Jess Branas

Recovery Road

Jess Branas

  • Episode 018 - Join the Movement

Episode 018 - Join the Movement

Tuesday 1st June 2021

Listen to Diane Urban and Cathy Lawley on 'Recovery Road' as they discuss fighting synthetic drugs and raising awareness through APALD.
26 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Empowering
Engaging
Transformative

About this podcast

Recovery Road
Author:
Jess Branas
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Body & Mind
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Episodes:
44 (View all)
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Turning Grief into Action: Diane Urban and Cathy Lawley's Fight Against Lethal Drugs

This is just the beginning, and I promise you- I'm talking to a lot of people about this, people that I know in political circles- that we're going to slowly try to get this message out, because something has to be done, something has to be done, and I think that you know I run an intensive outpatient group at the outpatient where I work here in long island and this morning's group we were talking about two mothers in my group, two kids- middle school kids, middle school kids vaping marijuana- not their kids, but friends of their kids. Like Kathy's been involved for like several, many years because of her son's addiction.
Imagine losing a child to something as preventable as a synthetic drug overdose. That's the heartbreaking reality for Diane Urban and Cathy Lawley, who join Merrit Hartblay on this episode of 'Recovery Road'. Diane and Cathy, co-founders of the Association of People Against Lethal Drugs (APALD), share their deeply personal stories of loss after their sons were unknowingly given lethal doses of Carfentanil and Fentanyl.
But this episode isn't just about their grief—it's about their mission to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. Diane and Cathy discuss how APALD is working tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of synthetic drugs. They highlight the importance of education and early intervention, stressing that parents need to take an active role in discussing these issues with their children.
The conversation also delves into the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, a barrier that often prevents people from seeking the help they need. One of the standout moments in this episode is the discussion on APALD's nationwide rallies and partnerships with first responders. These initiatives aim to bring communities together and create a unified front against the synthetic drug crisis.
Merrit emphasizes the importance of breaking down the stigma associated with addiction and mental health, encouraging listeners to join the movement and make a difference. If you're looking for a podcast that combines emotional storytelling with actionable advice, this episode of 'Recovery Road' is a must-listen. Diane and Cathy's courage and determination serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, it's possible to create positive change.