Let's Talk Addiction & Recovery

What if a simple blood test indicated the most-effective treatment medication for individuals with alcohol or opioid addiction? "Biomarker" research underway by Mayo Clinic and Hazelden Betty Ford aims to provide that very insight. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with addiction psychiatrist Marvin D. Seppala, MD, about how these scientific investigations at the genetic and cellular level will inform precision treatment for patients and lead to development of new addiction medications.

For adolescents today, social media can amplify ordinary feelings of inadequacy or loneliness into fatalistic thinking and even an increased vulnerability to risky or harmful behaviors. What's a parent to do? Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with psychiatrist Joseph Lee, MD, about the convergence of cultural polarization, family stressors, technology and other influences on the health and well-being of youth, specifically in relation to mental health and substance use.

While addiction is recognized as America's No. 1 public health problem, very few medical schools require or even offer education on substance use disorders. Listen in as host William C. Moyers talks with three medical students who shadowed clinicians and patients during weeklong educational "residencies" at Hazelden Betty Ford treatment centers. The students share what they learned about the pervasive, complex and treatable disease of addiction—and how to best help future patients and their families.

Job stress and emotional exhaustion among physicians, nurses, therapists, addiction counselors and other health care providers pose a major threat to quality care and patient safety. Listen in as educator and recovery advocate Joseph Skrajewski talks with host William C. Moyers about the prevalence of burnout syndrome in the health care field, including the increased risk of developing addiction. Learn the signs and symptoms of professional burnout as well as practical prevention strategies to ensure well-being.

Susie Brooks, PhD, founder of Veritas Academy, felt powerless when students came into the classroom with substance use issues, or knew someone struggling. She recognized addiction as a disease—one that injures every community—but she didn't know how to help. So she attended the Graduate School of Addiction Studies to gain the tools and skills she needed to walk alongside her students and make an even greater impact. Tune in to learn more.