Continuing with Part 2 of a 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.

Learn more about Symptom Media's mental health resource library: https://symptommedia.com/

Sign up for a free trial! Listeners get a special 20% discount on a Symptom Media subscription. Use code: 20discount

For resources shared in this episode, visit:

• Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
• InTheRooms
• How Nurses Are Helping Nurses At InTheRooms.com With Peer Support Meetings
• Nurses Peer Support Network of Minnesota
• Peer Health Assistance Programs (PAS) of Colorado
• Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses (WisPAN) wispan2021@gmail.com
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, 1-800-273-8255
• An Unlikely Addict - written by Kristin Waite-Labott
• Women for Sobriety
• Refuge Recovery
• Celebrate Recovery
• SMART Recovery
• Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
• Alcoholic Anonymous
• UC San Diego Healer Education Assessment and Referral (HEAR) Program
• Second Victim Support
• International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA)
• National Organization of Alternative Programs (NOAP)

To learn more about Symptom Media and its mental health resource library visit: https://symptommedia.com/

Sign up for a free trial today! Listeners, get a special 20% discount on a Symptom Media subscription. Use code: 20discount

In the first of a 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.

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

• Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
• InTheRooms, a global recovery site offering virtual support meetings
• How Nurses Are Helping Nurses At InTheRooms.com With Peer Support Meetings
• Nurses Peer Support Network of Minnesota
• Peer Health Assistance Programs (PAS) of Colorado: https://peerhealthco.org/
• Wisconsin Peer Alliance for Nurses (WisPAN)
  • wispan2021@gmail.com
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988, 1-800-273-8255
• An Unlikely Addict - written by Kristin Waite-Labott
• Recovery Programs:
  • Women for Sobriety
  • Refuge Recovery
  • Celebrate Recovery
  • SMART Recovery
  • Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
  • Alcoholic Anonymous
• 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)

To learn more about Symptom Media and its mental health resource library visit: https://symptommedia.com/

Sign up for a free trial today! Listeners, get a special 20% discount on a Symptom Media subscription. Use code: 20discount

Burnout in healthcare is more than just exhaustion—it’s a deep disconnect from the purpose that once fueled a career in medicine. Dr. Ami Doshi and Dr. Julie Celebi share their personal experiences with burnout, reflecting on the systemic challenges, personal sacrifices, and early warning signs they overlooked. They discuss the complexities of navigating high-demand roles, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the pivotal moments that led them to reevaluate their professional paths.

As healthcare systems continue to grapple with workforce sustainability, Dr. Doshi and Dr. Celebi offer meaningful strategies for recovery and valuable perspectives on how both individuals and institutions can work toward meaningful change. Whether you are experiencing burnout firsthand or seeking to support colleagues in maintaining well-being, this episode offers practical approaches to restoring balance and fulfillment in the field of medicine.

This podcast is brought to you by Symptom Media - Mental Health Education & Training

To learn more about Symptom Media and its mental health resource library visit: https://symptommedia.com/

Sign up for a free trial today! Listeners, get a special 20% discount on a Symptom Media subscription. Use code: 20discount