Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode – Thursday Feb 2nd, 2023 @ 12pm PST This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two tattoo artists in recovery from addiction, Dre Gail and Riley Maten. They will both share their stories of recovery and talk about how they got into tattooing and how it has effected their recovery journey. Babydoll tattoos has been around since 2017 and has grown to a fully equipped multi artist shop in 2022. Catch it all on our Facebook page Thursday at 12pm. The show will be replayed on radio at 12pm PST on Thursday February 9th, 2023. Dre Gail - BabyDoll Tattoos Owner Babydoll Tattoos, as a business, originated with Dré acting as a one woman show and slowly building her brand over the first few years.  In 2017, she built and licensed her first shop in a simple office space (with a sink of course).  From there, in 2020, miraculously post lock-down, Dré expanded the studio and moved it into a location where multiple artists could work.  Finally, in January of 2022, Babydoll Tattoos recognized their opportunity to achieve their five-year goal of opening a storefront, fully-equipped, multi artist shop. Meet Dré Gail aka Babydoll of Babydoll Tattoos. After a long relationship with art, Babydoll Tattoos was born out of a simple desire - to tattoo one’s knuckles. Dré had a love for the movie Sucker Punch and identified with the character, Babydoll’s, descent into dreamy fight scenes at times of discomfort. While exploring appearance modification, Dré wanted to tattoo “baby” and “doll” on her knuckles but her resumé at the time did not accommodate such tattoos. Wanting to maintain employment, and with her qualifications thus far landing mainly in the corporate professional world - she decided to build her own empire that suited her own wants and needs and to spread that empowerment to others. She created a job that would allow her the flexibility to express her creativity in a financially beneficial way. On a deeper level, after struggling with severe body dysmorphia and a feeling of displeasure within her own skin, Dré changed the means by which she tried to take control of her body. Rather than starving, belittling and hating - she embraced it with art. Treating her body as a partner and an expression of her experiences was therapeutic and a love for tattoos began. Her dream grew and she transferred her artistic education, corporate experience, and empathic nature, to tattooing. Babydoll Tattoos intends to offer all clients an opportunity to embrace their bodies and physical appearances in which ever way they choose and coach them through the process. Tattoos are a personal and often spiritual experience and as an artist, Dré respects and appreciates her involvement in such an intimate experience. The client’s comfort and individual needs are put first and foremost by our skilled artist and she holds her artists to the same standards, hunting out employees who share her values and can embrace the shop philo

Tattooing and Addiction Recovery

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday Dec. 8 @ 12pm PST This week on Talk Recovery Radio we talk with Reed McCaskill about Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery program followed by David Pavlus on his 39 years in recovery. Reed McCaskill - Behavioural Health Tech at Back2Basics Reed McCaskill was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He went through the Back2Basics program along with the Transition program in 2020. During that time he found a deep appreciation and level of gratitude for the community and values of the program. He took a three month internship with Back2Basics while in the Transition program and decided to join full time upon completion, to give back as best as he can. Working toward building his life further in Flagstaff, Reed plans to attend NAU in pursuit of a BA in Social Work while exploring new avenues to live a fulfilling sober life. What is Back2Basics? Back2Basics is an outdoor adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males, from 18-35, with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program clients are exposed to a weekly combination of wilderness therapy and addiction treatment program that have proven to be successful in recovery. Beyond the Basics is an additional 6-month transition program that follows the Back2Basics program and is focused on transitioning our clients into ‘real life’. In Beyond the Basics we provide for the groundwork to gradually transition our clients from rehabilitation and recovery into living real life with long-term sobriety. Back2Basics is committed to the recovery of our clients through a series of concentrated hands-on therapy and life-skill building that is rooted by our unique programs, daily in-depth study of the 12-steps, and innovative and traditional therapeutic counseling modalities. Back2Basics is dedicated to providing personnel and professional expertise, along with the concrete recovery infrastructure, that is essential to the long-term transformation of our clients into a self-sustaining AND sober adult. David Pavlus -Founder of Last Door Recovery Society David Pavlus is the founder of the Last Door Recovery Society, a New Westminster non-profit organization that has been providing long term residential addiction treatment and adjunct family services for over 30 years. David is a man who embodies both vision and the will to execute that which he believes in. His approach to all thing is life is equal measures of practicality and common sense. While others are still considering ideas David is well on his way to making his ideas a reality. While it can and has been said that David’s leadership style is unorthodox, the success of Last Door and its clients under his leadership is undeniable. David has innate charisma tempered with humility and strong will; he is able to readily inspire others to his vision and excite them to action. He is man who is able to stay true to a course of action despite the incessant winds of ch

Outdoor Adventure Recovery & David Pavlus: 39 years in Recovery

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome five amazing woman who are making sure parents in early recovery have gifts to give to their kids this Christmas. Alexis, Kimberlea, Britt, Linda and Amanda from Recovery Kidz are talking about the importance of helping parents get gifts to their kids at Christmas. Join us Thursday from 12-1pm PST on Facebook Live and on 100.5fm Co-op Radio Recovery Kidz WHO DOES RECOVERY KIDZ HELP? Recovery Kidz is an organization that strives to provide resources to parents seeking a new way of life in recovery from addiction. We see parents in recovery as a people of worth and dignity and worthy of assistance in their journey.  We also see addiction as a family disease and seek to help normalize the holiday season for children affected by addiction. Your donations of toys, gift cards and cash will bring a smile to so many children whose parents are, in some cases, unable to see them because they are in a treatment facility this year. OUR HISTORY Since 2013, Recovery Kidz has helped thousands of children by providing gifts for kids that have parents residing in recovery centres over the holiday season. This year our goal is 300 kids spanning over 7 recovery houses and treatment centres and we are asking for your support to create joy for them on Christmas morning regardless of what they might be experiencing. OUR VISION Our vision is to see parents and families set free from addictions and relieved of the stress that comes when you’re not able to provide gifts for the holidays.   It is our hope that every child will experience the joy of opening at least one Christmas gift on Christmas morning.  In past years, with your support we have been able to do much more and we hope that this year is even better, but we need your help!

Recovery Kidz

This week on Talk Recovery Radio, Candace Plattor joins the show to talk about her book "“Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: The Top 10 Survival Tips for Loving Someone with an Addiction”, also with the holidays coming up Candace will talk about loving and supporting an addict through the holiday season, one guest one full hour on Talk Recovery Radio. Catch the full show on Facebook Live on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page and on 100.5fm. Loving an Addict Loving someone who has an addiction problem is like being trapped on a roller-coaster of painful emotions. You never know what’s going to happen from one moment to the next. It can be like living a re-occurring nightmare that you can’t wake up from. The ongoing lies and the broken promises, the constant worry and fear, the dwindling hope that someday things will change. You know the story… It’s downright exasperating. Whether the addict in your life is your spouse, partner, parent, child, friend, or colleague, the goods news is there is a way to end your suffering and Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself: The Top 10 Survival Tips for Loving Someone with an Addiction shows you how. It doesn’t matter what kind of addictive behavior your loved one is struggling with. It could be alcohol and drug misuse; an eating disorder; smoking; gambling; an Internet, relationship, or sex addiction; or compulsive shopping and over-spending. All addictions have negative consequences for loved ones. It’s not news that many family and friends get caught in the “cycle of addiction” and don’t know how to untangle themselves from the spiral of destruction the addict is engaging in. Candace shows you that the key to changing this painful reality for yourself lies in shifting your focus from your loved one’s addiction to your own self-care. She shows you how to stop doing the things that are not only making your own life miserable, but which are also “enabling” the addict to continue on the path of destruction. However, thanks to this ground-breaking book you can now discover how to help yourself disengage from the ugly path of addiction. Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself Shows You How to Stop the Cycle of Pain and Chaos Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself presents a dramatically fresh approach to help you get off your loved one’s roller-coaster chaos of addiction, maintain your own sanity and serenity, and live your best life. About Candace Candace Plattor is an Addictions Therapist in private practice, where she specializes in working with the family and other loved ones of people who are struggling with addiction, in her unique and signature Family Addiction Counselling and Therapy Program. As a former addict with over 35 years clean and sober, Candace has learned that overcoming addiction is a family condition: everyone in the family is affected by addiction and everyone needs to heal. For more than three decades, she has been helping both addicts and their loved ones understand their dys

Loving an Addict, Loving Yourself

This week on Talk Recovery Radio, Emily, Kiola and Lainy join the show to talk about Sober Mom Squad. The Sober Mom Squad is just as it sounds: a Squad of Moms who are already sober, those who are just dipping their toes in exploring an alcohol free lifestyle, and everything in between! Join us on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page streamed live Thursday from 12-1pm PST   About Sober Mom Squad   Sober Mom Squad was formed during the pandemic of 2020. Many moms found they were feeling disconnected and were drinking more than ever. Messaging around alcohol and motherhood was rampant. ​Maybe you're sick of the wine-mom narrative. Maybe you want to explore what an alcohol-free life looks like. Maybe you just need a community that isn't focused on boozing! We are women like you, who don't want their kids to grow up with a mom who needs wine to survive them. Our common goal is to raise children in homes where alcohol is not the focus, and help other women do the same.   Meet the Squad!  Emily  Emily Lynn Paulson is the author of Highlight Real: Finding Honesty and Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life, and the forthcoming Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing (May 2023). She has given two powerful TEDx talks, both challenging the status quo of parenting, alcohol use, and feminism as we know it. Paulson has also been featured in major publications such as the Today Show, New York Times, Washington Post, The Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune, Next Question with Katie Couric, and the Tamron Hall Show. She resides in Central Oregon with her husband and their five children.  Kiola I’m a certified nutrition coach and sober community facilitator. After working for over a decade in the fitness industry, I pivoted my coaching to serve exclusively in the recovery and sobriety space. As a woman in recovery, I’m passionate about teaching my community how to use fitness and nutrition to support our sobriety. I’m currently working towards the California state license as a Peer Support Specialist and I feel so grateful to be able to live out my life’s passion in a community that is so important to me.   Lainy I work full time as a marketer in the financial services industry. While I do very much enjoy my day job, I have a  passion for mentoring women in the recovery community. I have been sober since August 31, 2020; joining sober mom squad as a member at 90 days. I fell in love with the community and became a host 1.5 years ago. I have made the best friends through SMS and truly look forward to helping women every day. Sobriety, recovery work, and Sober Mom Squad has changed my life in so many beautiful ways.

Sober Mom Squad

This Week on Talk Recovery Radio Lester Morse joins the show, Lester is the director of Rehabs UK and East Coast Recovery, an online tool to help people access addiction treatment services. Joined by Lester, Sojna Pewter tells her story of addiction recovery. Tune in on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook live event, Thursday 12-1pm PST. Talk Recovery airs every Thursday from 12-1pm PST on 100.5 fm Co-op Radio. About Lester Lester has worked in addiction treatment for over 30 years. He founded a sober living project in Watford for 9 years before opening a 45-bed residential rehab in Suffolk for 15 years. He is currently the director of East Coast Recovery online and RehabsUK. Lester’s projects & community programmes have countless success stories! Rehabs UK and East Coast Recovery Rehabs UK  is a free and confidential addiction recovery support service. Partnered with a broad range of trusted clinics throughout the UK and in Europe, the Rehabs UK team work to find the best possible match for each individual at the beginning of their recovery journey. East Coast Recovery opened its doors on the peaceful Suffolk coast in 2001 and since that time we have supported thousands of people and their families into recovery. Our residential side of the company closed its doors at the end of May 2022. Due to the pandemic and thousands of people turning to the online world we made the move to create an online rehab programme which enables more people than ever before to get the help they need. We are not only an online rehab but our treatment advisors work collaboratively with our sister company, Rehabs UK, who can help to direct individuals to the right residential rehabilitation center. Rehab UK and East Coast Recovery Social Media Pages Rehab UK Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Website  East Coast Recovery Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Website Sonja's Story Sonja Pewter used Class A drugs for nearly two decades and has been to HMP approximately 13 times for various offences from shop lifting to street robberies. Her last sentence was long enough for her to have the opportunity to think about what she wanted from her life and is where her journey into new beginnings started. Sonja left HMP for last time on the 4th of February 2006 and went to treatment where she lasted 9 days before being introduced to Lester. Sonja joined a mature AA fellowship in Watford whom she is forever grateful to and although she ended up using a couple of times from February 2006 to October 2006, she still attended meetings, got herself a sponsor and started working through the steps. She has been clean since October 1st 2006 and continues to be actively involved in 12 step fellowships and has been in employment since getting clean. Sonja was ECR’s Recovery Centre Manager working alongside Lester before leaving in June 2022 to begin a new adventure back in her old home town, Southend. She has bought her own house, gained her level 5 in Leadership and M

Digital UK Rehab Movement

This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Joel Soper author of "Never Enough Zeroes" He joins us to talk about his memoir and share his personal story of recovery from gambling addiction. Catch the show on Facebook Live Thursday at 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio, also catch Talk Recovery Radio weekly on 100.5fm co op Radio. Never Enough Zeroes About the book: When Joel Soper placed his first “sure thing” bet at the Detroit Race Course back in 1987, he never imagined that such an innocent gesture might lead him down the path to gambling addiction. But now, after tossing millions of dollars into the bonfire of unfulfilled dreams, Joel is stepping out of the shadows to bare his soul about the realities of compulsive sports betting. Never Enough Zeroes is an unflinching and searing portrayal that exposes the all-too-human foibles of a man trapped on the treadmill of obsession. Co-author Philip Wyeth captures the essence of Joel’s tortured existence by telling his unforgettable life story with compassion, humor, and literary flair. The result is a memoir that will touch readers from all backgrounds as it throws a lifeline to anyone caught in the relentless undertow of addiction who also dreams of creating a better version of themselves. “I’ve made millions of dollars with my silver tongue, but it always just slips through my fingers...” As more states legalize gambling across the nation, Joel’s story is an especially timely warning about this scourge where losses often extend beyond money into broken relationships and mental health issues. The proliferation of live betting has the potential to turn a generation of unwitting sports fans into nothing more than rats frantically tapping their phone screens for the next dopamine rush. This book is a call to action! It raises a banner of hope amid a sea of desperation, and signals the start of a new alliance which is weaving a safety net so that addicts of all stripes might never hit rock bottom again. As Joel continues his difficult journey as a “work in progress,” he hopes that Never Enough Zeroes will be a worthy addition to the self-help canon, as well as a companion piece to the mental health professional’s bookshelf. About the Author Joel Soper grew up in Livonia, Michigan, the youngest of four siblings. After graduating from Western Michigan University he moved to San Diego, California. For nearly three decades Joel has run some of the most successful residential landscaping businesses across Southern California. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

Gambling Addiction and Recovery Story

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Samir Baksh director of marketing for FAYYR which is a organization that supports charities, non-profit organizations and humanitarian causes through NFT fundraisers. Second on the show to join Samir is Alex O an artist in recovery, and Alex will share his story of recovery from addiction and how art helped Alex in his journey. Catch it all on our Facebook live video on Talk Recovery Radio Facebook page. Also on 100.5fm noon-1pm PST. FAYYR Our Purpose We believe that everyone has a role in making the world a better place. Our vision is to empower global participation in supporting social good using emerging blockchain technology. To this end, we have created a platform that connects charities, artists, and their supporters to the crypto economy and to each other. Fayyr was created to support charities, non-profit organizations and humanitarian causes through NFT fundraisers. A non-fungible token, or NFT, is a unique digital asset that is stored on a cryptocurrency blockchain. Fundamentally, a blockchain is a digital database used for recording transactions that is distributed throughout a network of computers to keep information and assets safe. We use the NEAR blockchain because it is fast, cheap, and climate neutral. Our Story Our small, dedicated team has worked hard during the pandemic to make our vision a reality. While we’re driven by this vision, we have also had a lot of practical challenges to face. Unsurprisingly, this has meant enormous dedication, as well as learning all kinds of new technical tools, methods, processes, and underlying technologies. Luckily, this is exactly what we love to learn about, so while we’re working hard, we’re having a blast doing it! To accomplish our goal, we’ve leveraged our many complementary skills. We range from seasoned software veterans, to enthusiastic top of the class students; from mathematical gurus to marketing masters and everything else in between. We love sports, music, art, books, movies, video games, and hanging out with friends. We’re a bunch of keeners, and a bunch of campers, but you would probably find that at most startups. What keeps us going is our collective vision to support charities while celebrating digital art. It’s what we’re all about. Personal Story Alex O is an artist in recovery, Alex will join Talk Recovery to talk about his story of recovery from his addiction and how Art has helped him in his journey. Catch Alex on the radio and Facebook live this Thursday from 12:30-1:00pm.

Art and Addiction Recovery

This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Wendi Friesen, Wendi is a speaker, Author, Corporate Training. Since 1994, Expert in Hypnosis, Mindfulness and NLP. Join us on 100.5fm every Thursday from noon-1pm PST, or on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook Live. About Wendi I am worldwide leader in creating rapid change for life's difficult problems. Since 1994 my site at Wendi.com has influenced the lives of millions worldwide and brought insight, wisdom and spiritual growth to people in need. I can help you. I am often described by my colleagues as a powerful healer, teacher and a creative marketing expert, and they tell me I am one of the most loved transformational trainers in the world. As a flat broke single mother of two, with no resources, money, help or partners, I created a transformation business for devoted followers who seek real change. My work caught the attention of the media and I quickly became an authority on how to make rapid and massive change in your mind, body and spiritual life. Wendi.com grew to experience millions in sales in a short time, reaching the hearts and minds of people who understood how her sincerity and passion could transform their lives. Wendi has created over 300 programs on audio and Video that will teach you how to really use your brain! The programs lead you through a process of changing your brain's neural networks, the chemicals of depression, and the habitual and compulsive thoughts that prevent them from being happy. I've been called a miracle worker and have helped doctors who refer their patients to me to do what they might consider impossible. My work with the medical hypnosis has freed people from chronic pain, ended debilitating phobias, released the effects of PTSD, ended the torture of relentless migraines, and cured many so called incurable conditions. It is remarkable what the mind can do when given the right stuff. My recorded programs use powerful therapy that rewires the neural pathways in the brain and results in amazing outcomes. I am committed to breaking new ground in the treatment of addiction. After numerous frustrating attempts to help my son with years of addiction, I created a powerful program that is based on the new science of how the brain can be changed through meditation, hypnosis, NLP and energetic methods. Everything that you experience affects your ability to be effective, happy, motivated and successful. Life is full of ups and downs and how you manage your experiences will determine how you react to new experiences in your life. You can be devastated by an event or empowered and determined. My experience with hypnosis has taught me how to shift the way the brain reacts and how I respond to life’s experiences. Wendi's Website | Wendi's Facebook |Wendi's Twitter WHAT IS NEXT? I am on a mission to change the way the world treats addiction. The crisis of addiction is one I take personally. My success in helping those who've lost hope is proof th

Hypnotherapy and Addiction Recovery

Canada’s Largest Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Day Festival. This Saturday Recovery Day BC – 10th Anniversary Noon to 6 pm, September 10th New Westminster BC. Addiction Recovery Festival Festival Program 6th and 6th Stage Program 12:00– 1:00 Eagle Eyes – Eagles tribute band 2:00 – 3:00 Busty and the Bass 3:30 – 4:30 Snotty Nose Rez Kids 5:00 – 6:00 Tom Cochrane Kids Stage at 5th Av and 6th street 12:00 – 12:15 Will’s Jams Opening 12:15 – 1:00 Penny Pom Pom 1:00 – 1:10Cosmo Circus 1:30 – 2:15 Karima Essa – Bollywood Star Workshop 2:15 – 2:25 Cosmo Circus 3:00 – 3:45 Fred Penner 4:00 – 4:50 Will’s Jam 4:50 – 5:00 Cosmo Circus 5:05 – 6:00 themagicguy.ca Gary Savard Kids Zone Korki Clown, facepainters, clowns, balloon artists, the Fun GymBus, LEGO TENT, Tumble City Cheer Parkour Gymnastics, Lollipop the Bubble Clown, COCO the parrot, and so much more. Adventure Zone Rock Climbing Wall Virtual Reality Experience Axe Throwing BC Addiction Recovery Association Stage 12:00 Bungalow 1:15 Will Clements 2:30 Amber Tsang 3:35 Tess Anderson 5:00 Sugar Fungus Plus 2 more stages My Uptown New West Stage features – Cakewalk Dance Band & Djs 5th St and 6th Ave Stage Royal City Swing Over 200 Vendor Spaces Booked What is happening at Recovery Day? Food Trucks Artisans Mental Health and Addiction Service Providers Adventure Zone with Rock Climbing, Virtual Reality Pods, Swing Dancing, and Axe Throwing Kids Zone with Facepainters, Clowns, Magicians, Balloon Art Overdose Memorial Tree to honour those lost too soon 4 Music Stages Recovery Day BC in New Westminster has become one of the world’s largest events celebrating recovery and raising awareness that recovery from addiction and mental health issues is possible. See you on September 10th, 2022 in the Uptown New West Neighborhood at 6th and 6th.

Recovery Day BC 2022

Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Colleen Allan to the show, Colleen is the executive director of St. Raphael Wellness Centre and has been teaching a course about Gender Differences of Alcohol Effects on Women for many years now. Colleen is joined by two women who will share their story of recovery with us as well. 3 guests one full hour on Talk Recovery Radio, catch it all on our Facebook page LIVE noon-1pm PST every Thursday or on Co-op Radio 100.5fm. Alcohol Effects on Women There has been widespread acceptance by the scientific community of alcohol’s effect on women, particularly the vulnerability of developing breast cancer, and the highest risk of reoccurrence, for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the fact that it is well documented in the literature and has been reported in two expose’s two years running by the CBC’s National News, there seems to be no recognition that women should be given this information. It has been recommended that warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages that have been instituted by some European countries. About Elysia 41 years old, married no kids. Volunteer at SRWC, doing reception, outreach and intakes. Problem drinking started at about 30 years old and progressed full on alcohol dependency at 35. Sober 3 years this September. September, 2019, I was hospitalized with acute liver failure and cellulitis. I was given approximately 6 months to live without a liver transplant, but once the alcohol consumption stopped, my health gradually improved to the point where I am no longer in need of a liver transplant. I did, however suffer long term effects from the alcohol. I have moderate to severe alcoholic neuropathy in my feet and legs that make both standing or sitting for any extended period of time a problem. This is a marked improvement from three years ago, however, as initially, I was unable to walk without a walker or get up or down without assistance. I am also now peri-menopausal which takes away any option of having children. About Taylor My name is Taylor, I was diagnosed with end stage liver cirrhosis at the age of 28 in 2019. I had never heard of cirrhosis before, I knew alcohol from an early age wasn’t “good” for you and had plenty of talks growing up about how bad smoking, drugs, pills, etc. are but never really alcohol. Alcohol always seemed normal to me, it’s all around you. Especially these days, I find it’s around everywhere. I see it in nail salons, hair salons, weird places you wouldn’t normally see it. When I was diagnosed, it was explained to me and my parents from what I can remember, but I didn’t really have a guide on how to handle what was happening to me. I remember just being really confused and didn’t really know what to do with it all, or cared really at that point, that’s where my brain was at. I was confused, scared, lost. When I was at my worst with my battle with cirrhosis, I had every symptom po

Gender Differences of Alcohol

This week on Talk Recovery Radio Jeanette Yoffe executive director of the Celia Centre joins the show to talk about adoption, abandonment and mental health addiction recovery, then followed by Rebekah G a woman in Recovery with over 8 years clean shares her story of recovery from addiction. Catch it all on our Facebook page LIVE. #NewWestRecovery. About Jeanette Yoffe Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is the Executive Director and Founder of Celia Center. This is a support center that meets the critical needs of all those connected by Foster Care and Adoption. It supports those who serve the community in Los Angeles and beyond via support groups, mental health conferences, wolf healings, and art festivals. She is the clinical director of Yoffe Therapy, which provides psychotherapy to children, teens, and their families, treating attachment, trauma, grief, and loss challenges. She has been in the field for over 20 years. She has worked as a psychotherapist, foster care social worker, clinical director, trainer for Los Angeles Child and Family Services, Department of Mental Health for parents, social workers, and therapists on adoption & foster care challenges, parenting, the impact of pre-adoption trauma, grief/loss, open adoption. She supports adult adoptees searching for extended lost family members and assists in reunions and family reunification. She was awarded the Foster Care Hero Award for her dedication to children and families in foster care in Los Angeles. Yoffe’s desire to become a therapist with a particular focus on adopted and foster care issues derived from her own experience of being adopted and moving through the foster care system in New York. Adoption and Abandonment It’s important to acknowledge that all adoption starts with some form of loss. It’s the invisible wound of adoption.  7 CORE ISSUES: rejection, guilt, shame, grief, identity and intimacy challenges, the distinctions – or battle – between implied identity and imposed identity, mastery and control. There’s difficulty with trust because their very first most significant relationship was severed, often traumatically. That inherited abandonment can often translate to a heightened sensitivity to rejection and feeling abandoned. There’s tremendous vulnerability, difficulty forming trusting relationships. “Am I good enough?” There’s an acute sense of alienation because they have become disenfranchised from their ancestral tribe: “Where did I come from? Who am I?” I often say we’re not adoptees, we’re adoptees. Often, I have found in my work with adoptees that there is a deep feeling of inner turmoil, disconnection, low self-worth, and overwhelming fear and anxiety. I believe what leads my adopted or fostered clients into addiction or compulsive behavior often stems from the suppression of inner pain. Sometimes this is a pain recognized, but sometimes this buried pain is not recognized and is a disenfranchised grief, that society doesn’t r

Adoption and Addiction Recovery

This week on Talk Recovery Radio Author, motivational speaker, recovery coach podcaster and founder of "Life is Wonderful" Hugo Vrsalovic joins the show for the full hour. Catch it all on Talk Recovery's Facebook page here. About Hugo Hugo Vrsalovic is the founder of Life Is Wonderful. Hugo V. has met difficult challenges in his life that allows him to relate to people who are dealing with similar struggles. With over 20 years in recovery from gambling and alcohol along with being in therapy for 7 years, he truly believes that 12 Step meetings, therapy, and retreats work. Hugo V. is the son of immigrant parents and is fluent in Spanish. His family history is of Bolivian and Croatian background. Hugo V. has graduated with an MBA from Rice University, BBA from The University of Texas at Austin, and graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. He is a DTM Toastmaster. About Life is Wonderful Life Is Wonderful is a business that focuses on empowering people who are struggling with addiction by using methods of honest self-awareness. Self-awareness is defined as one's conscious knowledge of character, motives, desires, and feelings. Life Is Wonderful believes people who struggle with addiction and other matters such as family issues and spirituality can seek help only if they have the desire to do so. The founder of Life Is Wonderful, Hugo Vrsalovic, has created a unique twist on "The 12 Steps" called "The 12 Steps - Explained," which explains each step in a different way, hoping to get people to understand the Steps and become grateful for the Steps since the Steps can transform lives and help you be content. The 12 Steps involve having honest self-reflection, having positive support, making positive changes, and maintaining that positive change. Life Is Wonderful has a goal of transforming the lives of people who are struggling with addiction and life by practicing self-awareness. ​The founder, Hugo Vrsalovic, is the motivational public speaker for Life Is Wonderful and connects with audiences to help them think, feel, and see differently on life struggles. Hugo Vrsalovic uses personal experiences, humor, and scientific knowledge to make an impact. He speaks at middle schools, high schools, corporations, universities, and recovery centers. Currently, he is writing an audiobook. ​

Life is Wonderful

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two amazing guests, first on the show is Vancouver drag sensation Kendall Gender to talk about Untoxicated 2022 which is coming home to New Westminster at New West Pride this Saturday. Second on the show is Victoria H yoga teacher and person in recovery who will tell us her personal story of how yoga helped save her life. Catch it all on Facebook live this Thursday at 12pm PST. Kendall Gender As a performer, host, model and LGBTQIA2S+ activist, Kendall Gender is a bonafide Canadian drag sensation. With grassroots in Vancouver, she has performed coast to coast since 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down. Kendall is best known for being on season 2 of Canada’s Drag Race, where she placed in the top 3.  She is also known for being the queer ambassador for Fairmont Hotels, a member of infamous drag group ‘BRATPACK’ and a past winner of elite drag competition “Vancouver’s Next Drag Superstar” in 2017. She was also elected as the “Empress of Vancouver” and raised over $25,000 for various charities as a part of the Dogwood Monarchist Society.  In 2020 she was also the first drag performer to do a halftime performance at the Rugby 7’s game, performing for a crowd of 50,000 people. As a biracial artist, Kendall started the show ‘VISIBLE’ which is designed as a  platform to raise money and awareness for visible minorities.  In 2020, the events moved digital and raised over $9,000 for Black Lives Matter during a single event. Kendall has been cast in the lead role of an upcoming film called “Stay”, playing the character Kaleb /Ivy Diamonds. The film is set to release in fall 2022. Always dressed to the nines and known for her explosive and high-energy performances that radiate positivity and ooze sex appeal, Kendall is a powerhouse that continues to leave audiences wanting more as her star continues to rise. Kendall's Social Media Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube   Untoxicated 2022 Last Door’s Clean Sober Proud initiative invites EVERYONE to substance-free spaces during Pride Season, people in recovery, recovery allies, sober curious people and anyone who wants to be part of is welcome to celebrate with us. Dance with us at our highly anticipated UNTOXICATED Street festival. This year the anticipated Untoxicated festival is coming home to New West in partnership with the New West Pride These activities help foster healthy relationships for the LGBTQ2s+ Community while connecting people to Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers and the thousands of supporters over the years that have helped this initiative grow. Where: Outside of Anvil Centre, New Westminster, BC When: 3-8pm August 13th, 2022   Yoga and Addiction Recovery  The second half of the show hear Victoria's personal story of addiction and recovery and how yoga helped save her life. Recovery and yoga have saved my life. When in front of a class it is impor

Kendall Gender and Yoga Addiction Recovery

Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 amazing guests. First on the show we welcome Bruce Rosenberg, co founder of Rosenberg Law, Bruce has made a name for himself in the area of healthcare fraud litigation defense. Second on the show is Steven Hall, a person in long term recovery sharing his personal story of recovery from addiction. Catch it all on Facebook Live on Talk Recovery's Facebook page. About Bruce Rosenberg  Bruce Rosenberg is a founding partner of Rosenberg Law, P.A. With over 30 years of experience litigating in New York and Florida, Mr. Rosenberg now concentrates his practice in healthcare regulatory compliance and civil racketeering litigation. He has successfully litigated a wide array of cases on behalf of healthcare professionals and businesses. Mr. Rosenberg also frequently advises other general practice and criminal attorneys on issues of corporate compliance, HIPAA privacy compliance, contracts, medical staff issues, and billing issues. Before specializing in healthcare law, Mr. Rosenberg represented insurance companies in subrogation cases and with defense issues. This experience allows him to serve healthcare providers more efficiently and effectively. His working knowledge includes complex commercial litigation, acquisitions, assignments, joint ventures, partnerships, civil defense of banking and leasing institutions as well as banking compliance. Mr. Rosenberg is an active member of the Sarasota Bar Association. He also currently serves on the Florida Bar Technology Committee. Rosenberg Law Socials Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website DRUG ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE REHAB COVERAGE The Affordable Care Act (ACA) eliminated addiction from the list of preexisting conditions, thus ensuring health insurance coverage for alcohol and drug rehabilitation services; this is because the ACA sought to improve access to medical health services during a time of rising widespread mental health issues. The ACA classified addiction treatment as an "essential medical benefit". Pursuant to the ACA, insurance plans cover addiction evaluation and treatment medication, alcohol and drug testing, anti-craving medication, clinic and home health visits, family counseling, certain interventions, and medical detox programs. Plans obtainable through the Health Insurance Marketplace provide varying degrees of coverage for rehabilitation–60% for Bronze plans, 70% for Silver plans, 80% for Gold plans, and 90% for Platinum plans. As a result, the ACA makes addiction treatment more affordable and allows patients to select a greater range of rehabilitation services. However, inpatient programs may be excluded by ACA/public plans. Since the passage of the ACA, private plans offer varying levels of coverage for rehabilitation. State laws that regulate private plans typically require insurance providers to cover substance abuse treatment and other mental health rehab services. Though costlier than public insurance, private insur

Bruce Rosenberg and Steven Hall

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Dr. Donna Marks to the show, Dr. Marks is an educator, author, concierge psychotherapist and addictions counsellor in Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Marks is also the author of “Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure" and will be joining us for the full hour on Facebook live on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page. Dr. Donna Marks Donna Marks is an educator and concierge psychotherapist and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owned an outpatient treatment program and is a consultant to treatment centers. Donna is the author of the multi-award-winning, Exit the Maze-One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and created an online course for people who want to be cured of addiction. Her mission is to save a million lives in the next ten years. Her approach to addiction is unique. She believes that all addictions are a substitute for love. Her work in mental health and addictions centers on teaching people how to love themselves, and the more the pain is replaced with self-love, the need for any substitutes is forgotten. For 30 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles. Donna is the author of two books: Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, and the multi-award-winning title: Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with hundreds of thousands of listeners on podcasts and radio shows. Exit the Maze About the book: Dr. Donna Marks is the Author of “Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure” In this easy-to-read revised and expanded edition of Exit the Maze, Dr. Donna Marks makes the revolutionary claim that there is only one addiction with many faces, and the key to overcoming addiction is self-love. Millions of lives are lost to addiction every year, causing more direct and indirect deaths than any other illness. In a world where many things are uncertain, we do know this: There are many kinds of addiction, and in spite of treatment and everything else we’re doing, addiction is only increasing. Dr. Donna Marks, a renowned psychotherapist, addictions counselor, and teacher of A Course in Miracles for more than thirty years, merges her professional experience and her own personal history of substance dependency to offer a single revolutionary solution to all addictions in this expanded and revised edition of Exit the Maze. No matter what someone is addicted to—alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, smoking, working, gambling, and so forth—loving yourself is the key to recovery. This

Dr. Donna Marks – “Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure”

Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio staff from the Last Door Youth Program join us for the first half of the show to talk about Last Door Youth Program and how it had evolved over the 25 years of serving youth who struggle with addiction and are needing to find recovery. The second half of the show Jeremy O joins us to tell his personal story of recovery from addiction and what it is like being a teenager with having almost multiple years in recovery. You can catch it all on Talk Recovery's Facebook page LIVE Thursday at noon-1pm. Last Door Youth Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program provides addiction treatment services for youth ages 13 to 18 years and 19 to 25 years of age. Youth are supported to improve overall functioning via participation in long-term inpatient addiction treatment using a Social Model.  The program is located in New Westminster BC and Clients come from across Canada to participate.  Last Door Youth Program is licensed by the Health Authority and accredited by Accreditation Canada. A continuum of care is provided that includes a mental health assessment, individual and group therapy, peer support, balanced diet and nutrition, recreation, positive socialization, family counseling, post-treatment continuing care, and access to educational opportunities. LDYP’s experience-based learning promotes change in youths’ values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that results in an increase in self-esteem and improved decision making. Programs are from 3 months to over 1 year in length, longer programs include a return to school support program, and other long-term life skills support. Last Door Youth Program Celebrates 25 Years of Providing Service Celebrating and kicking off Last Door’s Youth Program’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations. Helping 13 to 18-year-old kids recover from addiction. Special thanks to everyone who has been part of this 25-year history.  The Last Door Adult Program started in 1984, and about a decade later, a Youth Program started. Special thanks to people that have supported the Youth Program. Jacob's Personal Story Tune in to listen to Last Door Youth Program Alumni Jacob G tell his personal story of addiction and recovery. Jacob went to residential treatment in his teen years and is now almost 2 years in recovery. Jacob inspires youth and adults in recovery on a daily basis with his constant care to help others in the recovery community.

Last Door Youth Program 25th Anniversary

This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery radio we have 2 great guests, first half of the show Serge Prengel joins us to talk about his book "The Proactive Twelve Steps: A Mindful Program for Lasting Change". Second half of the show Asha A joins us who is a woman in recovery with over 7 years in recovery. You can catch it all on Talk Recovery's Facebook page at noon Thursday. "The Proactive Twelve Steps: A Mindful Program for Lasting Change" About the book: The Proactive Twelve Steps outline how you can take a proactive approach to life, gradually stepping up from feeling stuck and powerless to enjoying a balanced and happy life. They are a new take on the original Twelve Steps. They describe the steps as a mindful program instead of a mystical experience in which change somehow happens to you. This book reflects a deep understanding of behavior change, codependency, stress, and trauma. It presents a clear roadmap for self-compassion and mindful self-discovery. It provides specific step-by-step instructions and a broader context that helps readers make sense of the healing process.  Buy the book here About Serge About Serge: Serge Prengel, LMHC, is a graduate of France's Sorbonne University and HEC Business School. He is certified in Focusing, in Core Energetics and in Somatic Experiencing. His work also draws from Systems-Centered theory. He is a co-founder of the Integrative Focusing Therapy training program. Serge Prengel's approach is experiential and integrative. He aims for deep insights that are action-oriented: "It takes a sense of comfort and safety to explore unresolved challenges, to get in touch with difficult feelings, and to find the motivation and inner strength that foster lasting change. "My goal is to create the kind of atmosphere that makes this possible. I am emotionally present with you. I use my creativity, and I appeal to your creativity. "This work is interactive: Both you and I are actively involved in the creative process of making change happen. "Even dealing with difficult situations can come to feel like a very satisfying process when it is done with emotional honesty and creativity."  Serge's Website | Facebook  Guest 2 Asha A Asha's Personal Story: Asha grew up with a single mom and a very dysfunctional extended family.  Her addiction started through experimentation but really took off when she was prescribed a stimulant from her pediatric doctor.  She developed an intravenous drug problem by the age of 19 and ended up homeless, wanted by police and on the run by age 21. She got clean at 24 and then again at 26 after a short relapse. Asha is now over 7 years clean and working as the program manager of the very treatment center she went through.

The Proactive Twelve Steps

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 guests, first half of the show Charlotte Sista C Ferrell who is a dramatic poet, scriptwriter and indie filmmaker. Our second guest is a returning guest Dr. Robb Kelly who is coming back onto the show to share more about his story of addiction and recovery as well about the Robb Kelly Group and what they have been up to in the past year. You can catch it all LIVE on our Facebook page Talk Recovery Vancouver.  Guest 1 Charlotte Sista C Ferrell About Charlotte: Charlotte Sista C Ferrell is a dramatic poet, scriptwriter, and indie filmmaker whose short, social-issue themed films, One Score and 17 Nights, and Sisters Out of the Box, have won festival awards. As a resident of Los Angeles, she creates short documentaries of children and older people she mentors as poetic “Ambassadors of Peace and Love.” In Vancouver, she is the host/producer for a weekly “Speak Up” radio show at cjsf.ca, and a senior-led podcast, Powered by Age. Drawing upon her experience as a former university instructor and her healing journey (from multiple crashes), she facilitates workshops on transformational poetry; increasing self-love and enhancing voice confidence.  I am a S.T.A.R.R. - Speaker, Teacher & Author with Remarkable Results eliciting people's stories or goals related to their health and wellbeing.. I assist people and organizations to vision, revitalize or activate their stories or goals utilizing direct and digital media. My independent poetry "soaring" poetic therapy work has included weekly writing-open mike sessions at a Los Angeles residential recovery center; providing  poetic exploration, writing and  expression sessions for different sobriety or recovery programs.  I do not video any poetry performances or workshops I do at recovery centers but I do have some clips of me during a D.T.E.S. showcase. I also have a workbook that some rehabilitation programs have found to be beneficial Guest 2 Dr. Robb Kelly Robb Kelly, PhD – The Recovery Expert – was born in Manchester England. He grew up in a family of musicians and developed a strong love for music at an early age. He was performing on stage at the age of nine. During his early twenties, he worked at the elite and influential Abbey Roads Studio, as a session musician in London. Addiction was always close to his heart as Dr. Kelly was born into a family that had a history of alcoholism. He began drinking and using drugs at an early age, but he managed to stay on a path of success, moving to Oxford in the early 1980’s to pursue a PhD in Psychology at the prestigious University of Oxford. He continued to drink heavily during his time in Oxford – but still managed to complete his Doctorate studies, graduating with a PhD in psychology in 1984. Even though he was a heavy drinker – no one would have predicted, that he would be living on the streets of Manchester, homeless and alone. He recalls the night where he had a staggering revelation when

Poetry and Addiction Recovery

This week on Talk Recovery Radio This week on Talk Recovery Radio we have 2 amazing guests Robbie Seale and Lauren Richardson, Robbie the the host of “FASD Family Life Podcast” who also has experiencing with raising children who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. As well as a personal story from Lauren Richardson who has a story about living with FASD. All on Facebook live at 12pm PST on Talk Recovery Vancouver’s Facebook page. FASD Family Life Podcast About the Podcast FASD Family Life podcast is where we get REAL about raising children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Host and FASD Educator, Robbie Seale, synergizes her 20 years lived experience, in-depth knowledge of FASD and the best research to educate, encourage, equip parents and caregivers raising children and youth with FASD. Robbie’s passion is to help families thrive, because she knows the struggle is real and so is success. Weekly episodes of FASD Family Life discuss the challenges families experience and delivers effective strategies to improve family cohesion and increase understanding of this complex disability. Do you have a question about FASD or are you struggling with a challenging situation? About Robbie I produce and host the FASD Family Life Podcast as a resource for parents, grandparents, care givers raising children and youth who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. My podcast is fueled by my passion to help families thrive by educating, encouraging, and equipping parents and caregivers to understand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and strategies for success. I have five children; four of whom I adopted from the child welfare system. Each of my children were prenatally exposed to alcohol. When I adopted each of my children I didn’t know the implications of prenatal alcohol exposure. My children are now adults and teens and we experience the implication of the prenatal alcohol exposure in their behavior, mental health and addictions. Three of my children have a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a result of the prenatal alcohol exposure. About Lauren Hello my name is Lauren Richardson I am also someone who is living with Fetal alcohol syndrome I was diagnosed with this condition March 31st 2014 at the age of 27 years old I was adopted from El Salvador at 3 months old to two amazing Canadian parents I have two awesome sisters I am the middle child I grew up in Hamilton Ontario Canada and then moved out West in 2005 I am currently out in British Columbia I am also born with having a cleft lip and cleft palate which has since been fixed since being diagnosed I have become a huge self-advocate and public advocate for Fetal alcohol syndrome and Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder here in Canada

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