Retired Instructor at FBI National Academy Hosts the Discussion
Michael Van Meter is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent agent and former instructor at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He’s also passionate about recovery, which is the main theme of his podcast “Recovery Is Possible.”
Recently, Van Meter invited our very own Dr. Beau Nelson, who is Chief Clinical Officer at FHE Health, to be a guest on his podcast. Their one-hour conversation aired last Thursday (February 18) and covered some interesting and sometimes controversial terrain.
Myths About Addiction and Treatment
One goal of the discussion, according to Van Meter, was to “demystify” addiction, by addressing some of the common myths and roadblocks that can dissuade people from seeking treatment, including:
- the myth of “hitting rock bottom” (the idea that a person must first hit rock bottom before they can be receptive to treatment)
- stigmatizing labels, as well as more helpful language for referring to people with addiction
- the “moral model” of addiction versus the “disease model”
- the myth that “sobriety” is the same as merely “not drinking”
Other Recovery-Related Questions to Tune in for
In addition to educating listeners in these areas, last week’s episode addressed recovery-related questions ranging from the more practical to the more scientific, such as:
- How do you know if you have a drug or alcohol problem?
- What is “integrative behavioral healthcare”?
- How long does it take to change a bad habit, according to researchers?
About the Podcast and Van Meter
A wide variety of guests, both national and international, have appeared on Van Meter’s podcast since he started it in July 2020. His guests have included law enforcement officers and first responders, health officials, leaders in the recovery community, even a rapper.
Van Meter directs Van Meter Wellness Solutions, LLC, in order to “provide training and education on programs and techniques to combat addiction and to promote a healthy, balanced addiction-free lifestyle.”
Van Meter’s podcast is an extension of this same commitment, which is both “personal” and “professional.” The retired FBI agent is open about his experience of having “seen firsthand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, himself and his profession.”
Van Meter has over 30 years’ experience in the military, corrections, police and FBI. As an instructor at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he created and taught a course called “Leading At-Risk Employees,” designed to teach police executives how to deal with addiction, PTSD, suicide and domestic abuse in their agencies. Having served as a Peer Counselor for the FBI, and as a Peer Counselor Coordinator, Van Meter is also a graduate student at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in “Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders.”
Tune in Again Next Month
Thursday’s discussion with Dr. Nelson was the first in a monthly series hosted by Van Meter and sponsored by FHE. (Tune in again next month for another spirited and eye-opening conversation.)
By partnering with Van Meter, FHE hopes to raise public awareness about addiction and mental health issues that can disproportionately affect first responders.
Treatment for First Responders
Many first responders benefit from specialized treatment for these issues, because of the unique stressors of their profession. FHE’s “Shatterproof” program for first responders provides trauma-based therapies, neuro treatments and a peer support community that together support a quicker, more comprehensive recovery. For more information about our treatment program for first responders, call us today at 855-957-1221.
