For 28 years Cliff Wiggins was an addict, at first he said it was fun, but the last 15 years was a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. He lost his mind and ability to think for himself. Watch this episode to learn about the many highs and lows that can occur on your Road To Recovery. Host James Sutton talks about the process of recovery, the facilities that helped Cliff in Montgomery County, and how he became the First Peer Specialist in Montgomery County Jail Addiction Services. Cliff turned into a bum, instead of a promising student. He couldn't find a job and support himself. He moved in with his estranged father who moved to New York when he was a kid, but was back now at the end of his active addiction. Cliff ended up in a cardboard box 2 blocks from his fathers. Ashamed and wanting to kill himself after living in abandon buildings for a year, his youngest brother found him on Christmas day and asked him if he was ready to change his life? Cliff stayed with his brother and one day on the way back from the liquor store Cliff had a moment of clarity. He realized he'd go back to jail if he continued this behavior, so he threw the beer down. On January 23rd Cliff was in Avery Road Treatment Center and hasn't had a drink or drug in 20 years. Watch to learn how Cliff Wiggins became the First Peer Specialist in MoCo Jail Addiction Services. Since Covid-19 Cliff has been working on the front lines at the jail. The inmates have had a mix response to him, but many have been able to develop a relationship during this time. He has become a lifeline for them since they are completely isolated to stay safe. Cliff leaves us with how he maintains his recovery during Covid-19. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for people with substance use disorders and in recovery. Road to Recovery host James Sutton spoke with Katie Walker who began her journey to recovery just before the pandemic hit last year. In the interview she shares her story and the recovery resources she used available through Montgomery County. Katie has now been clean for over a year and is trying to spread the word about the services that are available and how they helped her. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

On this episode of Road to Recovery, James Sutton has guest Kabir Singh, Executive Director at Amatus Recovery Center. There are 3 locations in Maryland. Awakenings Recovery Center in Hagerstown, Foundations Recovery Center in Baltimore, and Fresh Start Recovery Center in Gaithersburg. Kabir has not taken a mind or mood altering substance since May 2011 and says he always puts his recovery first. He maintains his sobriety by following a 12-step program. Additional Treatment Centers and Resources available in Montgomery County: Cornerstone Montgomery provides Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). Avery Road Treatment Center is a 24-hour residential, non-hospital detoxification facility and intermediate care program of treatment for adults with serious substance abuse disorders. TreeOfHopeAssn.com is a volunteer Recovery Community Organization. Oxford House is a concept in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. In its simplest form, an Oxford House describes a democratically run, self-supporting and drug free home. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

December 1 was World Aids Day and the Department of Health and Human Services of Montgomery County announced A Plan for America to End the HIV Epidemic. This episode of Road To Recovery, host James Sutton looks to help eliminate the stigma of HIV & AIDS with guest Parrish The Story from Baltimore. Who in 1989 was tested and discovered he was positive due to his drug use. Parrish thought his diagnoses was a death sentence and that his life was over, so he continued to use and abuse drugs till he found himself homeless, cold, and hungry. Then in 1993 he choose to seek treatment and has been clean and serene ever since. At times it can get to him, but he doesn't dwell and remembers that he's clean, working, and has 110% from his family and friends. Stigma with addiction, HIV, and AIDS has improved over the years, but behind closed doors family's don't discuss it often when a family member is coping. Also, it's still hush hush to even go get tested because people are afraid their partner will leave or they can't face it... It's up to the individuals to get tested or seek treatment. There is lots of help from multiple services and organizations that will help get treatment, housing, or other supportive services. Parrish is a Food Coordinator at a food bank were he initially volunteered and now has been there for almost four years. He enjoys keeping busy and helping others and realizes there is more to living than a diagnoses. Montgomery County has 4,111 people with HIV or AIDS and 3,544 that have been diagnosed, so hundreds don't know they have it and could be infecting others. For more information or help visit MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/hhs or HIV.gov. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

James Sutton is back with a new episode of Road to Recovery with special guests Bakri Mckissick who is in long term treatment for addiction. Like many addicts Bakri was attending his groups in person until Covid-19 shut it down in March. These meetings are very important to him because routine and maintaining your support network is very helpful in recovery. Now they use Zoom for meetings and currently have outdoor meetings like a bond fire or yoga or regular too. The pandemic has challenged their routine greatly, but he attributes his recovery skills to maintaining calm during the stress in this challenging time. He has had the same job for 17 years that has evolved into a career and established solid relationships with family members. Bakri just celebrated his 20th year of sobriety! Congratulations! In August Bakri began not feeling well, so he went to get tested and was positive for Covid-19. He lives in Oxford House, a supportive rehabilitative housing for recovering drug addicts and alcoholics. Four out of five roommates contracted Covid, but with lots of support, food, and loving prayers everyone is now feeling better. Bakri is happy to be past the symptoms he had, comparing it to being worse than his heroin withdrawal and incarceration. He said that the isolation is hard, but Zoom has been a blessing because one can still connect visually and spiritually. People with active addictions can't get treatment unless they test negative for Covid-19, so having virtual support is key till you can be accepted into a recovery program. People of recovery have some sayings to get through the trying times like: Nothing Last Forever This Too Shall Pass (I use this one when dealing with adversity, think its just a popular saying) Given Time Some Time Now Bakri knows there is nothing he can't get through because he has his Spiritually Principles. Which is a truth or creed that we choose to live by to help become better people. The Recovery is real and worldwide. Color, Race, Religion, or Language doesn't matter...Recovery exists and works! People in Recovery are now advocates for themselves and are helping eliminate stigma and put a faces or many on recovery like this show, letting the public know they do recover and it is a community effort. We all need to be involved. Get Help If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. If you need crisis assistance call the Crisis Center (open 24 hours) at 240-777-4000. Call Access to Behavioral Health Services (Mental Health/Substance Abuse Screening and Referral) at 240-777-1170 to discuss resources and referrals. If you are seeking services for adolescents and teens, call SASCA (Screening and Assessment Services for Children & Adolescents) at 240-777-1430. SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline provides free and confidential information in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing substance abuse disorders and mental health issues. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) For more information on teen suicide prevention, please visit.BTheOne.org ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

The World Health Organization stated Methadone and Buprenorphine are Essential medicines. These medications are the new tools being utilized by recovery services today. The 12 step programs, AA, and NA aren't the only tools being utilized to combat the opioid crisis. These are the most effective treatments and the stigma needs to change to save more lives. James Sutton host of Road to Recovery has guest Angela Caldwell the program coordinator at Montgomery Recovery Services. MRS assist their clients in the recovery process by providing the treatment services appropriate to their needs so they can succeed in treatment. Its critical to change the language in order to change the stigma of these life saving medications. Opioid Replacement Therapy and/or Medicated Assistance Treatment saves lives. Angela discovered with her Overdose Fatality Review Team that all the Montgomery County overdose deaths of illicit substances were not enrolled in treatment. So, working on Telehealth is important to giving treatment for people over the weekends or when unable to immediately be registered into a treatment program. Along with communicating with the Systems including Jails, Treatment Centers, and Hospitals, Angela continues to educate the professionals about addiction medication education to educate doctors on how to medicate a recovering opioid user and involve all players involved in their care. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

On this Episode of Road to Recovery host James Sutton welcomes Judge Nelson W. Rupp Jr. Judge Rupp has served as a judge for over 25 years. He was appointed to the District Court for Montgomery County, Maryland in 1993; and he was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1997. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Rupp served 6 years as a prosecutor, 3 years as a public defender and as a partner for 10 years in a civil litigation firm. Since 1998 Judge Rupp has been an Adjunct Faculty member teaching Trial Advocacy at the Washington College of Law, American University Law School. Judge Rupp retired on April 29, 2019. Judge Rupp’s most significant accomplishment as a judge is his design and creation of the Montgomery County Adult Drug Treatment Court in 2004. It took two years of planning with numerous disparate agencies and entities to allow this Drug Court to exist. Within the first six months of its existence, Judge Rupp moved the Drug Court sessions to evening sessions to allow drug court participants to maintain full time employment. Judge Rupp established a 501 (c ) (3), Montgomery’s Miracles, to obtain community funding for education, vocational training, and uninsured medical needs to support drug court participants. Judge Rupp established partnerships with sober housing entities, such as Oxford House, to meet the requirement that drug court participants must live in approved sober housing instead of returning to their previous environment. Judge Rupp continues to preside over Drug Court as a senior judge in retirement. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

New episode of Road to Recovery has guest Sara Rose a Supervisory Therapist for the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services at Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. This agency provides family-focused outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, and their families to help address severe emotional, behavioral, substance abuse, and victimization issues. As a part of the Montgomery County System of Care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services coordinates treatment services with family members and other agencies involved with children and families. For more information, please call 240-777-1450. There are many programs to assist families in this journey in Montgomery County. Here are some mentioned by Sara on this episode of Road to Recovery. Screening and Assessment Services for Children and Adolescents (SASCA) Suburban Treatment Center Journeys Mental Health Services Students Against Destructive Decisions (SAAD) ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.

James Sutton introduces Mark Robinson who is in longterm recovery. Mark spreads a message of hope. He is here to inform the community that recovery is possible and we do recover in spite of the many obstacles and odds. Listen to Marks recovery and how he worked his way from part time employee to upper management. Mark says, "The path was feeding me and I saw my experiences in the streets and the community was aiding me in my work and it deepen my commitment to want to serve because I was encountering people just like me." He believed he offered empathy and could talk in an earnest way to touch the hearts of a person who is suffering and instill hope. Mark coordinates a Syringe Service Program in Prince George's County where they go into the community where the highest overdoes fatality rates are and supply active users with sterile syringes and other drug using tools to keep them safe and prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. They do not supply them with drugs, just keep them clean from spreading diseases. As well as open a door of care to them and build a relationship. ----------- Connect with MMCTV online: https://www.mmctv.org/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeUuQ-ztb-QetB7TmIscDvg Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMCTVCHANNEL16/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmctv16 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montgomerymunicipalcable16/ Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV) is a government access station in Montgomery County, MD. MMC was designed to increase community awareness among the citizens of the county by broadcasting municipal events, educational programs and interviews with elected officials and other noteworthy individuals. You can find MMC on Channel 16 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN every evening as well as 24/7 access to our online video archives. Channel 16 is a member of the PEG Network (Public Education and Government) of Montgomery County. We are able to provide programming due to the continued support from the municipalities within the county. We are located in the Kensington Town Hall/Armory. We have a state of the art, all virtual studio which allows us to change the background for each of our programs. All of our programs are produced and hosted by municipal and county residents who volunteer their time as a way of communicating a topic they are passionate about for the residents of Montgomery County. MMC’s programming includes shows that provide the public with information pertaining to health and wellness, politics, business, the arts and life planning including services, organizations and local events. We also have programs for the Hispanic community. Whether you’re looking to hear from your elected officials about what’s going on in our community or if you are looking for volunteer opportunities close to home, MMC has something of interest for everyone in the county.