How Southwest Oklahoma is Combating Substance Abuse

The podcast episode focuses on the issue of substance abuse, particularly the dangers of the opioid crisis and the prevalence of fentanyl. The guest, Steve Berry, is a certified alcohol and drug counselor who shares his insights from 15 years of experience working in substance use treatment programs. Berry discusses his own personal struggles with alcoholism, recounting how he would drink to the point of blacking out and then drive, putting himself and others at grave risk. He expresses gratitude for making it through that difficult period by the "grace of God" without any major legal troubles or fatal incidents. Berry's story highlights the desperation that can come with addiction and the need to find hope. The conversation covers the spiritual and mental aspects of recovery. Berry explains that maintaining a strong "spiritual condition" through practices like prayer, meditation, and making amends can provide a "daily reprieve" from cravings. He emphasizes the importance of humility in recovery, recognizing that one cannot control everything. Building healthy relationships and a supportive community is also crucial, as isolation often exacerbates addiction. Berry provides a poignant definition of addiction as "a sick love and trust relationship with an object" where one sacrifices freedom, health, and relationships for a fleeting high. However, he stresses that this condition is not permanent, and recovery is possible through willingness to seek help and make positive changes. The episode delves into the alarming rise of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Its high potency and low production costs have made it a profitable choice for drug traffickers, leading to a surge in overdoses as users are unaware they are ingesting fentanyl-laced substances. Berry highlights the need for education and harm reduction measures like providing fentanyl test strips and the overdose reversal drug Naloxone (Narcan). Local treatment resources in southwest Oklahoma are discussed at length, including inpatient and outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment clinics, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Berry emphasizes that licensed providers will not turn people away if they cannot offer the right treatment, instead referring them to more suitable options. He also commends the role of lay people and community organizations in providing support and guidance. The significance of the recent SWOTA (Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority) town hall meeting is highlighted, where local residents courageously shared their stories of addiction and recovery. This public vulnerability is praised for reducing stigma and offering hope to those still struggling. SWOTA's diverse initiatives aimed at combating substance abuse in western Oklahoma are outlined, including a mobile treatment clinic in partnership with Red Rock Behavioral Health, prevention grants, and distribution of harm reduction supplies like Narcan. The organization's mission is to prepare communities for the opioid crisis and provide resources before addiction leads to despair or loss of life. Throughout the dialogue, Berry and the host emphasize that recovery is possible, people are "worth the effort," and positive changes can reshape one's future. They encourage listeners to have courage, seek help from professionals or support groups, and remember that transformation stories prove there is hope beyond the darkness of addiction. 00:00:00 Introduction to Positively Undefeated 00:00:43 Midland Mixer Event Announcement 00:01:59 Meet Steve Berry, a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor 00:03:48 Personal Experience with Alcoholism 00:05:09 Spiritual Condition and Growth in Recovery 00:07:34 Understanding Spiritual Growth in Recovery 00:09:33 The Importance of Humility in Recovery 00:10:53 Appreciation for SWOTA Town Hall Meeting 00:13:39 Rise of Fentanyl and Substance Abuse 00:17:35 Substance Use Disorders and Overdose Risks 00:19:26 Addressing Pain and Addiction Connection 00:20:51 Community Collaboration for Substance Abuse 00:21:35 Breaking Stigma and Offering Hope 00:23:11 Impactful Stories of Transformation 00:23:33 Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Desperation 00:24:27 Definition of Addiction 00:25:55 Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Help 00:28:46 Investing in Yourself 00:29:32 Holistic Approach to Recovery 00:30:10 Importance of Community Support 00:31:00 Impact of Legal System on Recovery 00:32:12 Finding Healthy Relationships 00:33:02 Medication-Assisted Treatment 00:35:05 Local Treatment Providers 00:40:42 Utilizing Lay People Resources 00:43:05 Additional Treatment Providers 00:45:37 SWOTA's Diverse Initiatives 00:47:15 SWOTA's Contribution to Western Oklahoma 00:48:13 Gratitude for Support and Encouragement