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This week Greg sat down with Dr. Pat Ensminger to discuss an alternative therapy for pain treatment. It is fairly common to treat non-cancerous pain with prescription opioids. Unfortunately, one in four patients struggle with addiction to these medicines, as millions of prescriptions are written each year for pain. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, yet extremely effective alternative form of treatment. Dr. Ensminger discusses how chiropractors are introducing a new standard of care to break the dependency on opioids for pain management, even in the emergency room. North America consumes roughly 90% of the world’s opioid medicines, which is sometimes due to an individual seeking a “quick fix.” Often times a chiropractic plan can alleviate pain with treatment, and in some cases, even fix the problem better than prescription drugs. Hear how this strategic treatment can stop the dependency on pain pills and prevent putting people in danger of opioid addiction.

This week’s podcast features Ken Daniels, Detroit Red Wings broadcaster, who discusses patient brokering and the devastating effects of The Florida Shuffle. Ken speaks of his son Jamie and the Jamie Daniels Foundation, in hopes that others will hear his story and avoid the dangers of being exploited. Patient brokering is when a drug rehab facility pays a third party for referring a patient to their establishment, but the treatment facility is solely focused on their finances. This has become a serious issue in the addiction treatment industry, especially in the state of Florida. Listen to Jamie’s story and hear how he battled addiction, while getting caught up in patient brokering. Hear how to avoid falling victim to the corrupt cycle and hopefully help a loved one get the treatment they need and deserve.

This week’s podcast features John Mabry, director of Public Outreach for the Addiction Campuses. John has a degree in counseling, an award-winning public speaker and a background in the film industry. Rubbing shoulders with A-listers and working twelve years in the Screen Actors Guild, he seemed to have everything in his life going for him. He even landed a job working with best-selling financial author Dave Ramsey. All that changed for John in March 2011. Listen to John’s story and hear of his descent into addiction, struggles with mental health and how he uses his hardships to help others today. Find out how one tragic car accident and the death of his brother inspired John to lead a Drug-Free Workplace Training initiative that is changing lives forever.

Dr. Faye Jamali is a soccer mom. An anesthesiologist. A friend. A wife. By all accounts, she had it all going for her. But a fluke accident and a trip to the ER, started her down a path to addiction that changed everything. In 2007, Dr. Jamali was attending a birthday party when she slipped and fell, breaking her wrist. An excessive amount of painkillers were prescribed and she noticed life got easier when she took the medication. Her stress levels diminished and she began abusing pain medication more to numb her feelings than relieve pain. This was only the beginning. Dr. Jamali says addiction completely snuck up on her. What started as something to ease the pain quickly took over as habit-forming. She states “I truly believe something broke in my brain. I feel like it got high jacked.” She quickly began to rationalize the situation and her lifestyle. In her mindset, she was not an addict. As a licensed physician, she didn’t seem to fit the mold. In this podcast from Cover2 Resources, we hear the story of

The fear inherent in searching for help for an opioid addiction should not include the additional worry of becoming exploited. But then, “should” is a meaningless word. There are unscrupulous players in the treatment industry eager to turn suffering into money. On this edition of the Cover2 PPT podcast, Greg welcomes Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg back to the program. to discuss the scourge of patient brokering. He offers advice on how to avoid being victimized and describes the work that is being done by the Sober Homes Task Force to protect the community. Aronberg calls patient brokering “pay to play.” At its base, it is a marketing ploy to lure, bribe, and trade in a scam known as the Florida Shuffle. It’s illegal and it can put lives in danger. The shuffle is no longer isolated just to Florida. It’s a scam that is spreading, and Aronberg offers advice on how to recognize it. Where do I go for help? How do I know if the facility I’m considering is legal and responsible? How do I approac

Greg is joined by Dr. Howard Wetsman, an addiction psychiatrist that explains the biological process of dealing with any form of addiction. Dr. Wetsman is the author of Questions and Answers on Addiction. Genetics play a large role in whether or not someone will struggle with addiction in their lifetime but unfortunately genetics are so often ignored. Dr. Howard Wetsman envisions a day when people no longer struggle with addiction. He has been actively treating addiction in facilities ranging from inpatient units, charity hospitals and HIV clinics. Join Greg and Dr. Wetsman as they discuss why it is important to start understanding the brain illness called addiction. In this episode, Greg also undergoes genetic testing provided by the Addiction Lab of American Addiction Centers and discusses the results with Dr. Wetsman.

Greg is joined by Eric Hicks, the Plant Manager at Jones Plastic & Engineering located in Benton County, Tennessee. Hicks was new to the plant when he was immediately faced with high turnover and absenteeism rates. Unfortunately, this was not unusual for this rural area with its limited population and heavy drug use. The opioid crisis is taking a toll on American businesses and has affected many manufacturers in our country. Hicks tells the story of how he was faced with unfamiliar challenges and how he did not take the more obvious route of terminating those who failed a drug test. In Benton County, terminating each individual was just not an option. At the time, the plant he ran employed about 225 people with 75% of those people being there for less than a year. On a daily basis, absenteeism was at 15% and the overall turnover rate was at 75%. As a direct result, the plant was not meeting their expected quality and performance levels. “I could not hire my way out of this issue”, says Hicks. Listen as H

In 2016, more than 63,000 people died of drug overdoses in the United States, more than triple from 2000. Among the many cities that are affected by this crisis, Philadelphia has been drastically affected. Greg is joined by Dr. Tom Farley, the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Health. Dr. Farley says that the opioid epidemic has surpassed the AIDS epidemic that was sweeping Philly in the 1990’s and surpasses the amount of deaths from the entire Vietnam War. Since Dr. Farley is the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Health Department, he considers himself the “doctor” of the city and is on a mission to help illuminate how Philly can take an active role in combating this epidemic through harm reduction programs. He says that they surveyed the general population of the city and found out that one-third received opioid prescriptions, and 1 in 7 were currently taking opioids. Many of those are predicted to graduate to heroin. They started a plan in the Fall of 2016 to find new ways to help the city

Greg is joined by Amy Dresner, a former professional stand-up comic who appeared at the Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory and the Improv. She is most recently known as the author of “My Fair Junkie: A Memoir of Getting Dirty and Staying Clean” where she describes her struggles with addiction, and the extreme circumstances that led her to sobriety. Amy’s book is brutally honest about addiction and how it affected her life. Amy tells Greg about the arrest that led her down an even darker path. She explains how her mandatory community service was life-changing, humbling, and when she started to realize the depth of her situation. Her epiphany came during those hours which has led to living a sober life. Listen as Greg talks to Amy about her journey and how it was like living with addiction and what she has done to overcome those challenges. Those who have read her book and other publishing’s have said it has helped them feel less ashamed, less alone and they appreciate her brutally honesty when it comes to add

Greg is joined by Matt Ruth, the Chief Commercial Officer at Adapt Pharma, a privately-held company committed to expanding affordable access to NARCAN Nasal Spray. NARCAN is the brand name for Naloxone, which is a formulation used by first responders to reverse an overdose. During this episode they discuss the stigma attached to the use of this product, and Greg touches on the subject of the marketplace exploiting this opportunity to increase prices. Matt says that Adapt Pharma’s price has remained the same since the beginning and that they are working to make sure this solution is offered at an affordable price. The goal for Adapt Pharma is to create more awareness about this product so that friends and families affected by the opioid crisis know about the reversal agent. In addition, they propose that all law enforcement should carry Naloxone because of the risk of the job and being exposed to Fentanyl. When someone is brought back from an overdose there is a window of opportunity to get them the trea

In honor of the FREE showing of ‘How To Be A Respectable Junkie’ that takes place this coming Thursday, April 19th, we are re-releasing Episode 104 featuring Greg Vovos. Greg is the playwright and director of HTBARJ and will be putting on the show at the Cuyahoga County Public Library (Parma Branch, 2121 Snow Road), you can register for the FREE showing here Greg interviews Greg Vovos, a playwright and director who has worked in Cleveland theater since 1998. While Greg has written a myriad of plays, he’s also worked consistently for the Theatre of Healthy Living at the Fine Arts Association; crafting plays for high schools, detention centers, and youth prisons about issues like racism, teen pregnancy, obesity, and drug and alcohol abuse. His most recent play, titled “How to Be a Respectable Junkie,” at the Cuyahoga County Public Library in Parma, tells the story of Brian, a heroin addict set on taking his own life to spare everyone around him from his problems. Listen to the podcast to discover how through

Greg interviews Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) who has also been named one of Time Magazine’s “Top 100 People Who Shape Our World.” Focusing on the science of addiction and the effects it can have on the human brain, Dr. Volkow discusses how physically addiction can take hold of the person and how each person has a unique fight with addiction due to their genetic makeup. Some environments can have a direct impact on each situation. Whether you come from an extremely protective environment or an environment of neglect, these elements can have a direct effect on your battle with addiction. Take a listen to discover more about the science and anatomy of addiction and how we as a community can support others through their battle.

The week of April 9th through the 13th, Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADM) recognizes the first responders. These are the individuals on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic, and the first responders who witness the effects of the crisis firsthand. Greg McNeil sat down with Jerry Craig, Executive Director of the ADM Board, and with Barberton Police Chief, Vince Morber. The panel discussed the role of the quick response teams (QRTs) and how they took off, especially in Summit County. The QRTs partnered with the Fire Department to assist overdose victims and added another aspect to their plan by following-up. Chief Morber stated that, “You show up at a time that is a non-crisis situation, and [by doing so] you bring a message of caring.” People are more receptive to treatment when they see genuine concern and how these quick response teams come back multiple times after an overdose visit. It shows that these first responders are truly here to help and offer support.

Greg sat down with New York Times best-selling author David Sheff to discuss the devastating effects the opioid epidemic has had on families. Sheff has also been named one Time Magazine’s “Top 100 Most Influential People,” and is no stranger to the opioid crisis. His award-winning books “Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending America's Greatest Tragedy” and the memoir “Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction” have made their literary mark and “Beautiful Boy” also won Barnes and Noble’s “Discover Great New Writers Award. During the podcast, Sheff discussed the stigma that unfortunately society has placed on those that are fighting addiction. He reminded listeners that the opioid crisis is an actual epidemic in that people are battling a disease. It is not only a mental battle, but a battle against genetics and environmental influence. This is not an internal fight, nor should those that battle addiction, fight with shame or secrecy. The hard facts are most programs don’t have the medica

Welcome to the 5th and final episode in our five-part podcast series on the Showtime program “The TRADE,” a docu-series providing a front row seat to the opioid epidemic through the eyes of those most affected. We invite you to Binge, Listen and Share this series to make a difference in the opioid epidemic. First: Binge on all 5 episodes of The TRADE available for free at Cover2.org. Next: Listen to the podcasts with back stories from each episode and related programs that are making a difference in the opioid epidemic. And: Share with those you know, to make a difference in the opioid epidemic. In this final episode in our series on The TRADE we revisit the Franklin County Sheriff's Department to talk about investigating drug dealers and the HOPE task force. Next, we’ll hear about Quick Response Teams and why they work so well to get people into treatment from Dan Meloy, one of the originators of QRT teams. Later we’ll revisit Jen Walton from Atlanta to get an update on Skyler’s story and Richard Co

This is the fourth episode of our five-part series on the Showtime original program “The TRADE,” a docu-series providing a front row seat to the opioid epidemic through the eyes of those most affected: the growers and cartel bosses, addicts and their families and law enforcement. In this episode, once again veteran documentary producer Pagan Harleman, who serves as executive producer of The TRADE, offers her insights and the backstories behind episode 4. Following the introduction to today’s episode from Pagan, we hear from Recovery Coach, John Stuckey, who provides insight and analysis on the role of a recovery coach. Later, we talk with Barb, Andrew’s aunt about her role in connecting Andrew with drug court. Next, we talk with Judge Tom Teodosio about Andrew’s participation in the Turning Point drug court. We conclude this episode once again with remarks from Pagan Harleman. Listen as Greg explores the stories behind episode 4 of The TRADE and profiles people, places and things making a difference in t

This is the third episode of our five-part series on the Showtime original program “The TRADE,” a docu-series providing a front row seat to the opioid epidemic through the eyes of those most affected: the growers and cartel bosses, addicts and their families and law enforcement. In this episode, once again veteran documentary producer Pagan Harleman, who serves as executive producer of The TRADE, offers her insights and the backstories behind episode 3. Following the introduction to today’s episode from Pagan, we hear from Family Coach, Robin Star, who provides insight and analysis of the family dynamics that play out in episode 3 between John, an addict in Atlanta who we meet in this episode and his sister and father. Later, we’re introduced to the nation’s first opioid court by Judge Craig Hannah from Buffalo New York. We conclude this episode with US Senator Rob Portman who offers hope for stopping the flow of illicit drugs into our country. Listen as Greg explores the stories behind episode 3 of The

This is the second podcast in a five-part series on the Showtime original program “The TRADE,” a docu-series that provides a front row seat to the grim realities of the opioid epidemic through the eyes of those most affected: the growers and cartel bosses, addicts and their families and law enforcement. Each podcast features an introduction by veteran documentary producer Pagan Harleman who serves as Executive Producer of The TRADE and offers backstories for each episode. She is followed by interviews with subject matter experts on issues related to each TRADE episode. In this episode, Pagan shares additional insight into the back story behind the drug cartels in Guererro, Mexico, the primary location for shooting conversations with growers. Next, Greg speaks with Brian Bailys, founder of Ascent, who together with Dr. Joan Papp from Cleveland MetroHealth, created a program to fast track overdose victims from the E.D. into treatment. Next, Greg interviews Judge Tony Capizzi, who runs a family court that is re

Greg interviews emerging CMA award winning artist, Shane Runion. Shane talks about growing up in Portsmouth, Ohio and the journey from 8th grade history teacher to a Country Music Award winning artist in little more than two years. Shane helped his struggling community go after a multi-million dollar grant by recording a music video for his song, “I’m Proud of Where I’m From,” about small-town U.S.A. and the people that make up the city known for southern hospitality. The goal was to simply boost local morale, but the video quickly went viral. That break gave Runion the opportunity to take a chance he had only yet dared to dream. Shane also details the back story behind his favorite work: “Tattoos”. Next, Shane shares the story of how doing a concert for the Drug Free Clubs of America (DFCA) in Ross County turned into a tour with concerts at Drug Free Clubs in 38 school districts. Listen as Shane shares his incredible, improbable rise to award winning country music artist and enjoy his latest hit “Tattoos”

This is the first episode in a five-part series on the Showtime original program “The TRADE,” a docu-series providing a front row seat to the grim realities of the opioid epidemic through the eyes of those most affected: the growers and cartel bosses, addicts and their families and law enforcement. Each podcast features an introduction by veteran documentary producer Pagan Harleman who serves as executive producer of The TRADE and offers backstories for each episode. She is followed by interviews with subject matter experts on issues related to each TRADE episode. Listen as Greg explores these emotional stories that cover a wide stretch of territory on the opioid epidemic battleground.