addiction

Host Debbie Ingram, Executive Director of VIA, chats with Rev. Elissa Johnk, VIA Board Member, about legislative priorities in the ongoing legislative session.

Decriminalize Vermont: decrimvermont.org
Drug Policy Alliance: drugpolicy.org

More information at: (802) 651-8889 | office@viavt.org | www.viavt.org

From the organizer:

Substance use in Vermont continues to rise with tragic loss, daily. There are incredible efforts and resources dedicated to connecting those who seek help. We are grateful for everyone who fights this battle every day.

This Summit seeks to expand the awareness of resources, identify the areas of deficiency, and bring together stakeholders who normally don’t get to network. The goal is to integrate and educate on successful efforts that are working for those in crisis and expand these efforts to every corner of Vermont.

From Gary De Carolis:

Stefani Capizzi grew up in New England as a middle child in a family of 5. She generally lived in Vermont since 1996. She has 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren who live in Vermont, and she loves to see them whenever she can. She's a 55 year old person in long term recovery from Alcoholism. Capizzi has been on a lifelong journey as a songwriter, singer, and musician, and it’s a big part of who she is. Professionally, after raising children, including 6 years of home-schooling them, Capizzi worked in health care and addiction recovery fields. She was a nurse for 10 years and an Executive Director of an addiction recovery center for 7 years. Capizzi had the honor of being a Recovery Coach for 10 years, including emergency department work. She continues to do individual recovery coaching through North Central Vermont Recovery Center. Additionally, today she works in the field of addiction medicine. She has also served in roles that address criminal justice and homelessness.

In 2019, Capizzi left Vermont and lived and traveled in an RV for the better part of 2 years. She could write a book about that part, and probably will some day. This year, she's been working on an album of original songs that’s about to be released. Fifty percent of all physical CD sales will be donated to addiction recovery services.

Join Ed Baker for a discussion with John Kelly, PhD, Founder and Director of the Recovery Research Institute.

Dr. Kelly discusses his contributions to understanding the process of addiction and the forces of stigma that continue to harm people with Substance Use Disorder.

Dr. Kelly explains how stigma can cause a failure to accurately assess scientific data and implement appropriate programming, such as Overdose Prevention Sites. Healing from addiction is also discussed, with a focus upon Alcoholics Anonymous and its unequaled success rate.