The Troubled Teen Industry, Addiction and More with Maia Szalavitz

This episode of Saint Jude Retreat’s Radio show features  a conversation about the troubled teen industry and addiction. The topic was provoked by the work of investigative journalist and author Maia Szalavitz, and one of her books, "Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled-Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids". Szalavitz has been published in TIME Magazine, The New York Times, Scientific American Mind,  etc.

The radio show opens with radio host and Executive Director of Saint Jude Retreats, Michelle Dunbar, touching on the subject of what Saint Jude Retreats is.  She also advises parents how to evaluate if a program is safe for their teen.

Trending topics follow, with local and national news connected to addiction- local amnesty law on seeking help for an overdose, Palcohol ( powdered alcohol), supposed marijuana "deaths", as well as an inspirational story of weight loss, sobriety and life change.

The interview with our guest follows as Szalavitz  and Dunbar discuss the topic of addiction, the troubled teen industry and all the risks that it poses for teens and their parents."The fact that these kids are seen as so discredited and always lying really enables abuse for generations", says Szalavitz. Effectiveness of AA, moderation, harm reduction and marijuana legalization are also addressed.  

The radio show ends with Dunbar answering questions by listeners - a husband's struggle with supporting wife to attend a rehab, after she previously failed at staying sober as a result of attending another rehab; and the question of a young man, who is struggling with feeling accomplished, and using this as an excuse to use substances.