Brian Ward, a gambling recovery advocate, certified gambling recovery mentor, musician, and national leader, joins me in a heartfelt conversation about recovery, identity, and the many roles we carry throughout our lives.

Brian shares his personal journey from experiencing gambling-related harm to becoming a respected voice in the recovery community through peer support, advocacy, leadership, and education. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of support systems, balancing multiple passions, and finding ways to integrate rather than separate the different parts of ourselves.

Together, we explore questions that reach beyond gambling recovery:

• How do we balance ambition and opportunity in early recovery?
• Is there a "right" timeline for pursuing goals?
• What role do mentors, sponsors, peers, and loved ones play in our success?
• How much of our recovery story should define us?
• Can we truly know someone beyond what they choose to disclose?

Drawing comparisons between musical ensembles and recovery communities, Brian highlights how no meaningful achievement happens alone and encourages listeners to build their own "band" of support.

This conversation challenges simplistic narratives about addiction and recovery while reminding us that every person is far more than the worst thing they have experienced.

About the Guest:

Brian Ward is a Certified Gambling Recovery Mentor in Oregon. He is a person who has experienced gambling harm and works and volunteers to support people on similar journeys of growth and discovery. He is also a father, husband, musician, and martial artist.

Links:

• Website: VPGR.Net (Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery)
• Email for contacting: Brian.w.cgrm@gmail.com

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail hello@andrewjschreier.com

The podcast is also a platform for FREE continuing education. Licensed and certified professionals are able to listen to select episodes at no cost. Listen to an episode. Take a quiz. Complete an eval. Earn a certificate. Learn more at www.andrewjschreier.com/continuing-education

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

What does harm reduction actually mean—and why has it become one of the most misunderstood concepts in addiction care?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, physician, addiction medicine specialist, and leader in harm reduction, to explore the philosophy that has transformed the way many professionals approach substance use treatment.

Rather than viewing harm reduction as an alternative to recovery, Dr. Salisbury-Afshar explains why it exists along the same continuum as treatment, medication, and abstinence. She shares how her experiences in rural Illinois and volunteering with the Chicago Recovery Alliance shaped her commitment to meeting people where they are—with respect, dignity, and compassion.

Together, we discuss:

• What harm reduction really means
• Why "any positive change" matters
• The role of syringe service programs, naloxone, and other harm reduction services
• Why stigma continues to shape addiction treatment differently than other chronic illnesses
• The importance of trust, patient-centered care, and welcoming people back after setbacks
• "Nothing About Us Without Us" and including people with lived experience
• The evolving political landscape surrounding harm reduction funding
• How clinicians can continue practicing compassionate care regardless of changing terminology

Whether you're a counselor, physician, peer specialist, social worker, policymaker, or someone personally impacted by addiction, this conversation offers practical insights into building systems that prioritize dignity first.

About the Guest

Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, MD, MPH, is a UW Health addiction medicine doctor and an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Using a combination of medication, therapy and other resources, Dr. Salisbury-Afshar treats people with substance use disorders, including addictions to alcohol and other drugs. She has extensive experience working with people who have opioid use disorders.

Dr. Salisbury-Afshar recognizes that every person has a unique set of circumstances that led to their addiction, as well as a unique road to recovery. Dr. Salisbury-Afshar works with patients to help them figure out what type of support they need and to develop an action plan that continually moves them closer to their goals. Dr. Salisbury-Afshar creates a safe, judgment-free space where her patients can share their feelings, experiences and goals. She admires their courage and treats them with dignity and respect. Dr. Salisbury-Afshar feels honored to sit with people in their challenging moments and to celebrate with them in their successful ones.

Outside of work, Dr. Salisbury-Afshar enjoys spending time with her family and advocating for addiction recovery support and harm reduction services at the state and national levels.

Links:

• https://www.uwhealth.org/providers/elizabeth-m-salisbury-afshar-md

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail hello@andrewjschreier.com

The podcast is also a platform for FREE continuing education. Licensed and certified professionals are able to listen to select episodes at no cost. Listen to an episode. Take a quiz. Complete an eval. Earn a certificate. Learn more at www.andrewjschreier.com/continuing-education

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.

What if self-care isn't actually enough?

In this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery, we sit down with Joan Gressel, Director of Social Work and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to explore why wellness is an ethical responsibility—not simply another item on a to-do list.

Drawing from her own experiences with grief, burnout, caregiving, and leadership, Joan explains why clinicians must move beyond occasional acts of self-care and instead develop wellness as an identity that supports a sustainable career.

We discuss reflective supervision, work-life integration, the role of supervisors in preventing compassion fatigue, and why expecting gratitude from clients can unintentionally undermine ethical practice.

Whether you're a counselor, social worker, peer specialist, supervisor, or student, this conversation offers practical strategies for building a career that is both effective and sustainable.

About the Guest

Joan Groessl, MSW, PhD, LCSW is Professor and Director of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Prior to her work at the university, Her doctoral dissertation focused on moral development and ethical decision making and has taught courses across bot h the BSW and MSW curriculums. Dr. Groessl worked in community mental health practice for twenty years. In her county mental health work, Joan provided the range of outpatient and case management services, including program development and clinical supervision. Joan is active in the National Association of Social Workers-Wisconsin Chapter and has been Chair of their Continuing Education Committee for many years. Joan provides training on a range of topics to community agencies, most frequently on the topic of ethics and boundaries. She is an active volunteer in her Algoma Community and several Boards of Directors. A lifelong learner and avid reader, you will often find her with a book in her hand.

Links:

• E-mail: groesslj@uwgb.edu
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-groessl-54a055398

Support the show

Thank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.

To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com

To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail hello@andrewjschreier.com

The podcast is also a platform for FREE continuing education. Licensed and certified professionals are able to listen to select episodes at no cost. Listen to an episode. Take a quiz. Complete an eval. Earn a certificate. Learn more at www.andrewjschreier.com/continuing-education

Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.