Don’t Hide The Scars

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Big Vision NYC founder, Eve Goldberg. After Eve's 23-year old son, Isaac died of an accidental drug overdose; she was motivated to help save young lives. One year later, in January 2015, Eve founded BIGVISION in New York City with a nationwide mission. Isaac Goldberg Volkmar and his initials, IGV, are placed in the center of the BIGVISION name. Eve is committed to helping young adults in recovery learn to live fun, meaningful, sober lives by providing entertaining, engaging events and building a community where the BIGVISION “family” can hang out in a cool, hip, substance-free environment. We talk with Eve about the importance of creating an environment that offers the recovering addict connectivity. How she saw first hand with her some that marijuana isn't a benign drug and led to issues for her son right away. As well we talk about various societal and internal factors that impact all of us and for some can be part of the gateway into substance use, abuse and full blown addiction. Eve is raw, real, passionate and is a true example of why we Don't Hide The Scars. For more on Eve Goldberg and BIGVISION: https://www.bigvision.nyc/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down for lots of laughs with Dave Manheim of the Dopey Podcast. A variety of topics are discussed including Dave's personal recovery journey which included MAT (Medically Assisted Treatment) in the form of Methadone which he shares his concerns with long term MAT. As well Dave expands on the very valid point of comedy and tragedy in recovery stories. The comedy side being that those who survive can speak on their crazy times and the tragedy bein those who don't. Dopey is an American self-help and comedy podcast about personal experiences of substance use disorders and addiction. The show was formerly co-hosted by Chris, a fellow person in recovery and graduate student from Boston, Massachusetts who sadly passed during a period of relapse. For more on Dave and the Dopey Podcast https://dopeypodcast.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Nathan Smiddy is his name. But he's better known as "Narcan Nate."

Smiddy got the nickname when he started to train people on administering Narcan and distributing the medication free of charge. We discuss various harm reduction modalities, including the possible positives and negatives of selling Narcan to the public. We also share perspectives on long term harm reduction and such substances used in the process as Methadone and Suboxone. We talk the long term side effects and more. Smiddy serves as the North County liaison for the organization, A New PATH, which stands for Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing. The organization has a grant from the Department of Health Care Services that supplies Smiddy with the Narcan he distributes

Before Smiddy was an advocate for harm reduction, he struggled with his own drug use.

“I overdosed for the first time when I was 19 in front of most of my family, and they didn't really know what to do,” he said. Nate, now 30 years old, and coming up on 5 years of sobriety started the Narcan distribution three years ago after reflecting on his own experience and seeing the need for it. For more on "Narcan Nate" Smiddy https://www.instagram.com/narcan_nate/

https://www.facebook.com/nathan.smiddy.98?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.facebook.com/NarcanNate?mibextid=LQQJ4d

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Gregg Champion. A variety of topics are discussed including the Ism's of Addiction, if you're mentoring a new comer in recovery that you must share you mistakes. We also talk about various treatment modalities such as abstinence over long term MAT (Medically Assisted Treatment) and we ponder why some recovery facilities have gotten away from the basics of 12 step programs when those who run them got sober with the aid of 12 step programs and more. Gregg is a TEDx speaker who has been in recovery for over 20 years after nearly ruining his life with drugs and alcohol. He got clean and sober in his early 20's with the help of Father Bill Wilson of La Jolla, who was Gregg's "Eskimo" to the rooms of AA. Gregg brings unequivocal expertise, visibility, and acumen to recovery coaching. Policy makers, media personalities, and addiction experts recognize Gregg as a highly valued and trusted member of the recovery community. For more on Gregg Champion and Start Up Recovery https://www.startuprecovery.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Dr. Donna Marks. Dr. Marks is an author, consultant, public speaker, and psychotherapist for over thirty years. She was licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987 and then certified in Addiction, Gestalt Therapy, Hypnosis, Sex Therapy, and Psychoanalysis. She currently has a concierge psychotherapy practice in Palm Beach, Florida.

We discuss with Dr. Marks insight from not only her recovery journey, her years of trained knowledge with those suffering from addiction as well as their families. We also discuss her latest book Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Solution. Donna clarifies what she means by one addiction, one cause and one solution.

Dr. Marks says that after decades of personal and professional experience, Dr. Marks claims abstinence and addressing the underlying trauma of addiction is not enough. With this approach, one addiction simply replaces another, and genuine self-fulfillment is never achieved. She contends every addiction is a substitute for love and until a person learns how to replace addiction with self-love, they will remain addicted

For more on Dr. Donna Marks and her books: https://drdonnamarks.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Attorney Shanna Hesketh, we discuss the tragic loss of her brother who was shot and killed. The trauma that her family experienced from his murder as well as his addiction and substance abuse issues. She also shares insight into the traumas, mental health and addiction issues that those who work in the criminal court system often face as well as the clientele.

As Shanna states, she's always known that she wanted to be a lawyer, but a series of traumatic events shaped her career in ways that she never could have imagined. As a victim in both a criminal case and personal injury cases, she's experienced firsthand just how overwhelming and difficult it can be to navigate the California justice system.

The court system is traumatic. No one ever hires a lawyer because they’re having a great day. Whether it’s an injury or an arrest that lands you in the court system, she has made it her mission to help others navigate these trying situations.

For more on Shanna Hesketh: https://traumalawca.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Guy Felicella who is passionate about advocating for the vulnerable people who still suffer with addiction/mental health and is adamant about educating communities on the importance of a full spectrum of care from harm reduction to recovery and to eliminate the stigma that exists around drug addiction.

We debate with Guy if providing certain harm reduction material at concerts and musical performances send the wrong message and encourage substance use? We also talk about long term harm reduction, which includes the use of Suboxone and Methadone.

Guy Felicella grew up in a middle-class home in British Columbia but due to trauma, undiagnosed ADHD and difficulty at home and school, he fell into addiction at a young age. Guy spent 30 years in the repeated cycle of gangs, addiction, treatment, and jail.

He spent nearly twenty years residing in a two-block radius in Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside. Miraculously, with sheer determination and the help of others through harm reduction and recovery, Guy managed to survive the HIV/AIDS crisis in the DTES, two decades of being homeless, multiple life-threatening bone infections, and six drug overdoses.

Today, Guy has escaped the grips of the turmoil that kept him suffering and currently resides with his wife and three young children with nearly a decade of recovery and sobriety under his belt.

Guy is a sought-after International Public Speaker who shares his personal experience and expertise at conferences, seminars ad summits and TEDx Talks. Guy attends various school districts and post secondary institutions to educate students on drug addiction. Guy spent nearly his entire life suffering with addiction and is now using his experience to change the hearts and minds of people. . He cares deeply about giving back to the communities that helped him through his darkest times, and is focused on spreading his message of hope to those struggling, to young people, to families, and to the world.

For more on Guy Felicella : https://guyfelicella.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with  Editor in Chief of Recovery Today Magazine, the #1 Addiction, Sobriety and Recovery Magazine Rob Hannley. 

We discuss with Rob about the lineage of addiction that has ran in his family leading to the death of his sister. Rob also shares how he dealt with substance use in his immediate family, with one of his sons going down the path of addiction.

Rob is a man with a passion to help his fellow man. The greatest desire he has in life is to see people change their own lives for the better.

For more on Rob Hannley: https://www.recoverytodaymagazine.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit 

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Daniel Hearn of Hard Knox Talks to discuss a variety of topics including harm reduction, with decriminalizing substance use how will the shift happen towards treating it as a mental disorder and why we share our stories of recovery.  

Daniel himself been walking the road to recovery for several years. His vision is to help those who would decide to walk that path if the resources were available. That's why we're here. To give voice to those who have been silenced by stigma. Expected to act appropriately while in the grips of insanity. We are here to help those who are lost as we were, to grow as we are, and to show the world that the lie is dead. We do recover.  

 For more on Hard Knox Talks https://www.hardknoxtalks.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Boyce King to discuss a variety of topics based upon his recovery journey.

We discuss how Boyce's wife became heavily involved in Al-Anon while he was seeking his recovery. He shares some of the drawbacks she experienced.  As well we talk with Boyce about his process of working with various 12 Step program sponsors and what finally worked for him, along with Dr. Robb Kelly personally taking him through the Big Blue Book to expand his knowledge.

We conclude with discussing having a "2nd Life" 

For more on Boyce King 

https://www.facebook.com/boyce.king

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat-down with Greg Glod is the senior criminal justice policy fellow for Americans for Prosperity and Advisor to Stand Together on Criminal Justice and Drug Reform. As the son of a former Secret Service agent, Glod has always had a deep respect for law enforcement. 

We discuss with Greg his podcast The War On Drugs cohosted by Clayton English winner of Last Comic Standing.  We talk failed policy when it comes to the war on drugs. Clinical studies that show how connectivity and purpose are the opposite of addiction. The fentanyl and opioid crisis as well as a hopeful shift in policy in which addiction is viewed as a mental health issue and not a criminal issue.  

For more on Greg Glod and The War On Drugs Podcast

https://lavaforgood.com/war-on-drugs/ 

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sit-down Amanda Marker the Founder and Managing Director at Convenient Health & Recovery, Owner and CEO at Purpose To Passion and Founder and Managing Director at Pain To Purpose

We discuss a variety of topics and insight with Amanda, including her pathway to addiction as well as her recovery modality. This includes us conversing about different approaches to harm reduction.

We also talk about advocacy, and how Amanda, who lives in a sober living facility shares how she educates here children on the dangers of substance use and addiction.  

For more on Amanda Marker  

https://www.facebook.com/AmandaMarker6387  

https://paintopurpose.square.site/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sit-down Hick Cheramie. Hick is an actor known for recent roles in the Will Smith Apple TV film Emancipation and AMC's Mayfair Witches based on the writing of Anne Rice. 

Hick Cheramie is a 44-year-old male oilfield worker & actor who resides on the bayous of south Louisiana. He has 2 children. His sober date is 12/15/14. Hick is someone that always goes after what he wants and since a child acting was his goal, he got into the film industry in 2018 and has never looked back.

We discuss a variety of topics with Hick, including breaking generational addiction and trauma. How as a father he speaks openly with his children about the generations of addicts in their family lineage.  

We also talk about the spiritual awakening that Hick has on prior to Christmas 2014 and never looking back, now over 8 years sober.  

Plus we share perspectives on the Fentanyl Crisis and talk his acting career which includes a commercial in this years Super Bowl.  

For more on Hick Cheramie 

https://www.instagram.com/hickcheramie_actor

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit 

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sit-down Mike Fiore is the CEO and founder at INSPIRE 2 INSPIRE, partner with The Sober app.   

We discuss a variety of topics and insight into Mike's life including being born to an addicted mom and born an addict. Flindt and Mike share first hand truths of methadone use. We also share various perspectives on harm reduction and drug legalization.  

Mike used and abused drugs for 20 years, on November 3rd he successfully detox off of methadone after 12 years. He went as high as 140 mlg. Mike graduated treatment on May 10th and moved from NYC to California to pursue a career as a motivational speaker. From inside treatment she tarted a non-profit and got full incorporated, went on tour speaking and started a clothing line. He turned his mess into his message and live by two mantras, "we are responsible for the effort not the outcome" and "perspective equals potential".  

For more on Mike Fiore  https://www.instagram.com/mikefiore118/ https://www.tiktok.com/@inspire2inspire_ https://staystopped.shop/search?type=product&q=Inspire+2+Inspire+%2A

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit   

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sit-down with Adam Jablin author of Lotsaholic: From a Sick to Sober Superman  on the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast.  

At thirty years old, Adam Jablin had everything a successful business man is supposed to desire - a beautiful wife, a newborn baby, a gorgeous home, a sculpted body, steady career... but instead of being happy, he was in the grips of alcoholism and addiction. 

His family intervenes and Adam is taken to The Hanley Center where his world is changed forever. In rehab he meets spiritual teachers, doctors, psychiatrists, and other alcoholics and addicts that lead him to a final confrontation with his disease.  

Adam's journey leads him to face not just alcohol and drugs but all of his addictions and dependencies. More than just another recovery story of descent and redemption, you will see, hear, and feel what Adam experiences along his healing journey. Perhaps most importantly, Adam shares the very tools and secrets that have helped him overcome his addiction and live the life that he only could have dreamt about. And he is going to show you how to do the very same!  

Note from the author:  

Whether you ready to take the next step in your life, feel stuck, in pain, or don’t know how to turn your life around, I want you to know that you are not alone and THERE IS HOPE. I am here to help you move out of the despair and self-sabotaging patterns and begin to experience more joy and more power in your life – everyday!  

Praise for Lotsaholic  “Adam Jablin is traveling on an ancient path of wisdom providing substantial insight and tools needed to make changes in our lives. He shows you how overcome obstacles – no matter how large and to live a life rich in beauty, meaning, and purpose. You are going to love this book!”  Dion DiMucci – legendary singer & songwriter, Grammy Hall of Fame artist, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee  

“I met Adam Jablin when I was newly sober, and he made being in recovery genuinely appealing. I’ve stayed tight with him, and we’ve helped each other ever since. I’m thrilled to see that he’s able help so many more people with this book. Bravo!“  Steve-O – comedian, actor, New York Times Bestselling Author  

"Adam Jablin is a man on a mission to leave his divine fingerprint on the hearts of the people that hear him speak. His story is powerful, his heart is big, and his gifts are plenty."

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance talk with Dr. Peg O'Connor author of Higher & Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction And Suffering on the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast.

Higher & Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction And Suffering  is an expansive alternative for those who have struggled with the “higher power” of AA’s 12-step program, Higher and Friendly Powers offers a sense of human decency, moral ideals, and even a better version of oneself.

In Higher and Friendly Powers, Peg O’Connor addresses an audience much like herself: those in recovery who have struggled with the Christian-centric God at the heart of Alcoholics Anonymous. She brings our attention to a little-known fact: the term “higher power,” a touchstone in the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, was coined by William James, philosopher, psychologist, and intellectual giant of the early 20th century.

By acting as our personal field guide through the world of William James, Peg shows that “higher power” as James conceived it is far more expansive than we might imagine. The book, which combines Peg’s deep personal wisdom with James’s adventurous intellect, has the power to transform the way we live.

We also discuss with Peg about breaking people pleasing habits, seeking for validation, finding purpose as well as the faults of the approach to addiction rehabilitation especially when it comes to insurance companies.  

For more on Peg O'Connor and to get your copy of Higher & Friendly Powers visit https://pegoconnorauthor.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance talk with California State Assemblyman Jim Patterson who represents the 23rd district, which encompasses eastern Fresno County, including the cities of Fresno and Clovis, and a small slice of Tulare County on the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast.

Mr. Patterson shares how PAIN: Parents And Addicts In Need, namely Flindt who helped a close family member of Mr. Patterson's seek recovery and has been living a sober life for nearly 2 years.

We also discussed with Jim, legislation that is being presented in the California State Assembly to bring about stricter penalties for dealers of fentanyl, with more severe consequences that could include longer sentences and possibly being charged with murder for dealing with this deadly substance.  

Jim served as the Mayor of Fresno from 1993-2001. After eight years of focused leadership, Jim left the City of Fresno with a $20 million general fund surplus, a AAA credit rating, over a billion dollars of new business approvals that created thousands of new jobs, and a reborn reputation for achievement that the National Civic League recognized when it designated Fresno an All-America City in 2000. Jim spent most of his professional career as a businessman and broadcast executive owning and operating radio stations in California and Idaho. Jim and his wife Sharon have lived in Fresno for most of their lives, raising three children, and now four grandchildren in the Central Valley.

For more on Assemblyman Jim Patterson 

https://www.facebook.com/AssemblymanJimPatterson/

https://www.twitter.com/jimpatterson559 

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance talk with Michelle Curiel of  @TheSobrietyPlaybook  on the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast.  Michelle Curiel was in active alcoholism and drug addiction for 25 years. 🤯🤯🤯 💊🍻💉  

Her sobriety date is 8/8/2019. 🙏🏼  She helps people develop game changing awareness so that they can transcend their spiritual amnesia & realize the self 🙏🏼🧘🏻‍♀️🙏🏼🧘🏻‍♀️🙏🏼🧘🏻‍♀️🙏🏼🧘🏻🙏🏼🧘🏻🙏🏼🧘🏻🙏🏼  She teaches people to align their will and life to the care of a higher power/order ❤️ through the 12 steps & mindfulness practices.  🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉  👉🏻2023’s 👈🏻main focus will be on looking at the root cause of suffering & the repeating trends that occurred in my life that perpetuated this condition 🤯  There will be an emphasis on mindfulness, awareness, forgiveness, letting go & acceptance. 💪🏼  So, if you are looking to ameliorate  suffering in life  & you would like to know how to surrender to a higher order  

For more on Michelle visit https://instagram.com/thesobrietyplaybook

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit 

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance talk with Alexis Root on the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast.  Alexis is a loud and proud recovery advocate, who has not only championed change in the recovery community encouraging those who are confident speak up and let their voices be heard. We talk about the horrible approach the British Columbia Canada is taking on harm reduction, especially that of opioid addiction. As well we talk tips on staying connected and creating rules for yourself to maintain sobriety especially during the holidays.  Lastly we talk the importance of being of service in ones sobriety. 

For more on Alexis https://10000cards.com/card/alexis-nicole

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit 

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance talk with Julian  on the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast.  Julian's recovery has a direct connection to PAIN: Parents and Addicts In Need and Flindt Andersen.

Flindt and Jason discuss with Julian about managing addiction emotions around the holidays, finding humor out of the pain of our addiction. We talk the dark times and reframing them to enjoy future moments of joy and live in the moment.  We also talk reconnecting with your inner child, innocence and at the same time doing the work for greater emotional maturity.  And we wrap up with taking responsibility for our actions, addiction and not putting it on anyone else. 

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit 

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance talk with Julian  on the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast.  Julian's recovery has a direct connection to PAIN: Parents and Addicts In Need and Flindt Andersen.  

We talk with Julian about his struggle with fentanyl, moments in which his faith in his higher power have been tested in his sobriety as well as a family lineage or substance abuse and addiction.

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance talk with Matt Gardiner on the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast.  Matt is a highly sought-after recovery coach, sound therapist, and host of the Beyond Recovery podcast bringing on weekly guests to talk about their “Hero’s Journeys” from the darkness of addiction into the light of Recovery.

We talk with Matt about a variety of topics, from the self empowerment of vulnerability, the importance of connectivity with other positive and sober individuals that support the addicts recovery. 

Flindt and Matt have some differing opinions on the use of psychedelics in the recovery process. Plus we talk about the addicts brain when they are early in recovery.

Matt also shares the process he uses as a recovery coach he works his clients in a way that helps them develop tools to cope with past traumas as well as handle new adversities.

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

For more on Matt Gardiner https://linktr.ee/mattgardiner555

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance decided to have a one-on-one conversation about a variety of addiction-related and substance abuse topics.  They share some of their perspectives on harm reduction, celebrities sharing their addiction and recovery stories, legislation for recovering addicts, and the mental health and homeless crisis' we are facing in America. As well they tackle the controversial topic of stopping the foreign illegal drug manufacturers by force or if there is even a point in going after them.  

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Erin Khar. We discussed differing perspectives on Harm Reduction, The War On Drugs, her recent article in Cosmopolitan on Matthew Perry's autobiography as well as the lack of government funding and policies to combat the alarming rate of overdose deaths in the United States. 

Erin Khar is an author and advocate known for her writing on addiction, recovery, mental health, parenting, and relationships. Erin knows first-hand the challenges of addiction recovery and has established herself as a respected voice in the national conversation about the overdose epidemic.

Strung Out, Erin's debut memoir, appeared on most anticipated lists from Apple Books, Goodreads, SELF, The Rumpus, Bitch Media, and others. Of the book, The New York Times writes, "Khar’s buoyant writing doesn’t get mired in her dark subject matter. There is an honesty here that can only come from, to put it in the language of 12-step programs, a 'searching and fearless moral inventory.' This is a story she needed to tell; and the rest of the country needs to listen.”

Erin’s essay, “Guilty,” was published in Burn it Down: Women Writing About Anger. She was the recipient of a 2012 Eric Hoffer Editor's Choice Prize for her story, "Last House at the End of the Street," which was published in the Best New Writing 2012 anthology.

She writes the weekly advice column, Ask Erin on Substack, and her personal essays have appeared in SELF, Marie Claire, Salon, The Times of London Sunday Magazine, HuffPost, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, and others.

Erin lives in New York City. When she’s not writing, she’s probably watching Beverly Hills, 90210.

For more on Erin Khar and her book 

https://www.erinkhar.com/ 

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit 

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Brock Bevell. Brock and former Arizona Cardinal Max Hall have the podcast, Agents of Recovery and then they opened Victory Recovery, a counseling center for recovering addicts.   

Bevell’s story is much different than most, yet much the same. Run over while on duty as a Mesa police officer, he went to see a doctor for his injuries and pain. Bevell says “The day I walked in on my first visit, he looks at me and goes, ‘hey, you’re a cop, you’ll never get hooked on these things,’” Bevell said.  

But the painkillers led to a 10-year addiction until one day. “I took a pill, drank it took it down and shut the mirror. The mirror shined into my room and when I looked into my room in my brain I’m like, ‘Brock, you live in a crack house, this is who you’ve become,’” he said.  

Bevell didn’t go to rehab. Instead, he spent a week in the bathroom detoxing on his own. He says “I didn’t have a support team. I had alienated everyone in my life. I’m like, ‘I’m in it, I have to stay here and I’m not walking out of the bathroom until I’m over this,’” he said.  

He’s turned everything around.  He’s been sober for many years now and has helped hundreds of others get clean and stay clean as well.    

We discuss the alarming trends in drug culture, the fentanyl crisis, youth addition, what happens after a substance user is Narcaned, as well as educating parents and the youth on the deadly consequences of experimentation.  As well as the meaning behind his Chase the Vase Challenge.  

For more on Brock Bevell and Victory Recovery Arizona 

https://www.instagram.com/brockbevell 

https://www.instagram.com/victoryrecoveryaz

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Kim Bellas the founder of Sober Is The New Cool. We discuss how in 2013, her 15 -year-old son started having seizures. Like most teenagers, he enjoyed going to parties and socializing. A significant aspect of these parties was the consumption of alcohol, and her son was unable to drink due to his seizures.

As a mother, she found it was instinctive to make him happy by assuring him that alcohol wasn't necessary for him to enjoy himself. It IMMEDIATELY dawned on Kim how hypocritical she was being as she found herself frequently drinking wine.

To prove a point to her son, she stopped drinking for 3 months. The time went by quicker than she'd anticipated, and Kim decided to remain sober for another 3 months. Following 6 months of sobriety, Kim found herself happier than she had been in a while. What started as an example to her son became something she decided to commit to for her son and myself.

Now 2022, and Kim is proud to announce that she's been sober for almost 10 years as of our conversation. Sobriety has changed her outlook on life for the better and has improved both her physical and mental well-being.

Sober Is The New Cool is committed to bettering communities while raising awareness around the benefits of sobriety. Kim has become a support of PAIN: Parents And Addict In Need and refers people to our Wednesday support group meeting for those in recovery, family memebers of those in recovery as well as those who have lost a loved one to addiction.   

A portion of the proceeds from Sober Is The New Cool merchandise will be donated to the Douglas Foundation.

Kim's goal is to demonstrate that a SOBER LIFE is an exhilarating one, and anyone can reap the benefits.

For more on Sober Is The New Cool & Kim Bellas please visit https://soberisthenewcool.org/ 

Social Media 

https://www.facebook.com/soberisthenewcool.ca/ 

https://www.instagram.com/sober.is.the.new.cool/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_tmHjBMjRmRj-HECQ3_Feg 

https://twitter.com/Soberitnc 

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Tony Hoffman. In part  2-part  of our conversation with Tony, we discuss how Tony is upset by the irresponsible ways that the mental health and drug crisis are being handled.  As well as how important vulnerability is for everyone, especially men who desire to create true connections with others. Also, we talked about the moral responsibilities as they relate to ham reduction and helping addicts in need. We talk about how these issues directly relate to a rise in substance abuse and what Tony thinks can be done to prevent losing any more lives to the disease of addiction and substance abuse. 

On December 13th, 2008, Tony Hoffman was paroled by the California Department of Corrections after serving a two-year sentence for a drug-related robbery. While incarcerated, Tony set four goals: Race BMX professionally, go to the Olympics, start a non-profit called the Freewheel Project, and become a professional mental health and substance abuse speaker.

During his senior year at Clovis High School, he was featured on the cover of BMXer Magazine and was sponsored by Fox Racing, Spy Sunglasses, and Airwalk Shoes. On the surface, Tony's path seemed destined for stardom. However, in reality, Tony experienced crippling anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations. Tony's substance use began during his senior year, leading to the deterioration of his mental health and opioid addiction soon followed. Due to his misuse of Oxycontin, & other drugs, a life of addiction, crime, homelessness, and incarceration became his reality.

Since paroling prison, Tony has tirelessly worked towards achieving his goals and the dreams he’d set out for while incarcerated. He raced BMX professionally for several years and continued on to coach Brooke Crain to a 4th place finish at the Rio Olympic Games, accomplishing his dream of going to the Olympics. The Freewheel Project was very successful for many years helping thousands of youth through action sports before moving on to pursuing a very demanding national speaking career. Today Tony is an author, an owner of pH Wellness drug and alcohol treatment facility, and one of the world's most requested mental health and substance use speakers.

For more on Tony Hoffman please visit https://www.tonyhoffmanspeaking.com/

Social Media https://www.instagram.com/tonymhoffman/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Tony Hoffman. In part 1 of our 2-part conversation with Tony, we discuss how Tony is greatly concerned for the mental health of our youth in this country following the Covid lockdowns.  Tony speaks at high schools and directly sees the state of struggle that so many young individuals are going through. Experiencing different levels of trauma and the lack of coping skills is leading many down a dark path.  We talk about how these issues directly relate to a rise in substance abuse and what Tony thinks can be done to prevent losing any more lives.  

On December 13th, 2008, Tony Hoffman was paroled by the California Department of Corrections after serving a two-year sentence for a drug-related robbery. While incarcerated, Tony set four goals: Race BMX professionally, go to the Olympics, start a non-profit called the Freewheel Project, and become a professional mental health and substance abuse speaker.

During his senior year at Clovis High School, he was featured on the cover of BMXer Magazine and was sponsored by Fox Racing, Spy Sunglasses, and Airwalk Shoes. On the surface, Tony's path seemed destined for stardom. However, in reality, Tony experienced crippling anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations. Tony's substance use began during his senior year, leading to the deterioration of his mental health and opioid addiction soon followed. Due to his misuse of Oxycontin, & other drugs, a life of addiction, crime, homelessness, and incarceration became his reality.

Since paroling prison, Tony has tirelessly worked towards achieving his goals and the dreams he’d set out for while incarcerated. He raced BMX professionally for several years and continued on to coach Brooke Crain to a 4th place finish at the Rio Olympic Games, accomplishing his dream of going to the Olympics. The Freewheel Project was very successful for many years helping thousands of youth through action sports before moving on to pursuing a very demanding national speaking career. Today Tony is an author, an owner of pH Wellness drug and alcohol treatment facility, and one of the world's most requested mental health and substance use speakers.

For more on Tony Hoffman please visit https://www.tonyhoffmanspeaking.com/

Social Media https://www.instagram.com/tonymhoffman/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Tim Ryan, known for his autobiography "From Dope To Hope, A Man In Recovery" and the A&E Series Dope Man. We discuss getting through to the youth on the dangers of experimentation now, speaking with parents and community leaders, and law enforcement. Tim and his wife actress and model Jennifer Gimenez have traveled the country many times over not only speaking with those in need, more importantly providing tools for growth and resources to heal. 

Tim Ryan has dedicated his life to helping others find recovery. Tim’s moving motivational speech, From Dope to Hope (TM), chronicles his harrowing experience as a troubled addict who did drugs with his own son and his son’s friends, his incarceration, and his life today that includes his own journey in recovery and his work in serving others. As Tim so convincingly says, “We’re taking one addict at a time from dope to hope!” Tim also provides the community at large with valuable information about opiates and their devastating effects. Tim’s speech informs on the current landscape of heroin addiction nationwide, the surprising effects of heroin on the brain and body, and how to recognize and handle those who struggle with addiction to opiates and other substances. Tim Ryan has shared his story and knowledge countless times with a variety of audiences, including students, educators, parents, treatment centers, 12-step programs, halfway houses, and prisons.

For more on Tim Ryan  please visit https://dopetohope.com/  

Social Media  

https://www.facebook.com/tim.ryan.37  

https://www.instagram.com/timryandopetohope/ 

https://twitter.com/AManInRecovery

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Robin “Higgy” Higginbotham. We discuss frightening facts of drug culture, the lack of government support funding for true education on the Fentanyl crisis, reaching the youth and families as well as being of service to others.

Higgy struggled with addiction for 35 years of his life. His addiction found him homeless and pushing a shopping cart in the streets of Phoenix Arizona, numerous incarceration’s, imprisonment, multiple overdoses and treatment centers.

Higgy has made it his mission to use his experiences to help him in reaching out to the struggling masses in the addicted population around the country through his social media presence and work in the community. He advocates for those struggling with addictions of all kinds and seeks to help those willing to put in the work.

As a former host of a recovery based music radio show, Redemption Road Recovery Music, he has made many connections throughout the recovery music scene and hopes to help artists get their message of HOPE out to help those battling addiction.

Higgy is the founder of NoMoreHeroin.org a 501 3(C) Non-Profit and creator of the “Survivor Series”, which showcases success stories of people in Recovery.

Higgy is a Recovery Coach, National Interventionist, Persian Gulf era Military Veteran and owner of “A Vision For Veterans Inc.”. His company only employs Military Veterans with substance abuse issues.

Everything Higgy does is his attempt at smashing the stigma of addiction, provide resources, education, awareness, and inspiration to the Recovery Community.

He believes, “No matter how far you have traveled the wrong road, you can always turn around!”.

One of our main goals at No More Heroin is to help prevent others from losing their loved ones and to create a legacy of healing and hope for all those loved and lost to this wretched disease called addiction.

For more on Higgy please visit https://nomoreheroin.org/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit  

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Dai Manuel. We discuss integrity and its value in mastery of self, communicating with you children about the dangers of substance use with the fentanyl crisis, steps he took for personal change in his sober journey to establish trust and connectivity with his family. As well as lots of laughs.   

Dai speaks openly about early on in his adult life, Dai started to mask his insecurities and anxieties with alcohol, and this led to dramatic mood swings and personality traits that he didn't like.  It went from a socially fun thing to actually try to escape his emotions that he couldn't deal with sober.  This started a destructive path that eventually started to get out of hand.  

One of the lowest points in his life was coming home after drinking way too much, waking up late and his wife asked him "Are you being the kind of man your daughters want to marry?"  That was the turning point for Dai, and since that day, he hasn't had a drink.  Now, Dai is living his best life.  He's found clarity, faith, and purpose in his life that he didn't have before.  He hasn't had a drink in over 11 years.  He quit his oppressive job of 17 years and now travels the world with his wife and kids.  He does his work online now and finds it makes more time for his family as well as his sanity.  

For more on Dai please visit https://www.daimanuel.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Love and Light Founder Sandra Lee RN. Sandra went through a hard time in her life struggling with PTSD, leading to an addiction. When she stepped out of that dark time and began recovery, she found a life coaching challenge that changed her life. Sandra joined the coaching group and gained a supportive family. When Sandra regained HOPE again her love for helping people and saving lives was reignited.

Sandra shared her dream of founding a non-profit organization. Her coaching family was inspired by her journey and joined her as supporters, volunteers, co-founders, and directors of her board. They cheered Sandra on every step of the way supporting her recovery journey as well as the journey of building the organization.

Sandra began making shirts in her friend’s garage and sending them out to people that supported her. Recovery is a harrowing journey; every time Sandra wanted to quit or give up on herself, she saw a yellow shirt or her hashtag on social media. That visible support is what kept Sandra going.

That became the birth of the Light it up project which has saved multiple lives. It took Sandra around two years to build everything and put everything together for the non-profit as she was also healing and growing in her recovery journey. Sandra gained many supporters along the way, gathered partners, and kept building because she believed in the dream, and had hope and faith that one day Love and Light to the World would help people and save lives.

For more on Sandra Lee

https://www.loveandlighttotheworld.org/

https://www.sandraleespeaks.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow us on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Baylor University graduate and award-winning 10-year veteran of the NFL who crawled on his hands and knees into treatment for an opioid addiction that developed while treating career-related injuries Randy Grimes. Randy spent 10 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We wanted to speak with Randy who recently published his autobiography Off Center, and is the founder of Pro Athletes in Recovery. Randy Grimes played in the era of the NFL in which he quickly learned one important truth as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top draft pick: play through pain, or get cut.

In his professional career, football turned into a job.  The skill level increased dramatically in the NFL.  He first signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a second-round draft pick.  One of the main unspoken rules of the game was to do anything necessary to get back out on the field.  That turned into taking handfuls of pain pills at practice, eventually turning into a full-blown addiction.  He was also taking handfuls of Benzo’s at night, to make him sleep.

His prescription medication use eventually started to get out of control.  No one would question why he was slurring his speech, showing up late, and nodding off during meetings. He did his own research, and it turned out it was linked to the Benzo’s he was taking to go to sleep.  He knew he had a problem, but didn’t know how to deal with it.  His professional career ended in ’92 and was an unexpected and abrupt end to what he thought was going to be a lifetime career.  This compounded his addiction dramatically throughout the next decade.

He didn’t really fully deal with this issue until 18 years later, in 2009.  His wife moved out, his kids couldn’t stand him and was barred from seeing his newly born grandchild, because of his addiction.  He was sleeping on the floor of his vacant house with no utilities, no job, no car, no money.  This was the rock bottom that he built back up from.  He got into 90-day treatment on September 22nd, 2009.

Since then, he has focused on getting his story out there in hopes of changing other people’s lives for the better. Back when Randy was active in the NFL, there were no resources for addiction and treatment.   Because of this, Randy founded Athletes in Recovery, which focuses on other professional athletes that are struggling through the same things. Even through all the hardships, problems, and major championships during his stint in the NFL, tackling recovery was the toughest battle of his life.

For more on Randy Grimes

https://randygrimesspeaks.com/

https://proathletesinrecovery.org/

https://offcenterthebook.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Mark Gantt. We wanted to speak with Mark about not only his substance addiction recovery but also finding Debtors Anonymous. Mark is married to former Don’t Hide The Scars guest Brianne Davis who is in recovery from Sex and Love Addict and how their recovery has helped in parenting their son & improved relationship communication.

Mark Gantt - Whether he’s working on commercial or branded films, award-winning director Mark Gantt is in the business of authentic, creative visual experiences. With a diverse, 20-year career in the industry, he has learned the company from the ground up and had the good fortune of collaborating with top directors, including Steven Soderbergh, David O. Russell, Sam Raimi, and Robert Rodriguez.

Mark is A multi-medium visual and performance artist, Mark integrates his talents as a painter, photographer, actor, and graphic artist into each production’s look and style. He utilizes technical expertise, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine love of storytelling to transform words from concepts into visual realities.

As one of the early pioneers of the digital era, Mark is best known for co-creating, writing, producing, and starring in Crackle’s groundbreaking, Streamy award-winning series, The Bannen Way. Mark’s feature directorial debut, Murder In Mexico, was based on the actual events of Bruce Beresford-Redman and premiered on Lifetime. Last year, he directed Model Citizen and The Surrogate, both premiered on Lifetime in 2020.

For two years running, Mark has created successful spots for ESPN and Nissan’s Heisman House campaign and popular and effective branded campaigns for GMC, AOL, Capital One, Kohl's, Fox, and Lifetime.

As a writer, Mark’s Audible Original True Crime books, Injustice Collector and Contra Costa, are available now. He is currently pitching two tv-series with his wife, actress, writer, and director, Brianne Davis. The two produce the popular personal journals podcast, Secret Life. They live in Los Angeles with their son Davis.

For More On Mark Gantt and the Secret Life Podcast: https://secretlifepodcast.com

Mark Gantt Website: https://markgantt.com

IG/Twitter: https://instagram.com/markgantt | https://twitter.com/markgantt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialmarkgantt

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Adam Carroll. We wanted to speak with Adam about the tumultuous childhood that led him to not only use steroids at a young age but he saw it as a solution to combat bullies.

He was a very insecure child, uncomfortable, and feelings of loneliness were all too common, which led to some serious bullying. I turned to drugs and alcohol to cope, the only things that made him feel ok and started dealing at age 14. He got kicked out of his mom's and dropped out of high school, and so the high cost of low living in the fast lane going nowhere fast ensued. Adam never returning to school. At this point he began to live on his own at the age of 15, this is when drug dealing entered his life which eventually almost resulted in his death.  

His full-time career became using and selling, he had his own place early on, even a vehicle with no license. Adam was hanging with the wrong crowd, but feeling that false sense of belonging, respect, strength, and that people feared him, took away all his insecurities and he felt invincible.

His life of addiction was crime-riddled with jail stints, violence, near-death experiences, drug deals gone south, crazy long benders, and ultimately, loss of friends and family, and almost being murdered.  When Adam finally decided to turn his addictive personality into a positive direction; he started going to the gym and working out every day.

He got addicted to learning and accumulated many certifications and knowledge adding to his lived experience.  Today, Adam is on a mission to help others, but with a more specific and holistic approach through the Addict 2 Athlete Method, focusing on taking care of the mind, body, and soul by combining the 12 steps, meetings, breathwork, sober coaching/peer counseling, and addressing past trauma. 

Adam loves helping others reach their goals, nothing makes him happier than to work with individuals who are motivated and who are also ready to be game changers in their lives.

Adam has been clean and sober now for over 9 yrs, racking up daily gains and wins, growing strong odaat (one day at a time) since seeking help and changing his life in 2013. He says jails, institutions, and death were to be his fate—instead, he became addicted to bettering himself and helping others better themselves.

For More on Adam Carroll https://linktr.ee/theaddict2athletemethod

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or to donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Toni Becker. We wanted to speak with Toni, who lives in South Africa if there are any similar issues that she faces in helping families with the recovering addict. This area has become a great passion for her as she is now over 10 years sober. 

Growing up, Toni Becker felt intimidated by her family. They were all so beautiful, and Toni felt the pressure to live up to those standards. She always felt like the black sheep & this led to her body dysmorphia & eating disorders early on in her life.

Things started getting out of control in high school, where she felt pressured by her classmates and the media for encouraging the super-thin supermodel look of the early 2000s. She was young & seeking attention, and this naivety fueled her desire to look attractive at all costs. She thought that she could control it, but quickly she realized she couldn't & needed help.

In college, she started experimenting with meth and a drug called "cat" After trying to run her friends over & ending up on a golf course, she went into rehab for the first time. She thought she had it handled, but her father knew she wouldn't commit. He sent her to a real rehab, where she couldn't leave, and finally accepted it and got some help. She lived in a halfway house, and a sober living facility for 2 years, and this really helped her stay sober. Now, she's become a sponsor herself & is taking it one day at a time, wanting to share her story to help others.

She realized one day while getting coffee with her friends, "Why don't we start a YouTube channel & share our stories?" And since then, she has been on a mission to destigmatize anorexia, body dysmorphia, bulimia & all the disorders associated with it. She wants to start a discussion & get help for whoever may need it.

For more on Toni Becker visit

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Toniquinne

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/toniquinne

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toniquinne/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toniquinne

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved, or donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Skinny Vinny Imperati. Known for his work on America's Got Talent, working with Steve-O of Jackass Fame, Our Show, Your Stunts with Zackass and many other great projects.

Skinny Vinny Imperati opens up about his traumatic childhood, which began with losing his father, who was hit and killed on his motorcycle. His relationship with his mother who struggled with addiction and still uses methadone. As well as his family history of addiction. 

Skinny Vinny started using marijuana and eventually sold it to generate an income. Finally, he began to go down a dark road that led him to use the gambit of substances. After a dentist visit that caused a significant amount of pain, a friend gave him his first opioid.  Vinny was hooked and that took him from prescription medication to snorting heroin and quickly moved to shooting up heroin.  During one of his lowest points of addiction, Vinny shares how he was homeless and living in a Porta-Potty for over two years. During times of hard weather, he would use the water and snow that accumulated below the Porta-Potty to mix with his heroin so that he could shoot up.

Vinny would eventually hit his rock bottom and seek the help he needed for sobriety to stick finally. After spending time in a sober living facility, Vinny went on to be in charge of the facility that he lived in. However, he knew he needed to pursue his passion for videography. Vinny has gone on to work and developed close friendships with the likes of Steve-O, Bam Margera, Dalton Dern, Zackass, and many others from the skate community. Now a champion for sobriety and substance abuse prevention, this is Skinny Vinny Imperati.

For more on Skinny Vinny and all of his projects including Your Pranks, Our Show: 

https://www.instagram.com/skinnyvinny/  

https://twitter.com/imperativinny

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Your+Pranks%2C+Our+Show

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp and Fresno Police Officer Dino Cee Head of F.O.R.T Fentanyl Overdose Response Team 

We here at PAIN wanted to get first-hand knowledge from those in law enforcement on the most significant challenges they're with not only the Fentanyl Crisis in the Central Valley but what actions are being taken to raise awareness and educate the general public.

Lisa Smittcamp brought fantastic insight and perspective on what is actually occurring with laws preventing prosecution of drug dealers as well as her perspective on things we can do in our own homes and communities to lessen the effects of these perpetrators that target our youth with illegal substances. 

Dino Cee of the Fresno Police Department F.O.R.T (Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team) division.  Dino shares how Fresno has become the nationwide model for tackling this crisis and that there is more to come. As he is traveling around the country sharing his knowledge and empowering other law enforcement officers with tactics to combat the deadly impact that Fentynal is having on the United States Of America.  

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Thomas Figlioli the author of 'That's What Junkies Do'. We talked about Thomas' troubled home life and how that led him down a path of addiction.

It started with stealing cigarettes from his cousin and drinking to mask his insecurities and so he could talk with girls & other friends. He quit his hockey team because he just wanted to drink & hang out. In college, he was a smart student, but didn't go to class, and used his parent’s divorce as a reason for not going. He was given a deal to get a 3.4 GPA and eventually graduated with the Dean's Scholarship helping him along the way. After college, he got a job as a bartender at an Irish Pub in his New York neighborhood. He eventually got an additional job offer to be a 'bookie', gambling and keeping track of bets.

One night, he decides to try ecstasy and ends up doing it 7 times that same night. After that, he started using cocaine as well. This quickly spiraled out of control by taking up to an 8-ball of coke every night, leading to various issues including DT shakes. His aunt told him his skin was gray and he realized he had to see a doctor. After a quick stint with prescription drugs, he was admitted to a psych ward. He started going to AA meetings in his hospital. It helped at first but didn't really connect with him fully at the time. Soon after, he was back on the streets using drugs again, but this time he almost committed suicide. He was smoking crack, collecting cans, and using heroin every day. He finally reached out for help and was able to seriously and earnestly commit to rehab. He would do well for a while, but got addicted to Vicodin for another 8 years, and went into rehab again for the 3rd time.

Thomas was always a fan of memoirs, mafia stories & real-life depictions of actual events put into writing. When Thomas got out of his most recent treatment, his mentor told him to put it all down... describing how his life was now & how it used to be manageable before alcohol and drugs came into the picture. It sparked something in him & inspired him to speak at meetings and get more involved in the recovery process by sharing his story. At the time, He was working on a garbage truck in New York and shared one of his stories with a co-worker, who inspired him to become an author. 3 years later, his first book "That's What Junkies Do" was officially published.

For more on his book and to follow Thomas Figlioli  on social media go to https://linktr.ee/TommyFigs

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Dr. Robb Kelly. We talked with Dr. Robb about his own addiction due to the various traumas that he endured in his youth and the consequences of his addiction and how he turned them into his greatest advantage. Now one of the premier addiction recovery specialists in the world.

Dr. Robb specializes now in taking people out of the trauma, the darkness, and the depression of addiction and alcoholism, to show them that they can have that drive and ambition to follow their dreams. Dr. Robb shared many of the techniques that lead to positive results. Insight into how we all can change our neuropathways, change the way we think about ourselves, and use our traumas as a gift to be of service to others. This includes positive self-talk, and how we can exchange positivity through our body language. As Dr. Robb Kelly says, "Success is for everyone".

Dr. Robb Kelly: Gateway to Addiction: Trauma

Facebook Event https://fb.me/e/3EKynxu8K

For more on Dr. Robb Kelly

https://robbkelly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/robbkellyrecoverygroup

https://twitter.com/robbkellygroup

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Matt Ganem. We discuss how Matt educates his two children on the risks of substance use as a former addict himself. We also talk with Matt about the fentanyl crisis, the rise in alcoholism post covid lockdown, and the challenges that addiction treatment facilities face with the current state of insurance and legislation.

Matt Ganem is a true inspiration, from being a troubled youth, experimenting with alcohol and drugs at a young age. Matt was on the verge of death, in constant trouble with the law, and losing friends to drug use. This led Matt to a life of recovery, finding his voice through poetry and music as well as becoming a dedicated father of two. Matt is now the owner of the Aftermath Treatment Center helping others achieve sobriety while being an addiction recovery leader in his community and resource to all.

For more on Matt Ganem and Aftermath Treatment Center

https://www.facebook.com/MattGanemPoet

http://www.iamnotanonymous.org/matthew

https://www.instagram.com/mattganem_poet

https://aftermathtreatmentcenter.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved donate and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with author, Tedx Speaker, addiction and mental health advocate Randy Haveson.

Randy Haveson had a childhood that was better than most, coming from a wealthy family who invested in real estate. As a teenager, he had everything he could ever want growing up, he even got a new car for his 16th birthday.  He had disposable money, so he started buying expensive drugs like cocaine & quaaludes at the age of 17. He says that it would make him feel normal, that it would actually help him with his severe ADD. Eventually, he would become a full-blown addict, spending thousands of dollars every month on his habit.

He got fired from his pizza delivery job.  He got kicked out of college. He was drinking heavily, doing cocaine, mushrooms, quaaludes, and marijuana in excess. He ended up even more depressed, and started to contemplate suicide. When he was 24, he held a knife in his hand and was contemplating how to cut himself to get it over with.  He looked at himself in the mirror and realized that he needed help. He called a suicide hotline, the person he talked to inspired him, and was able to start his road to recovery. He went back to college and got his master's in counseling. He starting working in treatment centers and started building his private practice.

Randy is all about dissolving the ego & raising your self-esteem. In his TED talks, he makes the point to differentiate between “Ego” and “Self-Esteem”, noting that ego is everything outside of us, and self-esteem is everything inside of us.  Cocky vs. Confident. We need to nurture our self-esteem more and forget about the ego. He says “Ego’s turn hurdles into walls”, basically meaning that your ego will make whatever problem you have 10 times worse than it has to be. Another point he says is a major life-changing thing, is to eliminate “Can’t”, “Try” and “Should” from your vocabulary. These words are self-defeating, and procrastinate what you should be doing today.  He now looks at every day as a gift, to be grateful for what you have and what you are able to do to give back. Treat yourself like your best friend, and let yourself be human, no one is perfect.

Now Randy has his own daughter, who is now 16 years old. He suggests when talking to your kids about drugs, talk about the behavior and consequences of your past.  He makes the point about saying you are disappointed, instead of angry at them. He didn’t immediately punish her when he caught her, instead, he threatened to take something like driving privileges away if he caught her again.  He is now a public speaker & author of the self-help books “Party with A Plan” and “The Ego Cleanse: Becoming Your Own Best Friend”. Make sure to check out www.randyspeaks.com for all his resources.

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved donate and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Jerome Piper. Growing up in Bakersfield, California Jerome experienced trauma with domestic abuse in his family, not having a father growing up, and trying to avoid the gang lifestyle that was prevalent in his neighborhood.  He saw a lot of the people he knew in & out of jail and wanted no part of that.  He found refuge in sports and was able to focus his energy and after-school time on something productive.

Jerome eventually went to the College of Sequoias to play football.  This is when the partying lifestyle started to take shape in his life.  He felt the peer pressure of his friends to do all kinds of drugs.  He tried cocaine & ecstasy for the first time, drank heavily, and partied every week.  They partied so much, that they even went to Las Vegas 8 times in one month.  He eventually started smoking crack, PCP, and even meth.  It quickly spiraled out of control before he could get a hold of his addiction.  The police even raided his grandparents' house, and this was a huge wake-up call for him.

Jerome was arrested at one point, and this really shook him up.  Also, when his third child, his youngest daughter was born this was a major turning point for him. They gave him the ultimatum of choosing his daughter or choosing the drugs.  He chose his daughter.  All this time he was going to school to be a teacher, and he came to a crossroads in his lifestyle, where it eventually caught up with him and his health and realized he needed help.  He relapsed many times, and shifted careers many times, but eventually regained his stability.  The facility that ended up helping him stay sober was the Sierra Vista Ebony Counseling center.  His counselor inspired him to start a new career helping others.

Jerome decided to start studying drug and addiction counseling.  Now, at this stage in his life, Jerome wants to be of service to the community.  He currently holds the title of Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC) under the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs, and he is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.  Now his goal is to reach kids as early as possible in their lives so that they get a chance to grow and develop their minds without the hindrance of drugs or alcohol.  He will go out of his way to help kids who can’t afford his services and give them his personal cell which he says he will answer at any time of the day or night, to help these kids.

For more on Jerome Piper https://aspirecounselingservice.com/fresno-program-staff/

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance sat down with Arlina Allen to discuss the impact of early childhood trauma and the importance of breaking the cycle. Arlina was sexually abused at a very young age which led her to feel a sense of self-hatred and a desire to escape her feelings. At the age of 8, she took her first drink, thus starting her battle with substance abuse and addiction.

In Arlina's 20's, it took her 2 years of experimenting, research, about 1,000 self-help books, and lots and lots of pain and frustration, but the undeniable answer was she was an addict. In her words "If it was in a bottle, a bag, or blue jeans, I was doin' it!"

In sobriety, Arlina found a new freedom and a new happiness. The woman she is today is unrecognizable from the young scared girl who was so lost and hopeless. She has been with the love of her life since 1994. They have two amazing sons who have never seen her loaded. She has a wealth of friends and has had a successful career in High Tech Sales for the biggest companies in Silicon Valley. Now, with almost 30 years sober Arlina is a life and self-esteem coach and host of the One Day At A Time podcast.

For more on Arlina www.soberlifeschool.com/

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, to follow on social media, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved donate and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast, to get involved donate and donate https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Parents & Addicts in Need’s Founder Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance discussed generation addiction, trauma, and mental health issues with addiction recovery advocate Tim Lodgen.

Growing up in Maryland, Tim Lodgen started skateboarding with the local up & coming pros like Brandon Novak & Bucky Lasek. He started drinking often in high school, and eventually, he went down the road of alcoholism & drug use. When Tim joined the marines, it really made the drinking worse. Tim thought he had it under control, he would drink while holding down a job, and this justified it in his mind.

Now, Tim is in the best place he's ever been in life. He's taking his medication for his bipolar disorder and is able to process & deal with his emotions in a healthy way. During his sobriety Tim has been able to make amends with his family, reconnecting with those that matter most. As well he has unraveled his family lineage of addiction and mental health disorders, gaining a greater understanding of self.

A passionate and outspoke speaker Tim encourages others to recover out loud. He takes everything one day at a time and hopes sharing his story encourages others to never let go of hope.

For more on Tim Lodgen below:

www.instagram.com/tlodgen

For more on Parents & Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Entertainment Manager, Recovery Advocate Chris Contopulos joined Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance on the Don't Hide The Scars podcast. They discuss Chris confronting addiction at the age of 21 for his family, his relapse 16 years later, and how his sobriety now is different as it is for him.

Chris shares how he was adopted at a very young age, leading him to abandonment issues that he never confronted. Chris has worked in entertainment management for a long time and remained sober in a business often surrounded by substance abuse. Chris was able to build a solid career and a family including a wife and children.

With unresolved issues from his childhood trauma and other unconfronted issues, Chris returned to abusing substances. His family fell apart as well as his career. With his adoptive family cut off contact, the passing of his adoptive mom, and subsequent divorce.

Now rebuilding his life, Chris has a newfound approach and strength in his recovery, speaking publicly, to be of service to others hoping that he can help prevent others from going down a similar path. Chris remains focused on being the best father possible, a mentor and example that those in recovery can and will find redemption if they do the work.

For more on Parents And Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Author of The Chris Farley Show, Recovery Addiction Advocate Tom Farley joined Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance on the Don't Hide The Scars podcast. They discuss Tom’s brother, Chris Farley, confronting addiction and the work that it takes to see positive change in your life.

Tom shares hilarious and relatable stories of his childhood, meeting Paul McCartney, and how he finally found sobriety from support groups. In 2008 he co-authored the New York Times bestselling book, The Chris Farley Show, a Biography in Three Acts, which received national media attention and wide critical acclaim.

From a family that used humor to cope with many situations and how that may have played into his brothers and his own inability to navigate challenges, as well as developing new ways of inspiring others as a public speaker.

For more on Tom Farley below:

www.instagram.com/tomfarley2/

For more on Parents And Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

Dr. Jerry Jacobson, MD is an Emergency Medicine Specialist in Visalia, CA, and has over 39 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Roy J Lucille A Carver College Of Medicine At the University Of Iowa medical school in 1983. Dr. Jacobson is board certified in Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Jacobson shares his story not only from the standpoint of a medical professional but that from a parent who lost his son Travis to a fentanyl overdose.

Travis Jacobson was excited about an upcoming job interview. Recently graduated from Sacramento State University, he moved to Los Angeles to live with his best friend Landon and launch a career in public relations. Sadly, Travis never made it to that interview.

Wanting a good night’s sleep beforehand, he took a Xanax pill that turned out to be a fake made with fentanyl, and it took his life.

Travis had grown up in Visalia, CA, where he was an energetic, intensely social, inquisitive child who played a variety of sports. He was well known for his loyalty, thoughtfulness, and compassion. Hardworking and enthusiastic, he was heavily involved in high school clubs and sports. According to his father, Dr. Jerry Jacobson, he went out of his way to be “kind, engaging and patient with senior relatives, younger relatives, neighbors.” “Travis had such a sweet disposition,” his aunt Nancy told us. “He was so respectful of others, two qualities hard to find among young people.” His friends Landon and Sydney found him charming and outstandingly friendly.

Travis had spent the weekend before the interview in Visalia visiting his mother, Carolyn Britten. He studied for a Salesforce certificate, worked out, and played pool with his mom, who made him his favorite food. He even got up early to work out with the high school water polo team.

Wanting to be relaxed and alert for the interview, Travis purchased Xanax from a high school acquaintance. Back in L.A. on August 13, 2019, Travis had dinner and gave his other flatmate one of the Xanax before he went to bed. Travis’s roommate went to work the next morning, only to come home to make the horrible discovery that evening that Travis was dead.

Carolyn thought it was a terrible, sick joke when she received the call that her only child was dead. It seemed impossible that such a loving son and loyal friend, “so full of life, so kind, so fun,” as his mother and father described him, could have died so unexpectedly. But Jerry, an Emergency Medicine doctor, suspected that the Xanax must have been laced with something—probably fentanyl. Two months later the family received Travis’s toxicology report, which showed small amounts of alcohol, ibuprofen, Xanax, and a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Though Travis’s life was cut brutally short, there is no way to pursue legal justice for his death. The police declared it an accidental overdose, closed the case, and disposed of the remaining pills. Said his sister Delaney, “I lost my brother two weeks before my wedding day. He was meant to sit next to me on the happiest day of my life. The void I feel from this incredible man and brother will forever live within me.”

Travis’s parents want everyone to know the risks of purchasing counterfeit medicine. At the end of Travis’s memorial service, Jerry beseeched the mourners to share Travis’s tragedy as a warning to others, “If you buy a drug that someone says is Xanax, you have no idea what it is . . . A lot of times these drugs are mixed in somebody’s house . . . there’s no testing and no standards.” He asked everyone to share information about counterfeit fentanyl pills and other street drugs. “Our dream, our vision, is to prevent this from happening to anyone again—to any of you, any of our friends.”

For more on Parents And Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit 

Author of Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex and Love Addict, Actress, and host of the Secret Life Podcast Brianne Davis joined Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance on the Don't Hide The Scars podcast. They discuss what exactly sex and love addiction are, how it is more rampant than society wants to accept as well as Branne's journey to sober living, intimacy, and building a loving family with husband Mark Gantt and son Davis. 

From bringing compelling characters to life on screen as an actor, calling the shots behind the scenes as a director and producer, lending her thoughts and opinions to the podcast airwaves, and even penning her debut literary work, Brianne Davis has emerged in the entertainment industry as a powerhouse female creative in 2021.

In film and television, Brianne most recently starred on the History Channel’s “Six.” Additional TV credits include Netflix's “Lucifer,” Hulu’s “Casual,” and HBO’s “True Blood.” Brianne’s first lead role in a film came in 2005 with the blockbuster hit “Jarhead” starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal. She also starred in the horror film “Prom Night.”

Thriving behind the camera, as much as in front, under her production company Give & Take Productions, Brianne has produced three films while also directing “The Night Visitor 2: Heather’s Story” and “Deadly Signal.”

With over 12 years of recovery as a Sex and Love Addict, Brianne hosts the popular personal journal podcast “Secret Life.” The podcast launched in August 2020 and features inspiring true confessions from an eclectic group of guests, unpacking a plethora of taboo topics. Brianne’s latest venture in the “Secret Life” brand is her debut novel, “Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex & Love Addict,” which instantly hit the best-sellers list on Amazon earlier this year.

She is a renowned sober coach in addiction recovery. She has spoken on over 175 podcasts and television shows, including The Doctors, The Daily Blast, and many more as an advocate for creating awareness of the deadly disease of sex and love addiction. She has also penned several articles on the subject for Cosmopolitan UK, Daily Beast, HuffPost, and The Drill. She is currently in rewrites for the follow-up novel of the Secret Life series and developing it as a tv series.

Brianne currently resides in the Los Angeles area with her husband Mark Gantt and son, Davis. 

Here is all my info below:

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2MjsjvL\

Website:  https://secretlifenovel.com 

Gregg Champion joins Flindt Andersen and Jason LaChance on the Don't Hide The Scars podcast to discuss working in the addiction recovery field, with an emphasis on parents of those in recovery.  They discuss establishing boundaries with the child addict as well as the actual time needed from detox, treatment, sober living and getting reacclimated to society. 

Gregg Champion is a branding expert who has worked with top consumer brands, major television networks, and professional sports teams over the last 15 years. In the last few years, he has focused on selective start-up ventures as an investor, advisor, educator, and start-up coach.

Gregg is a TEDx speaker who has been in recovery for over 20 years after nearly ruining his life with drugs and alcohol. He got clean and sober in his early 20's with the help of Father Bill Wilson of La Jolla, who was Gregg's "Eskimo" to the rooms of AA.  Gregg brings unequivocal expertise, visibility, and acumen to recovery coaching. Policymakers, media personalities, and addiction experts recognize Gregg as a highly valued and trusted member of the recovery community. With the full support of the leadership of SOBA Recovery Center in Malibu, he developed a unique curriculum for the clinical groups he ran as a recovery coach. Over the past couple of years, he has taken on private clients in early sobriety as well as those with 10-plus years who feel "stuck in their lives" and in need of a breakthrough. Gregg continues to run high-end/high-energy groups, panels, and recovery retreats, most recently as a facilitator/recovery coach at Hotel California by the Sea recovery center in Newport Beach.

Gregg has helped, supported and career coached over 100 millennials to get their first job or internship in the "real world." Through his own vast experiences working with Fortune 500 brands, running his own companies, and fostering relationships with millennials at colleges and universities across the nation, he has developed a bulletproof playbook on how to land, keep, and thrive at your dream job. In June 2015, Gregg was named Mentor in Residence at USC's Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurship after serving as a co-teacher for a 400-level undergrad course on Venture Management within the Marshall School of Business.

Gregg, his wife Jennifer, and their two daughters Elysse and Annabelle reside in Pacific Palisades.

Gregg founded START UP RECOVERY on the two things he knows best and loves most: startups and recovery. His daily mantra is "What can I do for you? I’m here to help." In the fall of 2017, START UP RECOVERY Transformational Living Center opened its doors with Gregg's vision of how to bring his unique Recovery Playbook to its residents on a daily basis - one day at a time.

For more on Parents And Addicts In Need, the Don't Hide The Scars Podcast to donate and get involved https://linktr.ee/painnonprofit

For More on Gregg Champion https://www.startuprecovery.com/