Episode #73 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dominique McDowell and Peer SupportEpisode #73 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dominique McDowell and Peer Support
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Peer support is a blessing for many individuals with substance use disorder. Listen to Dominique's inspiring journey and how he gives back to the community in San Francisco. Dominique McDowell Mr. McDowell joined the leadership team to create an innovative Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program to serve those struggling with opioid or alcohol addictions and also Contingency Management Program (CM) for patients struggling with Methamphetamine use . His program has received statewide and national acclaim, and allowed MCHWC to bring important substance use and homelessness services to southern Marin. He is trained as a Relapse Prevention Specialist (RLPS), Gorski-CENAPS, Housing Active Users, is certified by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP), CASIII-Clinical Supervisor, Substance Abuse Certified Counselor (SUDCCII) and teaches anger management and conflict resolution. Mr. McDowell brings tremendous knowledge, expertise and empathy to this role, as a service provider and recovering individual. Previously, Mr. McDowell was Program Manager of the Marin County Safety Net at Ritter Center, Substance Abuse Counselor at Marin Outpatient Recovery Services, and HIV Counselor with the SF Department of Public Health. Throughout his career, he has worked with high-risk clients in chronic disease management, including HIV and Hepatitis C, and has assisted individuals and families with disparities, such as post-incarceration referrals to treatment. He is committed to a harm reduction model around addiction, I.V. drug use, safe sex and health awareness, and is actively owner of the JustUs sober living home in Marin County (Justussle.com). Mr. McDowell graduated from SF State with a degree in Public Health, specializing in Addiction Studies.
1:19:01•16 May 2022
Dominique McDowell's Path from Addiction to Advocacy on High Truths
“Peer support is a blessing for many individuals with substance use disorder. You know, addiction is human, it's the powerfulness. But if I, and I always tell people, don't think I'm invincible, I don't feel like I'm invincible. I know that I do Daily maintenance, I have a Daily reprieve, I wake up every morning and I say: god, help me help somebody Today, help me get out of myself Today, because it's not about me, because I know how to be a self-centered human being, I know how to be an addict.”
What happens when someone turns their struggles into a mission to help others? Dominique McDowell knows firsthand. In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', hosted by Dr. Roneet Lev, Dominique shares his powerful journey from battling substance use to becoming a beacon of hope for many. He dives into the significance of peer support in addiction recovery and the innovative Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program he helped develop.
Dominique’s work has garnered both statewide and national recognition, bringing crucial services to those in need in southern Marin. Listeners will hear about Dominique's extensive experience, from being a Relapse Prevention Specialist to a certified Substance Abuse Counselor. His story is not just about personal triumph but also about the systemic issues faced by underserved communities.
The episode sheds light on the impact of trauma on substance use disorders, the dangers of counterfeit drugs like fake Xanax and fentanyl, and the often overlooked role of marijuana in addiction. Dominique also talks about the Contingency Management Program (CM) for methamphetamine users, highlighting how targeted interventions can make a significant difference. This episode isn't just informative; it's a call to understand the complex layers of addiction and the importance of empathy and community support in recovery.
Whether you're on your own recovery journey, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in addiction and recovery, Dominique's insights provide a deeply human perspective on these critical issues.
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