Show Details

Biography

Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 with Denise Krochta

Denise Krochta grew up on the east coast. She has a BA degree from Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana in foreign languages. After college, her career in international business took her to places around the globe. Traveling, meeting and learning about people and their values and traditions have since been an integral part of her life.

Denise moved into “crisis” mode when she discovered that her teenage son was addicted to prescription drugs along with alcohol and street drugs. She developed a plan for herself to navigate through her son’s addiction that would offer her at least some serenity and peace of mind. This plan is documented in her book “Sweat: A Practical Plan for Keeping Your Heart Intact While Loving an Addict”.

To arrange for Denise to be a speaker for your organization, please contact her at DeniseKrochta@gmail.com.

Archived Shows

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Whitney Houston Family a Model?

  This week Denise talks about what happens to those left behind when a loved one, who has had problems with addiction and brings lots of chaos and drama into the family, suddenly dies. Dr. Kristina Diener, a therapist from Los Angeles, who specializes i...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Let's Talk Money!

  This week Denise interviews Ron Gallen about addiction to money, addicts and money, and addicts in recovery and money. Ron Gallen specializes in helping families and individuals sort through their difficulties in relation to money. He is especially ad...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Tiger Woods, Anthony Wiener, David Duchovny: Are They Really Sex Addicts?

  This week the show continues it's foray into the behavioral addictions with a focus on sex addiction, love addiction, and porn addiction where the above question is addressed. Denise interviews Alexandra Katehakis, MFT, CSAT-S, CST-S, Clinical Director...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Decriminalizing Drugs

  More discussion on drug reform policy is in order in light of what has been happening in the news. Judge John Delaney, a member of LEAP, gives his thoughts on drug reform policy from the perspective of a private citizen and from the bench as a judge in...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Social Life in Recovery

  This week's guest is Anna David. Ms David is the author of the novels Party Girl and Bought as well as editor of the anthology Reality Matters and author of her memoir recently released, Falling For Me. You may have seen her on CNN, NBC, Hannity,Fox Ne...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Growing Up Around Recovery

  On this show we've talked about all kinds of relationships of loved ones with addicts. We've talked about the love of parents for their addicted children. We've talked about the love a husband for an addicted wife or vice versa. We've talked about gran...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Writers In Treatment

  Writer's In Treatment Link: http://www.writersintreatment.org/ Many times we hear about addicts and alcoholics being very creative not only in their quest to get their drug no matter what, but also in music, the arts, and writing. This week's guest, L...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – A Message of Hope

  This week Denise speaks with Precious Williams, a woman with a story that will emphasize the fact that there is always hope. Ms Williams is an attorney in New York City and also an entrepreneur who can offer a positive outlook, no matter what. Again, ...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Should We D.A.R.E?

  In today's show we will be briefly discussing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program that is taught in about 75% of the school districts in the US and in 43 countries around the world. This program is designed to give kids the skills to...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Addiction and the Holidays

  What do you buy an addict for Christmas? Are you optimistic about the holidays or do you dread the holidays? Let's talk about it and work through the possibilities, not the probabilities. Our guest for the show is Jay DiPaola, the owner of Choices. Ch...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – The Holidays: The Addict's Point of View

  Last week Denise spoke with a dad about how the holidays might be for his family with a son who is an addict. This week Denise interviews and addict in recovery about his thoughts on the holidays both from when he was actively addicted to drugs and now...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Dealing With Addiction During the Holidays

  This week Denise talks with Rick, a dad who is very nervous about the holidays this year. His young teenage son, who has been abusing substances for a few years, will be getting out of a 60 day rehab to return to his family just in time for his 18th bi...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Another Perspective of Addiction Treatment

  Hank Hayes believes that discipline and an alternative approach can help people live an addiction and alcohol free life. Hank Hayes' book "You've Been Lied To..The UNTOLD truth about mainstream alcohol and addiction treatment programs and the SECRETS ...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Goings on In The World of Addiction

  This week we hear about an opportunity for anyone who is interested in the evolution of addiction treatment to attend a valuable conference with expert speakers about current events and history. Listen to Dr. Allen Berger tell Denise about the first an...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Teens, Dating, Under the Influence

  What is the best teen dating advice if your teen is “dating under the influence?” This show explores the cultural crisis our teens are facing including teen pregnancies, teen dating abuse and violence and especially the impact of teen drug and alco...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Online Resources Important and Effective

  For the past few weeks Denise has been interviewing guests who offer valuable resources to those who love addicts and alcoholics. This week she interviews Susan King, who has created Pathway to Prevention, an online support organization for tackling p...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Dad, Drug Bust, Prescription Drugs

  This week's show is about the lengths a loved one will go to try to save an addict. Was he right to do what he did? Who really knows what is right and what is wrong when you love an addict? Most of us find ourselves with that dilemma more times than no...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Saving Teens One Teen at a Time

  This week Denise is beginning a series of shows on resources for loved ones. She begins this week with a guest who heads a foundation that offers financial and treatment resources for troubled and addicted teens. Please listen to her interview with Joh...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Clergy for Drug Policy Reform

  This week Denise speaks with Reverend Canon Mary Richardson about the clergy and drug reform policy. Listen to another perspective regarding this current topic of conversation. Hear from Judge Jim Gray, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the Interfaith Drug...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Is Smoking an Addiction or Just a Habit?

  Tobacco has been around a long time. In the past 10 to 20 years it has been discovered that Big Tobacco consciously added addictive properties to cigarettes since the 1950s in order to keep "lifetime" customers. Many experts believe that nicotine cause...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Food Addiction: Deadlier than Drinking?

  Today we tackle the topic of food addiction. Is compulsive eating really an addiction? Doesn't everyone use food for comfort at one time or another? Is that addiction? John Kiernan is the guest this week. He is a speaker and writer who is working on a ...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – A Son's Drug Addiction

  This week's show features the promised interview of Denise's son regarding his drug addiction and recovery. Denise and her listeners offer questions to be answered by her son, who has agreed to be as candid as possible to help the audience understand ...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Marijuana Harmless or Not?

  Rand Teed, teacher of Drug Class in Canada, the country with the most prevalent use of marijuana ( US is second in use), speaks with Denise this week about marijuana. What does he teach the students and what does he learn from them about this drug? L...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Legalization, Decriminalization, Marijuana, Changing Drug Policy

  This week Denise talks with a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) about these topics and more. What would happen if we legalized, decriminalized marijuana, all illegal drugs? "The Drug War is clearly not fulfilling any of its goals to...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Understanding the Twelve Steps

  Last week we spoke about Practical Recovery, an alternative treatment model to the traditional twelve step treatment plan which is used in the majority of treatment facilities here in the US. This week, with my guest, Dr. Allen Berger, we are going to ...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Practical Recovery is the new sponsor of our show

  You will learn all about them today in our interview with Dr. Tom Horvath. He is the creator of Practical Recovery, an alternative to the traditional 12 step recovery and treatment plan. Practical Recovery provides comprehensive addiction treatment. Th...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Is the War on Drugs Working?

  Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is an International grassroots network of students who are concerned about the impact drug abuse has on our communities, but who also know that the War on Drugs is failing their generation and society in general...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Women In Prison

  This week's show is a practical and real look at women in prison.  Denise Krochta's guest is a woman who has served time in both the local jail system and in the prison system.  Her story is not uncommon.  She is Tammy Gagnon, author of  No Longer ...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Help, My Brother is a Drug Addict!

  In an episode "dedicated to siblings," Denise Krochta welcomes guest Erin Daly, a freelance journalist from San Fransisco with a passion for reporting cultural and human interest stories.  Oxycontin became a subject of interest to Erin in the course o...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – New Residency Programs Accredited

  On July 1st, 2011 ten university medical schools began residency programs in Addiction Medicine. These programs are accredited by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. In this episode, host Denise Krochta discusses the goals and aspirations of thes...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Harm Reduction

  What is "Harm Reduction?"  Does it work?  This week, Addicted to Addicts welcomes Dirk Hanson, a freelance science reporter and novelist.  Hansen talks about his latest book, The Chemical Carousel: What Science Tells Us About Beating Addiction.  Ha...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Special Guest, Musical Interlude, News

  This week on Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101, host Denise Krochta mixes it up a bit.  "This week, I want to change the format of the show a little and do things differently," says Denise.  News, a musical interlude, and a "very special guest."  Wh...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Prescription Drug Abuse. Epidemic?

  This week on Addicted to Addicts, Denise Krochta interviews April Rovero, founder of the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse (NCAPDA).  April is here to talk about what's new at the NCAPDA (including her series of YouTube videos and her...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Dads Against Drug Dealers

  "On today's show, we're going to tackle the topic of what can we ordinary citizens do to help curb the growth of drug addiction in our communities," starts host Denise Krochta.  Today's guest is Lance Merrill, founder of D.A.D.D.S (Dads Against Drug D...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Teens and the Juvenile Justice System

  What rights do teenagers have when it comes to the juvenile justice system?  Do parents have rights too?  Denise Krochta interviews former Arizona Assistant Attorney General Thomas Jacobs on the topic of child welfare and how it connects to criminal ...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, and Gambling?

  Is there a relationship between substance abuse and compulsive gambling? On this week's Addicted to Addicts, host Denise Krochta interviews Michael Burke, author of Never Enough.  His answer?  A whopping big YES!  "Addiction is addiction is addictio...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Addiction and the Nursing Profession

  When we are sick and in need of nursing attention we expect focus and professional care. But, what if our caregivers are prone to substance abuse and misuse?  In this week's Addicted to Addicts, host Denise Krochta gets an inside look at this intrigui...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Families / First 30 Days of Sobriety

  Denise Krochta interviews Kris Kancler, better known as SUPERSTAR, of the ROCKSTAR SUPERSTAR PROJECT as he discusses his new book, The First 30 Days to Serenity: The Essential Guide to Staying Sober, and answers some of the tough questions that come fr...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Sober Living, Yes or No?

  In this episode, host Denise Krochta welcomes guest Mary Clifford, Resident Manager of The Bridges of San Diego Sober Living Home located in La Jolla, California.  Mary addresses her alcoholism (now sober for six and a half years!), who she is, and wh...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Addiction, Recovery, Treatment: Let's talk Detachment

  Addicted to Addicts' Denise Krochta interviews Cathy Taughinbaugh, a former teacher and mother of a crystal meth addict who has been in recovery for over 5 years.  Taughinbaugh writes on addiction, recovery, and treatment at TreatmentTalk.org. In t...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Drug Class

  In this episode of Addicted to Addicts, author and host Denise Krochta interviews Rand Teed, the primary instructor of Canada's prized Drug Class.  "Rand has been working with teens for over 35 years and for the past 15 years has been helping them und...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – The Addicts' Moms

  On this week's show I've got some moms together to discuss just what it is like to be the mom of an addict. We speak about the fears, blame, frustrations, and possibilities. Barbara, the creator of "The Addict's Mom" facebook page and website joins us,...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Sandra's Walk for Recovery

  This week's show will feature a mom, addict in recovery, and a project she is working on to spread the word about recovery. I'm presenting this, again, to give hope to families who are in the middle of trying to cope with addiction and the chaos and dr...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Denial or Hope, A Fine Line

  This week we will discuss denial and hope, with a little bit of "gut feeling" thrown in. My guest is Diana Clark, a specialist in addiction and family systems. She offers an array of services to educate family members about addictive disorders and enco...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – A Dad's View

  On the show this week I am speaking with Charles, a dad whose adult son has been battling alcoholism and addiction for many years. I am familiar with the "mom's" perspective, and now we will hear a dad's perspective. For support for moms and dads deal...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Drug Court

  What is drug court? Who qualifies for drug court? Is drug court a good thing? Today we will try to answer these questions and more with my guest Dan Griffin who has worked with drug courts for the past eight years. Mr. Griffin has been working in the f...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Prevention?

  Drug prevention programs have been around for decades. Are they working? Have the programs changed with the times? Do we take them seriously? What are the statistics? On this show I will ask Peggy Sapp these questions, and more. Peggy is the president...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – From Tragedy to Survival

  Today's show is about surviving "no matter what". My guest is James Brown an author, college professor, and addict and alcoholic in recovery. His story is compelling and full of twists and turns. His recently re-released memoir, the" Los Angeles Diarie...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Baby Boomers in Treatment

  Growing older can be a rich and wondrous time for many adults. For others, these are years filled with anxiety, uncertainty, loss and profound loneliness. Alcoholism and prescription drug abuse have reached epidemic proportion among this population. T...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – The Grandparent Parent

  What happens to the children when their parents are addicted to drugs and alcohol? Who becomes the responsible adult? Are these children in danger? Who cares? These are some of the questions we will address on today's show. Our topic is " Must grandpar...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Science and Addiction?

  The show today is a comparison between standard drug treatment and some of the different alternative treatments for addiction. Our guest today is John Giordano, president of G&G Holistic Addiction Treatment Center in North Miami Beach, Florida. He ...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Can We Really Be Still?

  Today we are going to speak about mindfulness, focus, and healing from within. It's all about the tools to use to grasp serenity and peace while there is chaos and drama surrounding us. Today's guest is Peter Amato. Mr. Amato is an alcoholic and cocai...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Second Hand Drinking/Drugging

  Lisa Frederiksen is a researcher,writer, speaker, consultant, and most recently, author of her 7th and 8th books, "If You Loved Me, You'd Stop" and " Loved One in Treatment? Now What?" She writes a blog and presents and consults to a wide variety of g...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Intervention or No Intervention?

  Today's show is all about intervention. When do we consider intervening in our loved ones' drug addicted lives? Do we need a professional to do this? Can we do it ourselves? Is there money involved and how much? What, exactly, is an intervention anywa...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Athletes, Pain, Drug Abuse

  Is the combination of pain incurred in sports (from middle school to professional sports) and the easy availability of prescription drugs, becoming lethal to our athletes? Is the "drug culture" to take a pill for anything that ails you, contributing to...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Cautious Optimism and Hope

  We who love addicts and alcoholics experience lots of ups and downs, hopes and disappointments, and, yes, crashes. We try to cling on to the saying "where there is life, there's hope". Well, today's show is a good example of this possibility. We will b...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Who Loves an Addict?

  On today's show we discuss the different relationships between loved ones and addicts. My guest is Marie Cullen.Cullen is the author of the memoir, The Year of the Dogs, which tells the story of her deep love for Luke and of his tragic relapse back int...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Power to the People

  This show focuses on power for loved ones. Please remember that there are shows on the archives page that will arm you with information and power. If you have not listened to them all, take some time to "catch up". Today's guest is Raymond Ferrero fro...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – "Mommy I am Here!"

  What is it really like to be a young child of an alcoholic mother? What are the family dynamics? How does this reflect on the child when he/she becomes an adult? These are some of the questions we will discuss on the show today. My guest today is Tori...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Is Addiction a Disease of the Brain?

  In recent years progress has been made in brain imaging and understanding more about what happens in the brain of addicts and alcoholics. Today's discussion is about possibilities regarding this aspect of addiction research. We will talk about the scie...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – What's In Your Medicine Cabinet?

  Every day, more than 2500 teenagers abuse prescription medication for the first time. Sadly, teens often experiment with medications they find right at home. Many young people think that it is safer to misuse prescription medications than illegal stree...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Helping or Enabling?

  When my children were toddlers, they would push my hand away when they were trying to accomplish something like putting a t-shirt on or pouring some water. "No, Me!" they would say. So, I tried to be patient as I watched an inside out t-shirt or the he...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Spice is Nice?

  "K2", "spice", fake marijuana is one of the topics for today's show. It is an "incense" that has come under the radar of the DEA . Should it be legal or not? This is followed by a discussion on the use of drug treatment for addiction, such as methadone...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – CAN WE SAVE THESE KIDS?

  Prescription Drug Abuse is becoming an epidemic here in the US. It is the new face of addiction. All ages and genders participate. You just never know who or where. This week we will begin our discussion of this "epidemic" with the rampant drug overdos...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – Not Always What It Seems

  Clueless is always the word that comes to mind when I think of how I was when it came to what was going on with my son and his drug addiction. I look back and wonder if things would be different if I had some idea of what to look for and if I knew s...

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 – ONLINE SUPPORT. YOU ARE NOT ALONE

  The majority of those who love addicts do not get any support or help for themselves. They keep their situation a secret and suffer alone. This show will offer online support where we can remain anonymous or remote, if we choose, and still get support....

• Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101 - The first show of “Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101” is an overview of the goals for the show. Denise will give a brief view of her history with addiction in her world and a comprehensive look at the resources that she provides from her website and book.

  This week’s guest is Christian DeLuca, CEO of Steps to Recovery. His organization provides sources and information for the best opportunities for recovery for addicts and their families. Christian, an addict in recovery himself, will give us an insig...