Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, host KL Wells sits down with Dr. Amy Swift, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut. A leading addiction specialist, Dr. Swift brings a holistic approach to mental health, addiction, and trauma care. Together, they discuss the realities of addiction treatment, the critical role of families, and how emerging approaches—including medication-assisted treatment—are transforming lives. Dr. Swift offers hope and practical guidance, emphasizing destigmatization, early intervention, and the resilience needed for both individuals and their loved ones on the recovery journey.
Key Discussion Points:
- Dr. Swift’s path into addiction medicine and her holistic care philosophy
- Why early family involvement is essential to treatment success
- The emotional toll of addiction on families—and how to support them
- Psychoeducation: helping families understand addiction as a lifelong condition
- The importance of self-care and boundary-setting for loved ones
- Destigmatizing medications like buprenorphine in addiction recovery
- Emerging trends in treatment, particularly for adolescents
- Addressing trauma and shame for both individuals and families
- How hope, resilience, and compassionate care shape the recovery journey
- Practical advice for families seeking quality help and resources
Some Questions I Ask:
- What inspired you to pursue addiction medicine?
- Have you had personal or family experiences that shaped your work?
- What do you wish you had known at the start of your career?
- How do families typically enter treatment, and what challenges do they face?
- What are the first steps for families to move forward together?
- How can families maintain their own well-being while supporting a loved one?
- What are the most promising trends in addiction treatment right now?
- How do you approach pain management for those with a history of addiction?
- What advice would you give to families who feel hopeless or overwhelmed?
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Why family involvement is a cornerstone of effective addiction treatment
- How to navigate the emotional landscape of loving someone with substance use disorder
- The importance of realistic expectations and psychoeducation for families
- Practical self-care strategies for parents, partners, and loved ones
- Why medications like buprenorphine can save lives—and why they should be destigmatized
- How trauma and shame affect recovery—and ways to address them
- The importance of hope and resilience, even in the face of setbacks
- How to find quality treatment centers and advocate for comprehensive care
Resources:
- 🌐 Silver Hill Hospital: silverhillhospital.org
- For information, support, or admissions, contact Dr. Amy Swift at aswift@silverhillhospital.org
- 👩⚕️ Guest Bio:
- Dr. Amy Swift serves as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital, where she specializes in addiction psychiatry with a holistic focus on mental health, trauma, and recovery.
- 📚 Community Support & Education:
- Pleasure Unwoven by Dr. Kevin McCauley – A powerful resource for understanding the brain and addiction
- Silver Hill Hospital Family Support – Help...
