Non-profit uses podcast to help break the stigma around addiction

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Odds are, you’ve met someone with a substance abuse disorder. North Dakota Health and Human Services said in 2023, nearly 22 percent of adults in the state met the criteria for having a substance abuse disorder.

Derek Faller has been sober for over seven months. He said when he was struggling with his substance abuse disorder, hearing others tell their stories about their struggles and overcoming addiction through social media inspired him to keep going. When Addiction Counselor Amanda Seeberg invited him onto the Heartview Foundation’s podcast “Recovery Chronicles,” he accepted.

“I remember in my addiction, I’d scroll on Facebook, and there’d be interviews with people sharing their stories, and it was just amazing to see them getting out of the hole they’d dug for themselves, getting out of addiction,” Faller said.

Seeberg said when she learned the host position had opened up about three months ago, she requested they let her fill the vacancy. Seeberg has been a licensed addiction counselor for over a decade. She said talking about someone’s personal struggles with substance abuse helps break the stigma. She said one of the things that surprised her most has been interviewees’ willingness to share their stories.

“If someone isn’t educated on addiction, it shows, I think, that it’s not a moral failure. It’s a disease, and people can change. I also think it’s also a good reminder for people who are out there struggling that change can happen,” Seeberg said.

Faller said while he was nervous to share his story and be interviewed, it will be worth it if it inspires others to get help.

“I hope that it reaches just one person, if not more,” Faller said.

Heartview works with Dakota Media Access to create the podcast. New episodes air on the radio channel 102.5 before they’re archived in podcast format.

You can listen to archived episodes of the Recovery Chronicles through Dakota Media Access’ website.