Substance Abuse With DeShawna Smyth

Our guest, DeShawna Smyth, the brand new Coalition Coordinator for Beckham County, Washita County, and Caddo County. Deshawna explains her role in coordinating substance abuse prevention efforts in these counties, particularly focusing on opioid overdoses and marijuana misuse. She talks about the loss of her brother to suicide and the tragedies in her family, and how she advocates for awareness and change.    Support our podcast production by making a donation to Even One Less here.  Visit our website for more information at www.evenoneless.com     00:00:20 Introduction to Positively Undefeated and Even One Less  00:10:14 Stigma Surrounding Mental Health and Addiction 00:11:54 The Link Between Pain/Injury and Addiction 00:14:16 Medical marijuana in Oklahoma and concerns about its use in schools 00:20:00 The misconception of addiction and the difficulty of quitting 00:24:32 The hidden problems of taxes, drugs, and suicide 00:29:30 The downward spiral of mental health and tragic events 00:34:26 Fond Memories of Robin Williams 00:37:28 Feeling Defeated in the Face of Overwhelming Influence 00:37:43 Struggling with Comparisons and Self-Worth 00:40:55 A Mother's Struggle with Mental and Physical Health 00:41:58 The Tragic Loss of a Brother 00:44:16 Embracing Imperfection and Seeking Help for Mental Health 00:46:15 Finding Strength in Shared Struggles 00:50:01 Downplaying Mental Illness: Embracing the Importance of Self-Care 00:54:06 Finding Support and Success in Unexpected Places 01:02:12 The Beauty of Sharing Stories and Inspiring Others 01:06:49 The Challenges of Being a Teenager in Today's World 01:10:06 Ways to Reach Out and Connect with Dashawna Smyth