News and Happenings

Is alcoholism less serious than other addictions? Is my husband’s drinking out of control or am I just being a nag? What should I expect when my fiance leaves a faith-based treatment program? This week, Nzinga answers listener questions on alcohol and offers tips on how to define an alcohol use disorder, how to talk about it with your partner and how to take care of yourself during a time when drinking feels like a necessary escape. 

Something happens when you’re under a tight deadline, or serving during the dinner rush, or studying for a big exam. Your thoughts and emotions quiet down, and before you know it, hours have passed. The distraction that work, errands, to-do lists, and projects provide can be such a respite for our busy brains. We use it like a drug to resolve discomfort. So, this week Nzinga dives into the reasons so many of us can’t stop working and helps listeners identify whether or not they have a work addiction.

This week we’re looking at the ways ADHD and addiction are linked. Nzinga answers listener questions about ADHD medication, parenting a kid with ADHD, multigenerational trauma and ADHD, and why folks with ADHD can be more prone to addiction. It’s not as simple as you think.

How do we know when our screen time has crossed the line? From being stuck at home during COVID-19 to the incredible activism happening all over the world, it’s hard to stay away from our phones, tablets, computers, TVs… you name it. Technology is as enticing and mesmerizing as ever, so this week Nzinga explores how we can set boundaries and explains in great detail why it’s so hard to just stop scrolling.

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.

Stress and anxiety are at an all-time high, and for many of us, nothing is more soothing than a warm chocolate chip cookie or a fresh loaf of sourdough bread. But why is that? What’s really at the root of food obsession, food addiction, disordered eating and the intense food cravings we all have? Today, Nzinga answers questions about our complicated relationships with food,
especially during a pandemic.
Please note, In Recovery contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners.

Oh, yes, we are going there! A listener left a voicemail about masturbating so frequently that it began to disrupt her academics, her social life, and her relationships. In this episode, Nzinga dives into the stigma and shame around masturbation, what drives sexual compulsions, and how to best support those who find themselves in a similar situation. 

Please note, In Recovery contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. This episode also contains details of sexual assault and rape. 

Cindy is a mother of three who was using opioids during each of her pregnancies. She knew it wasn’t healthy for the babies, but she didn’t know how to safely stop. Fearing the doctors would notify authorities, Cindy was afraid to ask to help. Then one day, she made a call to a hotline. This led her to a doctor who gave her the support she needed, and now Cindy is in recovery and wants to share her story. Nzinga goes over some of the options available to pregnant women who are using and gives Cindy a call to check-in. She also shares a bit about how the pandemic has impacted recovery options–both the good and the bad.

Coming May 18th from the creators of the Last Day podcast, In Recovery will fill the much-needed gap for individuals and their loved ones seeking immediate and long-term support with addiction. Hosted by physician and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Nzinga...