Former NBA player and founder of Herren Talks, Herren Project and Herren Wellness, Chris shares intimate details of his journey and how he’s now using his experience to change the way high school students think about substance use. The First Day film makes his powerful storytelling available to schools and communities across the country. Visit chrisherren.com for more about Chris and his work.

Elizabeth sits down with former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy. Throughout much of his life, Patrick has struggled with his own addiction and mental health challenges, both in private and, at times, glaringly in public. But Patrick has gone from fighting his own demons to fighting on behalf of others who need help and support the most. In 2013, he founded The Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit that unites advocates, business leaders, and government agencies to advance evidence-based practices, policies, and programming in mental health and addiction.

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Elizabeth sits down with journalist and author David Sheff. His heartbreaking and inspiring novel Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction was made into a motion picture starring Steve Carell and Timothee Chalamet.

After experiencing addiction in his family – David’s son Nic became addicted and almost died of the disease – David began trying to figure out why as a society we have been so ineffective when it comes to preventing and treating addiction. Learn more about David and his work at davidsheff.com.

Elizabeth has a candid conversation with Jim Carroll, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). His agency’s mission: to stop the flow of illegal drugs in the United States and to connect those suffering from addiction with the tools they need to achieve recovery.

Director Carroll has been traveling around the country, meeting with people in some of the hardest-hit communities and leading discussions about the challenges they face. Elizabeth speaks to him about what he’s seen, who he’s talked to and what the administration is doing and also what more needs to be done to make an impact.

Elizabeth is joined by Beth Macy, journalist and author of Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America. The New York Times bestselling book sheds an intimate light on the opioid epidemic in Virginia.

Yet, in the two years since the book was published, it’s estimated an additional 100,000 people have died in the U.S. due to opioids – indicating the crisis she covered is not slowing down. Learn more about Beth and her work at intrepidpapergirl.com

In addition to being a chef and TV host, Andrew Zimmern is also in long-term recovery. In this special re-airing of one of our favorite interviews, Andrew discusses how the support from family and friends changed his life, the joys of being in recovery for more than 29 years and “writing his own syllabus for life.”

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Author of Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice Not to Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol, Holly is also founder and CEO of online recovery program, The Tempest. She and Elizabeth discuss their experiences as women coming to terms with the impact of alcohol on their lives, how addiction is portrayed in the media, and their perspectives on the roads they took to finding recovery.

If you are seeking treatment for your child or a loved one, know that numerous options exist. Addiction treatment is not “one-size-fits-all” and may take place in a variety of settings, at different degrees of intensity and for different lengths of time. We offer resources to help you navigate treatment and recovery, and identify the best options for your family. Information about specific providers and services on our website or podcast does not constitute an endorsement.

When he was 14 years old, Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers lost his older brother, Joshua, to a heroin overdose. He describes it as the worst thing to have happened to his family. Years later, Jeremiah is still reflecting on the monumental impact drugs and alcohol have on music, culture, families and relationships. This topic even served as inspiration behind the latest album from his band, titled III.

In this episode of Heart of the Matter, Jeremiah joins Elizabeth to share his perspective on substance use and to discuss his family’s experiences navigating addiction, giving up alcohol himself and learning to be a rock star without substances.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

Start with Connection, our campaign featuring music from The Lumineers

Is substance use a part of “normal” teen behavior?

Understanding and addressing heroin use

In his twenties, Zac’s addiction escalated to the point where his marriage crumbled and his friendships dissipated. His relationship with his parents was holding on by a thread. But they never gave up on him, and Zac found recovery. Ultimately, he won back his health and went on to win the heart of not only Tayshia Adams but also The Bachelorette viewers across the country through his candor, compassion and commitment to a substance-free life.

Elizabeth and Zac revisit his journey, from faking illnesses to gain access to prescription medications to finding happiness in real life, making a career out of helping others with addiction, and even falling in love on reality TV.

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He was a highly celebrated student athlete with a promising professional career ahead of him. Yet, due to his struggles with addiction, Montee Ball found himself sitting in a jail cell while his former teammates won the Super Bowl. Now in recovery, Montee has walked away from the NFL and committed himself to breaking down barriers that prevent Black and Brown people from accessing help for mental health and substance use disorders.

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Just as Kristen Johnston started finding success as an actress starring in the Emmy-award winning sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, feelings of self-doubt and panic began overtaking her life, and she found comfort in prescription painkillers. Over the years her addiction worsened, turning Kristen into the self-described “Nancy Drew of painkillers.” Kristen and Elizabeth reflect on the judgment they face as women in recovery, the importance of overcoming shame and the feelings that come with caring for someone struggling with substance use.

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As parents, Mary and Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld just wanted to protect their son, Jonathan. This was a job Sandy felt he should have been well equipped for as the United States’ number two ranking military officer. Yet, Jonathan’s struggles with anxiety led him to start drinking alcohol and misusing prescription medications as a teen. Sandy and Mary did everything they could to find appropriate help for their son’s substance use. Still, just three days after they dropped him off at college, Jonathan died of an accidental overdose in his dorm room.

Mary and Sandy discuss the challenges they faced parenting a child struggling with mental health, learning to live with grief and dedicating themselves to “saving a life every day” through their work with SAFE Project — the nonprofit they founded following their son’s death.

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Before he could start his incredibly popular shoe empire, Steve Madden needed to overcome his own struggles with addiction. Inspired by the principles that guided his recovery – showing up, doing the next thing, acknowledging his mistakes – Steve built a business that would become known worldwide.

Throughout his life and career, Steve has recovered, relapsed, and recovered again; gone to prison; and came back with grit in spades. Steve reflects on the arc of his life, coming from a family with a history of substance use disorders, managing ADHD and, most importantly, learning to let go and to grow.

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As the first person in recovery from addiction to serve as the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Michael has faced his fair share of challenges. Even before his confirmation, colleagues doubted that Michael would be fit for the role because he had a substance use disorder.

Michael reflects on his own recovery, his experiences facing stigma, and how stigma and racism have impacted the way George Floyd and rapper DMX have been perceived in death.

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Despite being the son of an Academy Award-winning actor, Jamie Niven’s life wasn’t all glitz and glamour. At just six months old, Jamie’s mother passed away, leaving Jamie to grow up with an overwhelming feeling of loneliness – a feeling that followed him for his entire life.

Elizabeth talks with Jamie, who is also the chair of Partnership to End Addiction’s Board of Directors, about the way loss impacted his life and contributed to a 50-year struggle with alcohol.

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New York Times best-selling author Jessica Lahey discusses her latest book, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Jessica and Elizabeth connect over the advantages and challenges that come with being a parent in recovery, the benefits of family dinners (even with teens!) and why young people are more susceptible to addiction.

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As an up-and-coming chef in Manhattan, Gregory found himself surrounded by addictive substances. After finishing an arduous shift at one of the city’s top restaurants, he’d frequently spend the rest of the night partying, fueled by alcohol and cocaine. Eventually, Gregory’s substance use caught up with him, putting at risk the thing he loved doing most: cooking.

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Bestselling author and investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe joins Elizabeth to discuss his latest book, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty. In his book, Patrick tells the story of the family responsible for setting into motion the opioid epidemic.

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Congresswoman Madeleine Dean thought she understood addiction – but it wasn’t until her son Harry Cunnane was struggling that she came to truly realize what it means when a loved one has a substance use disorder. Now Harry has been in recovery for more than eight years, and mother and son have written a joint memoir, Under Our Roof: A Son’s Battle for Recovery, a Mother’s Battle for Her Son.

Elizabeth speaks with Madeleine and Harry about what they gained from writing their book, what it means when people refer to addiction as a family disease, and the importance of amplifying the possibility of recovery – not just the horror of active addiction.

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Despite entering recovery almost 24 years ago at the age of 19, writer and political commentator Molly Jong-Fast still regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings – but her routine was disrupted in the past year due to COVID-19. Together, Elizabeth and Molly discuss how they maintained their mental health throughout the pandemic, their approaches to parenting, the lifelong struggle of addiction, as well as their thoughts on civility, politics, stress and so much more.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:

Stress and Drug Use: What Every Parent Should Know

Risk Factors for Addiction

What Types of Addiction Treatment are Available?

Former professional skateboarder, TV stuntman and recovery advocate Brandon Novak joins Elizabeth Vargas to talk about how he went from a skateboarding prodigy and reality star to homeless. He also shares where he is now: celebrating six years of recovery and spreading hope to others who are struggling.

Brandon opens up to Elizabeth about “underestimating” his addiction, and the consequences he faced during his decades-long journey with substance use. He also talks about how his mother coped with his addiction and the only two regrets he has today.

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To any outsider in his Massachusetts high school, star basketball player Chris Herren looked on top of the world, with broken records behind him and a promising career ahead of him. But what many did not know was that beneath the physical prowess was someone struggling with mental health and substance use.

In his return to Heart of the Matter, Chris connects with Elizabeth Vargas about parenting and the need to focus on our children’s social and emotional health, especially against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The two also speak about the ripple effect of speaking up and why, as a former pro-athlete in recovery, Chris is inspired by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles’s stand against mental health stigma.

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In this episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by Laura McKowen, author and founder of The Luckiest Club. When Laura first stopped drinking, she thought of it as “the end of all the color” in her life. But after weathering one particularly challenging night, she realized the magic that comes with being in recovery and feeling fully present in her life. Together, Elizabeth and Laura discuss the pain that lies at the root of drinking, the glamorization of alcohol, the power of truth-telling and why Laura considers herself “lucky” to have faced addiction.

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In this episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas interviews Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton. When Patricia was in the middle of it all — working all hours on wildly successful shows like Everybody Loves Raymond, while taking care of her four young children — she kept her drinking at bay. But when these shows ended and her children had left the house, she started looking forward to drinking in a way she hadn’t ever before.

Join Patricia and Elizabeth as they connect over “self-medicating” through alcohol, feeling “unmoored” during the COVID-19 pandemic and working in a business that can be unkind to women as they get older.

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In the early 2000s, Ryan Hampton was homeless and struggling with an opioid addiction, wondering how he had gone from working as a White House staffer to begging for change on a California street corner. A decade later in recovery, Ryan found himself at the epicenter of Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy settlement, fighting for justice in a case that gripped a nation in the midst of an overdose crisis.

In this episode of  Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas sits down with Ryan to discuss his role in Purdue’s bankruptcy proceedings, how it felt to witness the now-infamous depositions of the Sackler family firsthand and why he believes the justice system, as it stands today, could never deliver accountability for Purdue’s victims.

Ryan Hampton’s new book, Unsettled: How the Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Failed the Victims of the American Overdose Crisis, details the shocking injustice at the heart of the Purdue Pharma settlement.

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To the fans who watch her on their TV screens, Cheryl Burke leads the picture-perfect life, dancing her way across countless stages and starring on national broadcasts. However, there is more to the “Dancing with the Stars” competitor than may meet the eye: Beneath the impressive veneer is someone who is unafraid to open up about her struggles with alcohol, mental health and abuse.

As a competitor, Cheryl was taught that showing emotions is a sign of weakness, and turned to alcohol as a way to soothe anxiety and uncertainty. Tune in as Elizabeth and Cheryl talk about the ways drinking fosters emotional disconnection, growing up with addiction in the family, the events that led Cheryl to put down alcohol for good and how she has come to find strength in vulnerability.

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Bestselling novelist and essayist Anne Lamott had more than her share of experience with substance use disorders: Growing up with family members with addiction, she also had distinct memories of drinking as a child. Decades later, she watched as her son Sam began struggling with methamphetamines. Today, both mother and son have been in recovery for many years.

Join Elizabeth as she speaks to Anne and Sam about addiction in the family, the influence of believing in a higher power, the importance of searching for inner grace rather than external accolades and how it felt for Anne to witness her son’s struggle with addiction as a person in recovery herself.

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A fighter in every sense of the word, boxing champion Mia St. John encountered addiction from a young age, growing up with a father who struggled with drinking and attending her first Alcoholics Anonymous group when she was just twelve years old. Years later, she witnessed her son’s struggle with mental illness and a cycle of substance use as self-medication.

Tune in as Mia opens up to Elizabeth about enduring the loneliness of relapse, finding a home in Alcoholics Anonymous and weathering the losses of her son, Julian, and her former husband, Kristoff St. John.

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Content warning: This episode discusses topics of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

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Join us for a bonus episode! Recently, Elizabeth was interviewed by Annie Grace, host of This Naked Mind, a podcast that explores the role alcohol plays in our world and in our lives, with honesty and without judgment. Tune in as Elizabeth shares her story about drinking, working in broadcast television, and now, being a woman in recovery.

When the miniseries Dopesickpremiered on Hulu in late 2021, it was to a world reeling from the conclusion of Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy proceedings – a settlement that infamously absolved the Sackler family of any opioid-related liability. The show, based on author Beth Macy’s eponymous account of the opioid crisis and starring Michael Keaton in his Golden Globe-winning return to television, dramatizes the devastation left in the wake of OxyContin’s 1996 introduction to the market and is a powerful depiction of the consequences of corporate greed and government corruption.

Join Elizabeth as she goes behind the scenes with Beth Macy and award-winning screenwriter and Dopesick creator Danny Strong in a conversation about the research that made the show possible, the corruption at the heart of the opioid crisis, and the responsibility they felt to amplify victims’ stories and portray their pain with empathy and unflinching honesty.

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In many ways, Michelle Lipinski is the principal of a high school just like any other. Students rush from class to class from the morning to afternoon, study hard for quizzes and exams, and wait for their senior prom with bated breath. However, one thing sets Northshore Recovery High School apart from most other schools in the nation: All of its students have a diagnosed substance use disorder.

Join Elizabeth for a special episode of Heart of the Matter as she speaks to Principal Michelle Lipinski and current and former students Shaylee, Alba and Rachel about the origins of Northshore – which was the subject of the MTV documentary series 16 and Recovering – what others can learn from its education model and what makes it a “safe place” of empathy, tough love and radical compassion for the students and staff who walk its halls.

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Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, suicide and suicidal ideation, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. 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.

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To many who knew him in his college days, Darren Waller had the ideal life: a star football player at Georgia Tech who had caught the eye of NFL scouts, he seemed predestined for a picture-perfect future. However, beneath this glossy veneer was someone who was struggling with opioid use, whose self-confidence was flagging, and whose passion for the game he had loved since he was a boy was evaporating. Two suspensions and several years later, this culminated in a near-fatal overdose in August 2017 that would prove to be game-changing.

Now four and a half years into recovery, Darren has started a foundation to help youth struggling with addiction, has helped a teammate into recovery and looks back on his past with gratitude and without shame. Join Elizabeth as she speaks with Darren about the value of honesty in recovery, the importance of humility, and why he does not wish to shut the door on his past, but rather, sees it as the greatest possession he has.

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In 2015, award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones took the world by storm with his heavily lauded book Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opioid Epidemic, an investigative work that helped awaken the nation to the devastation wreaked by OxyContin. With his newest release, The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth, Sam turns his attention to the rise of synthetic substances and the dangers posed by methamphetamine and fentanyl use.

Tune in as Sam speaks to Elizabeth about the reasons behind the explosion of fentanyl; the connections between methamphetamine and mental and physical illness; and why he believes we have yet to fully confront the realities of methamphetamine addiction.

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Physician and author Carl Erik Fisher is both a doctor who specializes in addiction treatment and a person who is very public about his own struggles with substance use, who is currently in recovery himself. With his highly praised book The Urge: Our History of Addiction, Dr. Fisher embarks on a feverish search for answers to age-old questions: What does it mean to struggle with addiction? Why is it so difficult to move away from substance use, even once it has turned destructive? Who is vulnerable to addiction and who is capable of recovery?

Tune in as Elizabeth sits down with Dr. Fisher to discuss the human capacity for recovery, the institutionalized stigma surrounding substance use disorders, the “double-edged sword” of labeling addiction as a disease, and how recovery took him from Bellevue Hospital’s psychiatric ward to an assistant professorship in the department of psychiatry at Columbia University.

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After losing his son Danny Jr. to a substance-related shooting, Louisiana pharmacist Dan Schneider was determined to hold the powerful figures behind the nation’s opioid epidemic accountable. The critically acclaimed Netflix docuseries The Pharmacist recounts Dan’s rigorous quest to find answers about his son’s death, and his mission to stop the overprescribing of opioids taking place in his community.

In this episode of Heart of the Matter, host Elizabeth Vargas speaks with Dan about his journey to finding justice, turning his grief into action and how families can help address the opioid crisis in their communities.

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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.

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After a counterfeit tablet purchased on social media took their son Charlie’s life, Ed and Mary Ternan were determined to take action. Rather than blame social media companies for sales of dangerous substances, Ed and Mary saw an opportunity to make a change. They created the nonprofit Song for Charlie to raise awareness about fentanyl and fentanyl-laced substances being sold to young people on social media. Many counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids and are more lethal than ever before.

Join Heart of the Matter host Elizabeth Vargas as she sits down with Ed and Mary to discuss how substances are marketed and sold to adolescents and young adults on social media, the alarming increase in the availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and the launch of National Fentanyl Awareness Day on May 10.

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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.

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Like many families, Dr. Nora Volkow’s had kept it a secret that her grandfather had a substance use disorder and eventually committed suicide. Today, as the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, she speaks out regularly about how important it is to share these stories to help other families impacted by addiction.

Dr. Volkow sits down with Heart of the Matter host Elizabeth Vargas to discuss the growing complexities of fentanyl-laced drugs; the state of mental health in our nation; what the pandemic can teach us about allocating resources to communities in need; and her deeply personal story.

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In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by investigator Paul Holes, New York Times bestselling author of Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases. Paul is known for his role in helping to solve high-profile homicide cases, including the notorious Golden State Killer. But his crime fighting success was masked by what was going on with Paul personally. He spent decades with unresolved anxiety and panic attacks, eventually turning to alcohol as a way to cope with the stress.

Together, Paul and Elizabeth discuss how his own anxiety changed the way he views his cold cases; and his own experiences in the law enforcement community, including how making himself vulnerable is opening the door to more honest mental health discussions.

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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.

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In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth Vargas is joined by actor Zachary Levi, who opens up about his lifelong struggle with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts while starring in hit television shows like Chuck and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and blockbuster movies like Shazam! and Tangled. Zachary shares that after living with anxiety and depression for most of his life, he turned to substances to mask childhood trauma. After experiencing a life-altering panic attack, he sought out therapy which he credits with saving his life.

Zachary sits down with Elizabeth to discuss not feeling confident, especially in Hollywood, how he has learned to practice self-love and his new memoir, Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others.

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In the latest episode of Heart of the Matter, host Elizabeth Vargas is joined by Harold Koplewicz, president and medical director of the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit focused on helping children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Harold shares that one in five children and adolescents struggle with mental health or learning challenges and unfortunately, over 70% of U.S. counties do not have child psychiatrists available to help alleviate this growing crisis.

Harold and Elizabeth sit down to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on cognitive development and daily routines for many children and adolescents. Harold also shares tips for what parents and physicians can do to address and strengthen a child’s mental health.

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Join us for a bonus episode! Elizabeth recently joined Katie Couric for her podcast Next Question with Katie Couric to discuss the increasing use of alcohol, particularly among women, during the COVID-19 pandemic — why women are drinking more now than ever; what factors may cause an increase in alcohol consumption; and what recovery looks like. Elizabeth and Katie also speak with two women in recovery, Khadi Oluwatoyin and Emily Paulson, who have created recovery spaces; as well as Dr. Louise Stanger who gives insight on how to support a loved one with a substance use disorder.

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.

Bravo’s “Below Deck” star Captain Lee Rosbach opens up to Elizabeth Vargas on the season three premiere of Heart of the Matter about the excruciating pain he experienced after losing his son Joshua to a fentanyl poisoning. Captain Lee discloses that he and his family did not discuss Joshua’s substance use with friends or his fellow crew members for nearly 20 years. Now, he wants to help other families by continuing to open up publicly about his family’s struggles.

Captain Lee and Elizabeth discuss his experiences on “Below Deck,” the relationships he’s formed with other Bravo stars impacted by addiction and what he’s doing to help others struggling with substance use.

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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.

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As an actress, comedian and Playboy model, Jessica Landon appeared to have the perfect life. But deep down, she was silently suffering from unresolved childhood trauma. Jessica began drinking as a pre-teen and didn’t stop. She became so reliant on alcohol that it became “the only way I could survive in the world,” as she describes it. After experiencing a 16-day stay in the ICU involving multiple organ failures resulting from her drinking, Jessica finally made the decision to start her recovery journey.

This week on Heart of the Matter, Jessica joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss how her parents’ support helped her heal, how laughter played a significant part in her recovery and her role as a co-founder of the Sober Mom Squad.

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This week on Heart of the Matter, actor and author Cameron Douglas, son of Michael Douglas, opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about his incredible recovery journey, as told in his book, “Long Way Home.” Cameron began using substances at 13-years-old, which quickly progressed into a serious addiction. He recounts that even after many years of struggling, including nearly seven years in prison, his parents “never turned away from me.”

Cameron and Elizabeth discuss his dad’s influence on why he wrote his tell-all book, his relationship with his famous father and grandfather and how his time in federal prison led to his recovery during this special episode, which aired as part of the Mobilize Recovery virtual experience.

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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.

Listen now and to explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode, see the complete episode transcript.

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.

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Tommy Davidson’s childhood was anything but textbook. Discovered on the streets as a toddler by his adoptive white mother, he faced alienation from those who looked down on his interracial upbringing, and strife from a society clinging to racial barriers. But a breakout role on the now-iconic ‘90s sitcom “In Living Color” soon thrust him into fame—and into the throes of addiction.

Tune into the latest episode of Heart of the Matter as Tommy, now over two decades into recovery, speaks to Elizabeth Vargas about finding a sense of belonging in his unique upbringing, getting to “live two lives” with recovery and why he thinks substance use seems so prominent in the entertainment industry.

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Elizabeth Vargas sits down with actor Matthew Perry for an emotional conversation recorded during his book tour for his bestselling book, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” Matthew shares an incredibly honest, inside look at his decades-long struggle with an alcohol and substance use disorder. Despite his wildly successful career, things were not as perfect for Matthew as they appeared: he has been to 14 treatment centers, 65 detox centers, has spent over $9 million on his recovery and admitted that at one point he had a 2% chance of living.

Join Matthew and Elizabeth for the season three finale of “Heart of the Matter,” as they discuss his addiction journey, how his “Friends” co-stars supported him during his darkest days and what advice he’d give to those with addiction.

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“Same Love” singer-songwriter Mary Lambert opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about how experiencing childhood trauma, including sexual assault, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and a difficult relationship with the church as a queer woman, led to her intentionally misusing alcohol for many years.

Now two years without alcohol, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter explains how writing music and poetry acts as a healthy outlet for her, with a mission to share songs that are, as she describes, “productive and helpful.”

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Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use, suicide and sexual abuse. 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.

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Elizabeth Vargas is joined by “Desperate Housewives” actress Madison De La Garza to talk about marijuana use disorder and the role her famous family plays in her recovery. While starring as Juanita on “Desperate Housewives” at just six years old, she was a victim to vicious cyberbullying comments about her appearance, which caused her to develop anxiety, an eating disorder and a marijuana use disorder. She and Elizabeth discuss the role Madison’s family plays in her life and the advice her sister Demi Lovato gave her about recovering in the public eye.

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“Big Sky” actress Dedee Pfeiffer speaks to Elizabeth Vargas about how she silently struggled with an addiction to alcohol, stemming from years of unresolved trauma. But with support from her family, she sought out professional help and has been in recovery for nearly five years. They discuss how Dedee’s family continues to support her in her recovery, how she helped her sister – actress Michelle Pfeiffer – prepare for her role as Betty Ford in “The First Lady” and why she sees recovery as a time of rebirth.

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May 9, 2023 is National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a day to spread awareness and education about this deadly substance that is increasingly affecting young people.

Award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones, whose books “Dreamland” and “The Least of Us” explore the nation’s opioid epidemic, returns to “Heart of the Matter” to talk with Elizabeth Vargas about some of the most popular questions our listeners have about fentanyl.

They discuss why fentanyl has infiltrated the drug supply, and how tools like overdose reversal drug naloxone and fentanyl test strips can help. They also talk about what happens if you touch fentanyl – a topic that is often misunderstood.

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The Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently made history by declaring a loneliness epidemic. Feelings of loneliness are on the rise, especially among young people, which can lead to serious health risks.

This episode of “Heart of the Matter” is an extended version of Elizabeth Vargas’ conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy for her news show “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on NewsNation. They discuss his decision to declare the loneliness epidemic, the importance of rebuilding connections, and how we can make small changes in our daily lives to improve our mental health. Dr. Murthy also talks about his own personal experience with loneliness and shame, and why it’s so important to discuss these struggles openly.

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We often hear about the negative impacts social media can have on mental health, but Ryann Cooke and Jordan Shelton’s lives changed for the better because of the community they found on TikTok. Ryann and Jordan both decided to stop drinking in their 20s after coming to terms with the fact that alcohol was negatively affecting them. They each posted about their experiences on TikTok and received not only generous support from viewers, but also many messages from people who had similar stories.

Ryann and Jordan join Elizabeth Vargas on “Heart of the Matter” to talk about why they decided to stop drinking, the tie between storytelling and connection and how their vulnerability has allowed them to find supportive communities on social media.

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From a young age, actor and producer Frankie Grande found himself addicted to achievements, craving praise from teachers and his mother. When he was cast in the Broadway show “Mamma Mia!” in his early 20s, Frankie felt like his career hit its peak. He found himself misusing alcohol and other substances – something that would continue for years.

Frankie joins Elizabeth Vargas on “Heart of the Matter” to discuss how the tragic bombing at his sister Ariana Grande’s 2017 concert was the turning point for him to address his substance use, how he has been able to build a healthy support system in his recovery journey and the advice he’d give to anyone who is struggling or who has a loved one struggling with addiction.

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Charles Kelley joins Elizabeth Vargas to talk about his recovery journey. He discloses why he often hid his drinking from those closest to him, how his wife supported his recovery, and why it was important for Charles to be honest about Lady A’s 2022 tour postponement.

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Award-winning chef Ashish Alfred joins Elizabeth Vargas to discuss his family history with substance use – including his own addiction. Now that he’s in recovery, he is focused on transforming the restaurant industry for those who don’t drink alcohol.

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Dave Aronberg, who serves as the Palm Beach County State Attorney in Florida, speaks with Elizabeth Vargas about navigating the treatment system. They discuss things people should look for when researching treatment centers, as well as things to avoid. He also explains the “Florida Shuffle” and what patient brokering is – and how this is happening all over the country. In addition, Dave shares ways to find legitimate treatment centers.

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In this episode of “Heart of the Matter”, award-winning author David Ambroz joins Elizabeth Vargas to share his incredible journey of overcoming poverty and homelessness and rising to become a successful lawyer and advocate for change. David’s childhood was marked by hardship and a system that failed him. Yet, he defied the odds, achieving remarkable success and using his experience to fight for a better future for vulnerable youth.

Tune into this special episode to hear David’s inspiring story and his powerful message about investing in our children early on before they fall victim to a broken system.

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.

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Figlia founder Lily Geiger joins Elizabeth Vargas to share the inspiration behind her non-alcoholic cocktail brand. Lily reveals what it was like growing up with a parent struggling with substance use – including its profound influence on her life, and why it inspired her to start her own company.

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.

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Captain Sandy Yawn from the hit Bravo TV show “Below Deck” joins Elizabeth Vargas on Heart of the Matter to discuss how years of substance use eventually led to more than 30 years in recovery. Sandy also gives advice to anyone struggling – especially those who’ve relapsed – as well as their families.

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Braunwyn Windham-Burke, who starred in two seasons of the hit Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” joins Elizabeth Vargas for the season 6 premiere episode of “Heart of the Matter.”

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Randy Grimes, former starting center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, silently struggled with an addiction to prescription pills during his tenure. On this week’s “Heart of the Matter,” he talks with Elizabeth Vargas about the impact of his addiction during and after his football career, and his work helping current and retired athletes get the treatment they need.

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In this episode of “Heart of the Matter,” author and comedian Stefanie Wilder-Taylor opens up to Elizabeth Vargas about her struggle with alcohol, which intensified after becoming a parent, and how her blog provided a crucial connection with other moms. Now 15 years in recovery, Stefanie reflects on the pivotal moment that led her to quit drinking, its public exposure, and her new book, “Drunk-ish.”

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Sports reporter and author Lauren Sisler opens up to Elizabeth Vargas this week on Heart of the Matter about her parents’ hidden struggles with addiction and the tragic loss that changed her life. Lauren promotes prevention education and shares insights from her new book, Shatterproof, aiming to break the stigma surrounding addiction and empower families.

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.

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Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy discusses his book “Profiles in Mental Health Courage,” spotlighting a diverse group of people who have struggled with their mental health – many of whom are sharing their stories for the first time. Tonie “Miss Tonie” Dreher, who is featured in this book, also talks about her journey from struggling with substance use disorder and schizophrenia to becoming a mental health counselor.

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.

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This week on “Heart of the Matter,” Elizabeth Vargas sits down with philanthropist and author Cammie Wolf Rice. Cammie shares the heartbreaking story of her son Christopher’s fatal overdose at age 32, following an opioid prescription that led to more than a decade of addiction. Through her non-profit Christopher Wolf Crusade, Cammie has turned her profound loss into a mission that is saving lives by dedicating her time to educate families about opioid risks and alternative pain options.

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.

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