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Trust Your Voice
As a civically engaged entrepreneur and mom, I understand the challenges of advocating for yourself and others while attempting to balance your personal and professional demands. I had to develop a personal system of success in every area of my life. Now I want to help you build your unique system and truly trust your voice, even if it shakes. Thats why this week I am launching my new podcast entitled Trust Your Voice, based on my new book, Trust Your Voice, A Roadmap to Focus and Influence. By the end of each episode, you'll be energized to advocate for yourself, spark your creative Language: en Genres: Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Addiction, the Brain, and the People We Love
Episode 5
Wednesday, 31 December, 2025
In this holiday-season conversation, Sylvie Légère sits down with Dr. Dan Lustig, President & CEO of Haymarket Center, and Heather Way Kitzes, Haymarket’s Vice President of Development & Strategic Expansion, to explore the realities of addiction: what it is, how it works, why it’s exploding in the U.S., and what families and communities can do. They discuss how addiction is intertwined with trauma, exploitation, mental health, and systemic barriers to care — and what evidence-based treatment looks like. The episode also addresses the stigma around rehab centers and offers grounded guidance for families who feel powerless watching loved ones struggle.This is Part One of a two-part series on addiction. Part Two will spotlight recovery with The Phenix founder Scott Strode.Key Topics Covered● What addiction actually is: clarification of terms● Why some people become addicted and others don’t● Substance use disorder as a mental health condition● The role of trauma, trafficking & exploitation in addiction● Why addiction has surged: potency, access, stress & isolation● How to evaluate quality rehab centers (and red flags to avoid)● What rehab centers bring to communities● What families can realistically do to support a loved one● The importance of open, honest conversations to reduce stigma● A preview of Part Two on recoveryKey Statistics (SAMHSA)● Nearly 50 million Americans have a past-year substance use disorder● Fewer than 1 in 5 receive treatment(Source: SAMHSA – the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, whichconducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health)Resources MentionedHaymarket CenterSAMHSA NSDUH DataThe Phenix / Scott Strode (Part Two)About Our GuestsDr. Dan Lustig, Psy.D., CAADC, CODPIIPresident & CEO, Haymarket CenterA clinician, researcher, and behavioral health executive with over 20 years at Haymarket. Leads trauma-informed, evidence-based care and major federal initiatives (SAMHSA, CDC, ACF). Member of Illinois SUPR Advisory Council. Expert in co-occurring mental health & substance use disorders.Heather Way KitzesVice President of Development & Strategic Expansion, Haymarket CenterA civic and nonprofit leader with nearly two decades building strong Chicago communities. Formerly with the Chicago Cubs and Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. Deep expertise in public-private partnerships, economic development, and community advocacy.
