Health

It is well known that children in homes where addiction is present are at great risk of having substance use disorders and lifelong mental health problems.  Targeting these families is not only a priority treatment and recovery concern but an efective prevention strategy as well.  To prevent mental and substance use disorders, it is critical to work directly with the family environments in which these disorders originate.  This show will delve into the relationship of addiction and trauma, acknowledging th elong-term impacts on children and families.

Our society increasingly is recognizing that the victims of a disaster need support to recover from the trauma associated with the disaster event. Disasters include natural disasters such as severe storms, floods, and wild land fires as well as manmade events such as mas shootings or other acts of violence.  Trauma from disasters can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems, and can put victims at higher risk of substance abuse.

Persons involved in both the juvenile and adult justice systems commonly are struggling with mental disorders, substance use disorders, or both.  This show will recognize and promote a trend to directly address mental and substance use disorders in these individuals through treatment and recovery support.

This show will underscore the need to understand the culture of specific communities as critical to success in providing recovery services.  Overcoming language barriers and appreciating the health-related beliefs and practices held by various diverse communities is becoming increasingly important with the rapidly changing demographics in our nation.  A "community" is defined here broadly, encompassing racial and ethinic groups as well as other clearly defined groups such as faith communities and military families.

Daniel Rockers, PhD, Psychologist, hosts, Patricia Bach, PsyD, Rn, President of Psychologists in Long Term Care, Mariko Yamada, Assembly Member 4th District, and Irving Hellman, PhD, Psychologist, ElderCare Adviser.

topics discussed include: the positive role of psychologists in the process of aging.

Guests Laurie Simons and Terry Sterrenberg are co-producer of the new documentary, The Healthcare Movie. The documentary explores the differences between the Canadian Healthcare system and the American health insurance system and how/why Americans need to adopt a Canadian style single payer system. Laurie and Terry talk about how they came to make this movie, how the American and Canadian systems developed so differently. Terry notes that Canada has a tax system, while America has an insurance system.

Peer recovery support in behavioral health is a powerful and essential component of the recovery process. More recently, however, the recognition of the importance of peer support has led to more structured and intentional applications of this recovery support approach.  For example, many peer "recovery support specialists" and "recovery coaches" have received training on the most effective ways to help peers in recovery.