion instead of panic or shame. About Dr. Carrie Wilkens Carrie Wilkens, PhD, is a psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in the practice and dissemination of evidence-based treatments for substance use and post-traumatic stress. She is the Co-President and CEO of CMC: Foundation for Change, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing evidence-based ideas and strategies to families, communities, and professionals supporting people struggling with substances. Carrie is a co-developer of the Invitation to Change (ITC) Approach, an accessible, skills-based framework that helps families stay engaged, reduce shame, and effectively support a loved one's behavior change. ITC is now used across the U.S. and internationally in groups, trainings, and community programs. She is co-author of the award-winning book Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, which adapts the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model for families, and co-author of The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends, a practical, evidence-based guide for loved ones who want concrete tools to support change without sacrificing their own wellbeing. Carrie is also Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Motivation and Change (CMC), a group of clinicians providing evidence-based care in New York City, Long Island, Washington, DC, San Diego, and at CMC: Berkshires, a private residential program for adults. She has served as Project Director on a large SAMHSA-funded grant addressing college binge drinking and is frequently sought out by media outlets including CBS This Morning, the Katie Couric Show, NPR, and HBO's Risky Drinking to speak on substance use and behavior change. Resources Mentioned CMC: Foundation for Change – Family-focused trainings, groups, and resources: cmcffc.org The Invitation to Change Approach – Overview of the ITC model and its core topics. Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change (Book) The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends (Workbook) The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.  

The negative impact of staying up late, the risks of moderate drinking, a huge Cystic Fibrosis breakthrough and the effectveness of Flu meds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss:How to support someone struggling with substance useThe Invitation to Change (ITC) approachWhy behaviors make senseAddressing ambivalence as normal The fear of enabling, codependency and other common misconceptionsThe root of addictionEffective communication strategiesHow to navigate shame and practice self-compassionResources and support for loved onesCarrie Wilkens, Ph.D, is a psychologist with over 25 years of experience in the practice and dissemination of evidence-based treatments for substance use and Post-Traumatic Stress. She is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Motivation and Change, a group of clinicians serving all ages in NYC, Long Island, Washington, DC, San Diego, CA, and CMC:Berkshires, a private, inpatient/residential program for adults. She is co-author of the award-winning book Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change, a practical guide for families dealing with addiction and substance problems in a loved one based on principles of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), and co-author of The Beyond Addiction Workbook for Family and Friends: Evidence-Based Skills to Help a Loved-One Make Positive Change .  Dr. Wilkens is also Co-President and CEO of the CMC:Foundation for Change, a not-for-profit with the mission of improving the dissemination of evidence-based ideas and strategies to professionals and loved ones of persons struggling with substance use. The CMC:FFC team's Invitation to Change approach is an accessible set of understandings and practices that empower families to remain engaged and be effective in helping their struggling loved one make positive changes. The approach has been widely used across the country and is utilized in trainings with laypeople and professionals.Dr. Wilkens has been a Project Director on a large federally-funded Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant addressing the problems associated with binge drinking among college students. She is regularly sought out by the media to discuss issues related to substance use disorders and has been on the CBS Morning Show, Katie Couric Show, frequent NPR segments, and podcasts, including Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris.  She is also in the HBO documentary Risky Drinking. Dr. Wilkens is a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the American Association of Addiction Psychiatrists.To learn more about CMC:Foundation for change and access resources referenced in this episode, visit: https://cmcffc.org/__To join the Sun & Moon Community Membership: https://sunandmoonsoberliving.com/membership/Follow on IG @sunandmoon.soberliving__Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Listen to part 2 recap of HBO's documentary, Risky Drinking, and hear about alternative alcohol treatment options that are rarely used, despite being super helpful! Trigger warning for discussion of sexual assault, violence, suicidal thoughts, and death.

Recap of HBO documentary Risky Drinking. Don't forget to let me know if you want to hear a part 2

Talking about my 41 day journey abstaining.  Recommending a documentary called Risky Drinking.  Mentions of moderation management and a sneak peak into my journal. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alimoon76/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alimoon76/support

In the second half of their riveting coverage of the HBO documentary, Zach Bird and Sidney Delorean wrap up the stories featured and give the updates on how the people featured have been doing since filming concluded.

Zach Bird and Sidney Delorean have watched the HBO documentary Risky Drinking, and are here to talk about the stages of alcoholism and the booze-hounds featured in the film.  Surprisingly, this episode is a lot of fun.

Amelia, with 79 days since her last drink, shares her story…… According to the HBO documentary, Risky Drinking, 70% of people drink.  Most drinkers fall within the following spectrum: no risk, low risk, mid risk, moderate risk, severe and death.  The documentary chronicles 4 people in different stages of alcoholism.  If you are drinking to fix the problem that drinking has caused, you may need to watch this program and see where you fall on the spectrum.   SHOW NOTES   [ 10:39 ] Paul Introduces Amelia who’s last drink was on 10/10/16.   [ 11:12 ]  Have you had any close calls since you stopped drinking?   Amelia – Not really, although I was pretty irritable during Christmas time.  Instead of drinking, I just went to bed.   [ 11:48 ]  Tell us a little about yourself.   Amelia – I was born and raised in San Francisco.  I am a social worker and work with children in the foster care system.  I love to watch baseball games and travel.   [ 13:19 ] When did you realize that you had a problem with alcohol?   Amelia – I started noticing I had a problem approximately 10 years ago, but I was always able to justify my behavior.  79 days ago, I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired!   [ 14:32 ]  Did you ever put rules into place to try and moderate your drinking?   Amelia – I would try to drink only at night and on the weekends.  After a hard days’ work, I felt like I deserved it.  I had not had any bad consequences yet so this helped justify my drinking.  Soon I implemented the “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” mentality.   [ 15:56 ]  Did you have a bottom?   Amelia – I was kicked out of the Peace Corp for drinking too much.  It was Independence Day in the Caribbean and after drinking all day, I decided that I wanted to go home.  I ended up walking 7 miles in the rain back to my apartment with a co-worker.  I would also not report to the Peace Corp my location at all times and this was a requirement.   [ 18:42 ] How did you get to 79 days without alcohol?   Amelia – I had a phone call with my parents to wish them a Happy Anniversary.  I did not remember the phone call at all the following morning.  It was a total blackout.  I had asked myself, “Do I really want to be this person?”  I called a friend who I trusted and they encouraged me to go to an AA meeting.  I felt accountable.   [ 20:21 ]  Tell us more about this accountability piece?   Amelia – I had spoken to this same friend about my concerns with alcohol about a year before.  I also spoke to my mother.  She informed me that she had attended an Al-Anon meeting 1 year ago as well because she too was concerned with my drinking.   [ 22:53 ]  What was it like having repeated bottoms?   Amelia – I never thought they were real or deep bottoms.  I did not have consequences or anything taken away from me because of my drinking yet.   [ 24:40 ] What do you think would happen if you drink again?   Amelia – It would be just a matter of time before something really bad happened.   [ 26:00 ]  What is your plan going forward?   Amelia – So far AA has been working.  If I think about drinking, I just follow the drunk all of the way to the end.  I am attending the RE Retreat in Montana so that will hold myself accountable.  Soon, I would like to start working the steps.   [ 30:12 ] What have you learned most about yourself?   Amelia – that I can be happy and have a better life without drinking.   [ 31:00 ] What advice would you give your younger self?   Amelia – to look at your bottoms and see them for what they really are.  I would also listen more to my mother when she told me how alcoholism runs in our family.   [ 33:00  ] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? getting kicked out of the Peace Corp and hitting a parked car while drunk Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? one of my clients told me I smelled like alcohol and I blamed it on hand sanitizer What’s your favorite resource in recovery? AA What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? follow the drunk, be gentle with yourself and say the Serenity prayer often You might be an alcoholic if….. you pee in your bed after a night of drinking   Resources mentioned in this episode: Recovery Elevator Retreat Connect with Cafe RE- Use the promo code Elevator for your first month free Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sobriety Tracker Android Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com “We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”

Monica Richardson interviews Mike Bassett who is featured in the HBO New Documentary Risky Drinking  calling in from ST Thomas. Mike was a radio and TV host in Denver, Colorado. He and his drinking was Documented in this 1 hour feature that addresses drinking as a substance use Disorder. A first ever in a Network show to not just promote AA or 12 step. Moderation Mangement , Harm Reduction , SMART Recovery, Naltrexone, Vivitrol and Antabuse and other options are mentioned .

Monica Richardson interviews Mike Bassett who is featured in the HBO New Documentary Risky Drinking  calling in from ST Thomas. Mike was a radio and TV host in Denver, Colorado. He and his drinking was Documented in this 1 hour feature that addresses drinking as a substance use Disorder. A first ever in a Network show to not just promote AA or 12 step. Moderation Mangement , Harm Reduction , SMART Recovery, Naltrexone, Vivitrol and Antabuse and other options are mentioned .

Perri Peltz is a filmmaker behind the new documentary Risky Drinking.  It's a co-producting between HBO and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.  Today I talk with Perri and Dr. George Koob who is the director of the NIAAA about some of the signs that you or someone you love might have an alcohol disorder, the toll alcoholism can take on a person's physical and mental health, and some of the new treatments being used that go way beyond the traditional 12-step model. Risky Drinking airs tonight at 8PM EST on HBO.  You can also watch it on demand with a membership to HBO GO or HBO NOW.  For more information, visit www.HBO.com.  For more information on alcohol disorders and treatment options, visit the NIAAA website at www.niaaa.nih.gov. Today's podcast is sponsored by Reuters TV, video news that's personalized, always up to date, and ready when you are. Visit www.reuters.tv/kickass to check out their cool new free news app and show your support for the podcast. Please subscribe to Kickass News on iTunes and take a moment to take our listener survey at www.podsurvey.com/KICK. And support the show by donating at www.gofundme.com/kickassnews. Visit www.kickassnews.com for more fun stuff.