Tag: Substance Abuse
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need to Know With Wesley Davidson (Ep. 6)

When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need to Know With Wesley Davidson (Ep. 6)

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Envision the emotional journey of parents, resolute in their unwavering dedication to embrace and affirm their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity, while simultaneously grappling with the burden of their child’s battle against addiction.

This multi-layered heartache casts a shadow of pain and complexity, making it an excruciating ordeal endured by far too many parents in the LGBTQ+ community.

In this episode, Tim Volk speaks with author Wesley Davidson about her book When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need to Know. Wesley shares the story of her son, Graham, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, his battle with addiction, and its influence on her decision to write a book to help other parents. Wesley’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of parents who strive to embrace and understand their children’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Wesley discusses: 

  • Her journey to becoming an author and the evolution of her relationship with her children
  • The lessons she learned from sending her son to rehab and her advice to other parents
  • Why she wrote When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need to Know and what she learned in the process
  • Her message to other parents of children in the LGBTQ+ community
  • A sneak peek of the new project she’s working on to help parents who are looking to intervene with their child’s substance abuse
  • And more

 

Resources:

Connect with Tim Volk: 

Connect with Wesley Davidson: 

About our Guest: 

Wesley Davidson is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and The Authors Guild. During the last few years, Wesley has concentrated her writing on the LGBTQ community. Wesley co-authored When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know with psychiatrist Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D. Wesley’s popular blog Straight Parent, LGBT+ Kid gives tips for straight parents of LGBTQ children on how to deal with issues raising nonbinary children. Her book, When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know was awarded the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for best parenting book in 2017 by the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs. For parents of children with substance abuse disorders, Wesley also writes a monthly column for Psychology Today.com with addiction specialist Joseph Shrand, M.D. Wesley has contributed to websites such as gaynewspulse.com and gaynewsagenda.com as well as parenting magazines such as Adoptive Families, Family Fun, and American Baby, to name a few publications.

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Tackling Addiction And Helping Those In Crisis With Arden O’Connor (Ep. 3)

Tackling Addiction And Helping Those In Crisis With Arden O’Connor (Ep. 3)

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Did you know that out of the staggering 140 million individuals aged 12 and above who consume alcohol, a startling 20% grapple with the harsh realities of alcohol abuse or addiction?

In this episode, Tim Volk engages in a profound conversation with Arden O’Connor, the founder, and CEO of O’Connor Professional Group. Together, they delve into the intricate world of addiction, exploring Arden’s remarkable efforts in guiding individuals through their most challenging crises.  Arden sheds light on the limitations of conventional 30-day rehabilitation programs, raises awareness about the heightened vulnerability to addiction within the LGBTQ+ community, and underscores the alarming risks associated with laced drugs. Furthermore, she touches upon the progress made in mental health awareness across America.

Arden discusses: 

  • What addiction is and why she’s passionate about her work in helping people through addiction-related crises
  • Why the standard 30-day rehabilitation program treats the issue instead of solving it
  • Why the LGBTQ+ community is increasingly susceptible to addiction
  • Why laced drugs are one of the worst risks out there for those who suffer from addiction
  • The improvements in increased awareness for mental health in America
  • Her top 3 takeaway points for those who are struggling or know someone who is struggling with addiction
  • ….And much more

Prepare to be captivated as Arden shares her key takeaways, offering invaluable insights for those grappling with addiction or seeking to support someone on their journey to recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of addiction and the transformative power of compassionate support.

Resources:

Connect with Tim Volk: 

Connect with Arden O’Connor: 

About our Guest: 

Arden O’Connor founded the O’Connor Professional Group to address the needs of families and individuals struggling with various behavioral health issues, including addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders, learning, and other developmental challenges. With several relatives in recovery, Arden is passionate about helping families and individuals navigate the highly fragmented treatment system in a way that creates positive outcomes and allows families to heal. Arden is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School. She remains heavily involved in community activities, as a board member of Winsor School Corporation, Collaboration for Family Flourishing, and Massachusetts Association of Mental Health. Previously, she served as a board member for the Justice Resource Institute (former chair), C4 Recovery Solutions, Attorneys for Family Held Enterprises, Harvard Club of Boston, Victory Programs, and Harvard Business School Alumni Association of Boston.

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