Addiction and Recovery

Recovery in the Workplace

Host: Mindy McCulley, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Season 6, Episode 11
Successful recovery from substance abuse depends on many factors.  One important component of successful recovery for many substance users is having a job or career.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Alex Elswick shares about what recovery in the workplace looks like for employers, employees, and the families of those who suffer from this disease.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

#OperationKYSunshine

FACS Sizzlin' Summer - Week 4
Welcome to Week 4 of our FACS Sizzlin' Summer. Each week our podcast topic will relate to a theme that will be used for summer programming in county offices across the state of Kentucky. On Thursdays at 11 am eastern time, join us on our Facebook page @UKFCSExt for a related webinar.
#OperationKYSunshine
Host:  Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guests: Dr. Amy Kostelic, Extension Specialist for Adult Development and Aging and Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 2, Season 3
With all the quarantines and social distancing which have occurred this year, it is easy to understand why some people are experiencing loneliness.  In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter sits down with Dr. Amy Kostelic and Dr. Alex Elswick to explore some of the effects that social isolation might have had on those in vulnerable populations or living in long term care situations.  In addition, they share health benefits of creative ways to engage others socially.
For additional information about this or any other topics we've shared, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service
Full episode transcript
 

Quitting Nicotine

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Audrey Darville, University of Kentucky College of Nursing
Episode 39, Season 2
Any day is a good day to stop using products containing nicotine.  Kick Butts Day is on March 18th.  So,why not get a jump on the festivities and quit today.  Dr. Audrey Darville from Kentucky BREATHE shares great information about why and how you can quit nicotine.  Do your health a favor and quit!
For more information:
Kick Butts Day
BREATHE Bridging Research Efforts and Advocacy Toward Healthy Environments
Full episode transcript

Syringe Support Programs

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 26, Season 2
More commonly known as Syringe Exchange programs, these are programs that support the safe access to syringes for those who use intravenous drugs.  Alex Elswick, sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter to share that research shows that having safe access programs does not increase drug use in a community, but it does reduce the harm that can come to those who use.  Listen in to this episode of Talking FACS and learn about these programs and the impacts they can make in communities.
Full episode transcript

Good Samaritan Laws

 
Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 19, Season 2
On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter and Alex Elswick talk about Good Samaritan Laws.  These laws protect individuals who are merely trying to save another's life.  Listen in for a great description and to develop an understanding of what these laws entail.
Full episode transcript

Trends in Substance Use

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 16, Season 2
While teen smoking is at an all time low, the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise.  In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter and Alex Elswick discuss the reality of the the trends in substance use from e-cigarettes to overdose deaths to methamphetamine use.
Full episode transcript

Parenting your Child Through Substance Use

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest:  Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 10, Season 2
Parenting teens is tough!  Navigating the waters of potential substance use is frightening for many parents.  In this episode of Talking FACS, Alex Elswick shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter some realistic techniques for dealing with suspected substance use and being the best support that you can be to your teenage children.
For additional information:
National Institute of Drug Abuse  drugabuse.gov
Kentucky Treatment Locator  findhelpnowKY.org
or call
1-833-8KY-HELP
 
Full episode transcript

The Truth About Vaping

Host:  Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 31
Extension specialist, Alex Elswick, returns this week to chat with Dr. Jennifer Hunter about vaping.  He discusses the impact this nicotine delivery system can have on those trying to quit smoking, as well as how this product is being used by young people.  This discussion is very important for parents of preteens and teenagers to hear, especially if you are unfamiliar with the products being discussed.
Full episode transcript
If you are trying to quit smoking, the Centers for Disease Control has some excellent resources which can be found at:
For additional resources and information visit:
It's Never Too Early to Quit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips from Former Smokers
or visit @CDCTobaccoFree on Facebook and Twitter.

Your Year to Quit . . . Smoking

Host:  Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Episode 30
People who smoke often choose to quit as the new year rolls around.  In this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Jennifer Hunter sits down with Alex Elswick to discuss the very real issues that surround smoking cessation.  Alex recommends steps to follow that may lead to a successful quit experience.  He also provides encouragement for those who have tried before but have been unsuccessful in their quit attempts.
Full episode transcript
For additional resources and information visit:
It's Never Too Early to Quit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tips from Former Smokers
or visit @CDCTobaccoFree on Facebook and Twitter.

Coping with Addiction during the Holidays

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Alex Elswick, Extension Associate and subject matter specialist for Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery
Episode 26
Holidays can be stressful times for families, especially if a loved one is suffering through substance use or addiction.  Alex Elswick sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter for a frank discussion about how to cope with this situation in a compassionate and realistic manner.  Alex shares some critical discussion points that should be addressed with family members and steps to ensure that the person with the addiction is supported and loved while the behavior is not condoned.
 
Full episode transcript

Understanding Substance Use: Maintaining Family Relationships

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Alex Elswick, Extension Associate for Family Resource Management
Episode 15
This is the third episode in a three part series on the very important topic of substance use and abuse.  In this episode, Alex Elswick shares with Dr. Jennifer Hunter some of the challenges that face families who are living with a member going through addiction and the recovery process. 
Full episode transcript

Understanding Substance Use: The Recovery Process

Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guest: Alex Elswick, Extension Associate for Family Resource Management
Episode 10
Alex Elswick, Extension Associate in Family Sciences returns to the podcast to provide more information about substance use and abuse.  He and Dr. Jennifer Hunter discuss the skill sets necessary for a successful recovery process and what various treatment plans might look like. Alex also talks about how family and friends can be supportive of loved ones living through recovery.  This is the second part in a series of frank discussions about substance use.
Full episode transcript