From the Heart

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined again by case manager and life coach Vance Larson to discuss the current opioid epidemic in the United States. Each member of the panel shares their personal stories of bearing witness to the effects of the opioid crisis and the holistic approaches to healing and recovery that have the potential to make a positive impact. 

Topics Discussed

• Vance Larson’s personal experience being affected by the opioid epidemic
• Relationship between trauma and addiction
• Stigma of addiction and recovery
• Dr. Larry Force’s personal experiences with people struggling with addiction
• Andrew O’Grady’s personal experience being affected by the opioid epidemic
• Impact of addiction on families
• Holistic approaches to healing

Resources

• Vance Larson Life Coaching
• Am I addicted to pills?
• Do I have an addiction?
• How do I tell someone I have a problem with drugs or alcohol?
• Do I have to stop drinking forever?

Key Quote(s)

• “Addiction is real. It’s demoralizing, people have been through trauma, it’s a hard camp and a hard life. For me as a provider, as a clinician, as a case manager, as a chaplain, I just want to give them an opportunity to be themselves and know that this time is sacred and that they are loved and there’s no judgment.” – Vance Larson
• “You have to find your own path, you have to find what works for you and will keep you clean and sober…and you have to find a balance. There are many programs, and our agency [MHA Dutchess] runs a number of them, that you can walk into and we will start that journey with you.” – Andrew O’Grady
• “Fail, fail again, fail better, but don’t stop trying. It’s never one thing, like a sauna and meditation for a week. It’s the layering effect…as you begin to change, over time you will realize how far you’ve come.” – Elisa Gwilliam