On this episode of The Global Impact, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down once again with Dr. Andrea V. Givens of Global Impact Wellness to tackle one of the hardest but most necessary conversations: the intersection of mental health, substance abuse, and the opioid crisis.

This is not just theory—it’s real, raw, and personal. From Ali’s own family experiences with a loved one battling bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and substance abuse, to the staggering national statistics, the discussion shines a light on the realities millions of families face.

• Opioid Crisis Trends – From over 110,000 deaths in 2023 down to 80,000 in 2024, Dr. Givens explains what’s behind the decline in numbers and why Maryland is seeing hopeful progress.

• Mental Health & Addiction – Why substance abuse often masks untreated trauma or mental illness, and how agencies like Global Impact Wellness provide “no judgment zone” care to meet people where they are.

• Families on the Frontline – Practical advice for loved ones who feel helpless: how to respond with love, when to set boundaries, and how not to internalize guilt when a family member refuses treatment.

• The Power of Language – How changing stigmatizing words like “addict” to recovery-centered language helps people seek care without shame.

• Youth & Therapy – The surprising rise in young people requesting therapy, and why listening without judgment is critical to prevention.

• Hurt people hurt people. Aggression from a loved one struggling is rooted in illness, not malice.

• You can’t make excuses and make progress at the same time. Support and resources must stay consistent, even when change feels far away.

• Families are not alone. Agencies, nonprofits, and programs are making measurable impact—and the conversation itself is part of the healing process.

• If you or someone you love is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

• Visit GlobalImpactWellness.com for therapy, coaching, and resources.

💡 “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Sometimes recovery begins when we least expect it—but until then, staying present, resourced, and compassionate can make all the difference.

💬 Key Discussion Points:🌟 Takeaways:📢 Resources.

In this powerful episode of The Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Dr. Andrea V. Givens of Global Impact Wellness for a candid conversation about suicide prevention, healing, and hope. Drawing from lived experience and frontline clinical insight, they unpack why youth and young adults are at increased risk, how social pressure and money stress compound mental health struggles, and what families, schools, churches, and communities can do—today—to save lives.

What we cover:

• Why open conversations reduce stigma and create solutions

• Hidden warning signs (withdrawal, sudden calm, “it doesn’t matter if I’m here”)

• The youth crisis: social media, academic pressure, identity struggles, post-pandemic isolation

• Practical, low-cost ways to regulate stress between therapy sessions (sunlight/Vitamin D, mindful walks, music playlists, journaling, paint-by-numbers)

• The power of belief, community, and consistent support—how to ask “How are you really?” and listen well

• How Global Impact Wellness bridges clinical care and community: therapy (virtual & in-person), workshops, support groups, youth coaching, and positive outings

If you or someone you love needs help:

• Call or text 988 (24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — confidential)

• Veterans: Dial 988, then Press 1

• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741

Get care you can trust:
Book a confidential consult at GlobalImpactWellness.com for therapy sessions, coaching, and community support. Your life matters. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s courage.

CTA: Share this episode with someone who needs to hear “you are not alone,” and visit GlobalImpactWellness.com to start your healing journey.

In this powerful episode of The Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Dr. Andrea V. Givens of Global Impact Wellness Group to unpack the urgent challenges facing today’s youth. From the alarming rise of early substance use among children as young as nine, to the growing misuse of prescription drugs under academic pressure, Dr. Givens shares expert insights on how families, schools, and communities can step up.

Together, they explore:

• The critical importance of prevention programs and real-life peer stories.

• How diet, environment, and holistic care can reduce reliance on prescription drugs.

• The growing dangers of synthetic cannabinoids and substances marketed in everyday places.

• Balancing the clinical promise and ethical risks of treatments like ketamine and ibogaine.

• The role of telehealth, community partnerships, and culturally tailored recovery models.

The conversation also celebrates Global Impact Wellness’ upcoming Global Impact Day with the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting how partnerships can amplify awareness and break stigma.

This episode is a call to action for parents, policymakers, educators, and community leaders to champion compassionate, accessible, and evidence-based care that truly supports recovery and resilience.

🌐 Learn more at GlobalImpactWellness.com

#MentalHealthAwareness #SubstanceAbusePrevention #GlobalImpactPodcast #YouthWellness #CommunityHealing