The Road to Recovery 2004 Ask the Expert Series

• Ask the Expert: Carol Colleran, National Director of Older Adult Services, Hazelden Foundation
  Rethinking the Demographics of Addiction: Helping Older Adults Find Recovery
  (May 2004)
  Researchers are only beginning to realize the pervasiveness of alcohol and illicit drug use disorders among people aged 60 and older. Thousands of older adults in this country who need treatment do not receive it. This feature highlights ways to overcome barriers to treatment and help older adults receive the addiction treatment they need.
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• Ask the Expert: Renee Gerger, Intervention Specialist, Gerger and Associates
  The Individual and Familial Dynamics of Recovery
  (June 2004)
  When one family member becomes addicted, everyone is affected. In fact, experts refer to addiction as a family disease. Across the Nation, families are finding treatment-not only for the addicted member, but for the entire family unit. Still, making the transition from shame and denial to treatment and recovery is difficult. This program highlights the struggles of individuals and families in recovery and the successful strategies they use to begin the healing process and maintain sobriety. It also will provide insights into conducting successful interventions and provide helpful tips for children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers for dealing with addiction in the family.
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• Ask the Expert: Dr. Randy Pumphrey, Clinical Program Director, The Lamda Center (A Partnership of Whitman-Walker Clinic and The Psychiatric Institute of Washington)
  Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Other Infectious Diseases
  (July 2004)
  For individuals with substance use disorders, the risk of contracting an infectious disease is vastly increased. Intravenous drug users (IDUs) and persons who engage in risky sexual behavior while under the influence, are prime candidates for contracting infectious diseases. Many professionals in the public health, mental health, criminal justice, and addiction treatment health care delivery systems are not adequately prepared, either through training or experience, to fully address the complex needs of substance-using patients infected with HIV/AIDS, STDs, tuberculosis, or viral hepatitis.
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• Ask the Expert: Samantha Hope Atkins, founder and executive director of the HopeNetworks, and Melanise Frederick, Assistant Director, Crossroad Outreach Ministry
  The Role of Faith- and Community-Based Systems in Addiction Treatment and Recovery
  (August 2004)
  The beneficial role that faith and social services play in the prevention and intervention of drug and alcohol misuse disorders and in programs designed to treat and promote recovery from substance use and mental disorders has long been acknowledged. This program explores the critical part played by faith- and community-based systems and provides useful tips on what works and how you and your organization can get involved.
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• Ask the Expert: Keith Humphreys, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs and Stanford University Medical Centers Mutual Support Groups
  What Everyone Needs to Know
  (September 2004)
  For decades, an ever increasing number of mutual support groups have helped individuals and families overcome addictions and lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, NarAnon, Rational Recovery, Women for Sobriety, and Moderation Management are but a few of the mutual support groups that are helping to make a difference. This program explores the role of mutual support group and helps you discern whether one might be right for you or someone you care about. This program highlights what makes mutual support groups work and lets you know how to find one near you. It also gives helpful tips for health care providers, employers, the criminal justice system, and educators for incorporating mutual support groups into their operations.
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• Ask the Expert: Johnny Allem, President, Johnson Institute
  Witnessing With Anonymity: Dispelling the Misconceptions That Silence the Voices of Recovery
  (September 2004)
  For many, the thought of speaking out and sharing a recovery experience with friends, coworkers, community leaders, civic groups and policymakers is a daunting proposition. This program focuses on how people in recovery can provide testimonials and recount their successful recovery journey and still be respectful of Twelve Step Traditions. It also addresses the myths and misconceptions that keep silent the voices that could give others hope and the courage to recover.
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