Episode 2, Part 1:

From Addiction to Advocacy: Nurses’ Journey

In this special two-part episode of The Symptom Media Podcast: Bridging the Divide in Mental Health, we confront the deeply personal and systemic issue of substance use among nurses. Our guests, Kristin Waite-Labott and Dr. April Lenzmeier, share their firsthand experiences with addiction, the consequences they faced, and the paths they took toward recovery. Kristin, a seasoned nurse and founder of WisPAN, opens up about her struggles with drug diversion, which led to incarceration, and how she has since dedicated her life to supporting other nurses in recovery. Dr. Lenzmeier, a nurse with nearly three decades of acute care experience, reflects on her battle with alcohol use disorder, its impact on her career, and how she now helps others through peer support and advocacy.

Through their candid stories and professional expertise, this episode sheds light on the hidden struggles of nurses with substance use disorders, the stigma that keeps many from seeking help, and the systemic changes needed to create a culture of recovery. Listeners will gain insight into the realities of addiction within the nursing profession, the challenges of seeking treatment, and the power of peer-driven support networks. Whether you are a healthcare professional, educator, student or advocate, this conversation provides a crucial perspective on protecting both nurses and the patients they serve.

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For more information about the resources shared in this episode you can visit:

• Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
  • Learn more about the foundation’s important work and their new All In for Mental Health Initiative
  • For improving the operational workplace environment, visit the Caring for Caregivers program and;
  • The Impact Wellbeing Guide

• InTheRooms, a global recovery site offering virtual support meetings:
  • How Nurses Are Helping Nurses At InTheRooms.com With Peer Support Meetings
• Impact Wellbeing Guide
• Nurses Peer Support Network of Minnesota: 
• Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses (WisPAN): 
  • wispan2021@gmail.com
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, 1-800-273-8255
• Books:
  • An Unlikely Addict: 
  • Re/entry, A Guide for Nurses dealing with Substance Use Disorder
  • Impaired, A Nurse’s Story of Addiction and Recovery
  • Substance Use Disorder in Healthcare Professionals: When Caregivers Need Care and Treatment
• Items for Education: 
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Alternative to Discipline
  • Programs for SUD: 
  • Healthcare Diversion, A Nurse’s Journey
  • Healthcare Diversion, What Leadership Should Know
• American Nurses Association:
• Health Professionals in Recovery Facebook Page:
• Recovery Programs:
  • Women for Sobriety
  • Refuge Recovery
    
  • Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
  • Alcoholic Anonymous: https://aa.org and Narcotics Anonymous www.na.org
• Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace
• UC San Diego Healer Education Assessment and Referral (HEAR) Program
• Second Victim Support
• International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA)
  • IntNSA Self-Care Room 
• National Organization of Alternative Programs (NOAP)