Heart of the Matter
Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas is a production from Partnership to End Addiction. Heart of the Matter is an interview series that gives guests the opportunity to share their personal, candid stories about addiction. This podcast offers a space to open up about addiction, substance use and mental health, to share the ways in which people are shifting their narrative – in their own relationships and across communities – to support the cause of ending addiction in our country.
Worried about your child or loved one? Partnership to End Addiction's helpline is here for you and anyone else playing a supportive role in the life of a person struggling with substance use. Get one on one support by texting JOIN to 55753 or visit https://helphope.net/3koi6Kh to learn more. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help or STOP to opt out.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from the following link. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. https://drugfree.org/article/shouldnt-use-word-addict/
Heart of the Matter
Best-selling author David Magee: On how recovery is a journey
As a child, best-selling author David Magee felt that his life purpose was to write a book that could change lives. He recently told his remarkable journey of triumph in the face of trauma in his book “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss.” A few years ago, David lost his son William to an accidental overdose just one year after his other son Hudson was in a three-day coma following his own overdose. At the same time, his daughter Mary was struggling with an eating disorder, and David himself was in recovery from an alcohol and substance use disorder. But before he passed away, William encouraged David to write about their family’s struggles to let others know they are not alone. With his wife’s blessing, David published this book, which gives readers an open and honest glimpse into the Magee family’s story.
In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, David sits down with Elizabeth Vargas to discuss how recovery isn’t linear and is in fact a journey; the insight he’d give to parents whose children are struggling with addiction and mental health challenges; and how David is helping other families locally in Mississippi.
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.
Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:
- Managing Long-Term Recovery from Addiction
- Understanding Risks for Relapse, Overdose and What You Can Do as a Parent
- Substance Use Risk Assessment
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.
To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts