ROBERT KANTER OFFERS HOPE TO FAMILIES AFFECTED BY OPIOID EPIDEMIC
August 3, 2021
Hosted by Dr. Patricia Halligan
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Robert Kanter, International Recovery Advocate and Legislative Activist, is hopeful over the recent groundbreaking 26 billion dollar settlement reached by 3 of the largest opioid drug distributors in America and manufacturer Johnson and Johnson. Most of the money will go toward addiction treatment in communities hardest hit by the opioid epidemic. He is honest and authentic as he recounts his own personal recovery from substances and that of his daughter's, who recently celebrated 3 years of recovery from opioids. Mr. Kanter describes the desperation he felt as the parent of a child with Opioid Use Disorder and how her struggles became the genesis of his advocacy work. He talks about learning how to connect with her in a loving way , using a de-stigmatized approach based on harm reduction, which ultimately led to her entering treatment. He speaks to parents of children suffering from Opioid Use Disorder, advising them to do research in order to arm themselves with tools and information. He offers 3 websites that can help families navigate treatment services and build a community of support. By learning how to navigate the system, parents can access available life-saving resources and tools. Mr. Kanter describes the Family Support Services for Addiction Act of 2021, legislation that he helped establish. He comments on his latest article in Psychology Today, "Commitment Yields Success in 12-Step Programs, which explains what someone needs to do to fully recover from Substance Use Disorder. He offers advice to people struggling with Opioid Use Disorder and their families. Robert Kanter is deeply passionate and personal as he offers help, hope and inspiration for people affected by the opioid epidemic.
RECOVERY…THE HERO’S JOURNEY
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
RECOVERY: THE HERO’S JOURNEY provides best practice information and support to people struggling with Substance Use Disorders/Process Addictions and Prescription Drug Dependence. We confront the stigma surrounding Opioid Use Disorder and Benzodiazepine Dependence, understanding that both are the direct result of an overprescribing epidemic. We discuss Buprenorphine, a first line, long term treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. We validate people struggling with Benzodiazepine Dependence (ie-Xanax/Klonopin), and offer resources and a recovery plan.
Experts explore Eating Disorders, Sex Addiction, PTSD, and the effects of today’s Cannabis on teens and young adults, offering guidance and resources to individuals struggling with these issues and their families. This podcast gracefully combines interviews with experts in the field and patient stories of recovery and redemption. The show is about connection, reclaiming personal integrity and hope.
Dr. Patricia Halligan
Dr. Patricia Halligan is an Addiction Psychiatrist, who specializes in the treatment of patients diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders, Prescription Drug Dependency and Process Addictions. She completed a residency in Psychiatry at Cornell-The New York Hospital, followed by a Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1998. Dr. Halligan is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry and is a trained CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist). Believing in the healing power of connection, she trained at the Center for Group Studies in NYC and runs modern analytic group therapy for people in recovery.
Dr. Halligan has been prescribing Buprenorphine in her private practice since 2003 and continues to be a strong advocate for patients with Opioid Use Disorder throughout the Opioid Epidemic. She has spent the last two decades in the trenches of two tragic epidemics caused by the overprescribing of both Opioids and Benzodiazepines.
Aware that the lack of addiction training in medicine has largely contributed to both epidemics, she has resolved to devote some time to teaching. She creates CME accredited addiction education videos and training workshops for health care providers. Dr. Halligan decided to create this show to support people who are taking the hero’s journey into recovery and their families. You’ll hear interviews with experts surrounding best practices, and embrace the elimination of stigma.