News and Happenings

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.

Description When Sergio started vaping, it didn’t seem like a big deal. After all, he was surrounded by people vaping and drinking at school. But lately, this casual habit feels a lot like an addiction, and he’s not sure how...

Description Nzinga often talks about how we’re all addicted to something. For Nora McInerny, host of the podcast, Terrible Thanks For Asking, it’s reading the negative things strangers say about her online. Whether it’s the comments section, Amazon reviews, or...

Dave from Dopey podcast joins Nzinga to talk about 12 step recovery. Dave recently celebrated five years sober (yay!), which he largely credits to his 12 step community. But, there are parts that haven’t always felt “right” for him. This week, Nzinga and Dave dig into all of that and break down his fascinating experience getting and staying sober.

It’s our first ever “Ask Me Anything” episode! This week, Nzinga answers a range of listener questions. A mom wants to know if her daughter has to be ready for treatment. Another woman asks if she’s addicted to toxic relationships and emotional uproar. And what is the best way a daughter can get her 77 year old mother into a treatment program during COVID? Answers to these questions, and more, in rapid fire (Nzinga style). 

It’s (still) a global pandemic, and we are (still) doing a lot of things alone. In this episode, Nzinga talks about how recovery doesn’t have to be one of them. Even for Evan, a 22 year old who knows that his partner and family will be devastated if they find out, and feels like treatment options are out of the picture while he’s on his parents insurance. In this episode, Evan and Nzinga talk one on one about the ways Evan can get out of solitude and find the support he’s been looking for for years.

In a single state, let’s say California, you can walk into a dispensary and buy weed legally while down the block your neighbor is still in prison for a weed possession charge from a decade ago. Weed, like most topics we talk about on this show, is complicated. One caller wants to know if something can even be addictive if there is no physical withdrawal, while another wants to know how to set boundaries for her daughters who are smoking weed daily and don’t think it’s an issue. In this episode, Nzinga uses weed to break down what she means when she says addiction is continued behavior despite negative consequences. 

Every community does mental health differently – some, more than others. For the Latinx community, which has largely ignored issues of mental health and addiction, a facility exists in Washington DC where community members can access medical, mental health, and addiction treatment all in one place. On this week’s episode, Nzinga sits down with Angie Castro, a mental health professional from La Clinica Del Pueblo, for a fascinating conversation about boundaries, barriers and bridges to well-being.