It seems an epidemic is sweeping not just our communities, but our country. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention brings more bad news for the nation’s continued fight against the opioid epidemic. Data from hospital emergency departments show a big increase in drug overdoses across the country.
According to the study, which examined data from 16 states, emergency department visits for suspected opioid overdoses jumped 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017. This is where my guest this week comes in. Katie Donovan is a mother who was searching for answers when her own daughter became addicted to drugs.
Katie Donovan has dedicated her life to guiding others through the overwhelming process of finding quality treatment for substance abuse, coaching families through their own recovery, and a consultant for the treatment industry.
Katie is the Executive Vice President of the nonprofit FAN-Families Against Narcotics, on the Executive Committee for a Michigan opiate task force Operation Rx, and a national speaker on addiction. Katie is also one of the leading forces behind the creation of Hope Not Handcuffs. Katie is a professionally trained and certified family recovery coach as well as an addictions recovery coach.
Katie has been a featured author/blogger for national advocacy groups such as The Addicts Mom, Magnolia New Beginnings, and In The Rooms, in addition to being interviewed on The Fix, Overcoming Addiction Radio, NBC news as well as numerous media sources.
Katie and her daughter Brittany also co-founded a blog, where they dig deep about their journey at www.amothersaddictionjourney.com, which reached over a million views and seen in 146 countries within 30 days of its inception and has been syndicated in over 30 publications, including USA Today and The Sober World magazine.
If you, or someone you love is suffering from addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out HERE.
On the second part of the “Women Who Rock” podcast as always we chat with Cyndy Schalter-Salsido from Turning Point.
This week the first male to accuse former Michigan State Doctor Dr. Larry Nassar of sexual abuse came forward with his story. Cyndy and I discuss the differences between helping male versus female survivors, why men in particular don’t often come forward and how to help a male sexual abuse survivor. Researchers have found that 1 in 6 men have experienced abusive sexual experiences before age 18. And this is probably a low estimate, since it doesn’t include non-contact experiences, which can also have lasting negative effects.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE…
TURNING POINT IS HERE TO HELP
Domestic violence and sexual assault rob an individual of their sense of safety, power, and dignity. Turning Point provides emergency and support services to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We strive to provide a safe non-judgmental place for survivors to explore their feelings and options, and regain control of their lives. We value your experiences and welcome your input into our service delivery.
There is a 24 crisis line:
586.463.6990