In Recovery with Dr. Nzinga Harrison

The intersection between addiction and the holidays can be challenging. Even more so when you add a global pandemic into the mix. So Nzinga is ending Season 1 of In Recovery by answering listener questions. We hear from a woman who is worried about the toxic environment that will come with her wife’s return from rehab, even if her drinking won’t. Another listener asks about how to cope with so much loss and grief in isolation, and a third wants to know how to handle the guilt trip she gets when she tries to set boundaries.

Alicia called in about her husband’s gambling and asked one of the more common questions about uncommon addictions –– is he in denial or am I overreacting? When it comes to the more subtle or nuanced addictions, it can be easy to second guess our concern or convince someone they are overreacting. Which is exactly what happened for Alicia. So, Nzinga helps her answer this question and gives her tools to talk to her husband about gambling.

Please note, In Recovery contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners.

Air proudly identifies as a Black woman in long term recovery. Today, that’s a source of strength, but that wasn’t always the case — she says she felt uncomfortable in her skin since the day she was born. In an intimate and vulnerable conservation with Nzinga, Air shares how she’s learned to take the moments of discomfort and uncertainty and use them to connect with herself, her community, and her identity. It is in these harder moments that Air finds the most beauty and pride in her life.

As people gather to protest the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmed Arbery and so many Black people before them, Nzinga takes the opportunity to talk about how racism biologically and psychologically impacts our black and brown communities. Yes, this kind of chronic trauma leads to increased substance use disorders. But even more so, this episode explores how racism itself is the addiction of America.especially during a pandemic.
Please note, In Recovery contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners.

Overdose deaths from methamphetamine use have been surging in the US, not unlike opioids. But meth isn’t talked about as much. In this episode, Nzinga brings on Eleanor Health Clinic Manager Jack Register to talk about why meth has been prominent in certain communities and why there is less publicity over the rise in numbers. Plus, Nzinga lays the groundwork on how meth impacts our brains, behaviors, and bodies.

Lately, it seems like we are looking for answers everywhere about everything. Luckily, Nzinga is here to answer more listener questions about all things addiction. One man wants to know how he and his partner can find healthier coping mechanisms, especially in the wake of election stress. Another woman asks how she can use her own addiction experience as a cautionary tale for her 11-year-old brother who’s fascinated with drugs. And, a pharmacist is looking for resources she can provide for clients who may be facing addiction. Nzinga answers these questions, and a range of others, in the second “Ask Me Anything” episode.