GRASP Leader Denise Cullen and GRASP “Ambassador” Margaret Alexander share how their loss gave birth to their passion.
April 9, 2013
Hosted by Bradley DeHaven
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Two entirely different women find themselves fighting for Drug addiction awareness, education, reform. Most importantly their cause gives parents in grief a welcome place to morn their loss, even family and friends cannot truly understand. GRASP, Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing is an organization who is that shoulder to cry on, who is a room of people who know what is like to bury a child and is an organization so needed in this country that GRASP is in 24 states and approaching 57 Chapters. Addiction and death can happen to anyone and when it does, you may find that only others who know your pain truly understand. Denise Cullen works tirelessly to command the helm of such an important organization while Margaret Alexander works quietly honoring these fallen children with a memorial on Facebook she has called “Angleversaries,” a term of endearment which includes a picture along with the story of a parent’s child’s life. Both women have paid the ultimate price and share their story to help you understand how important every child is.
Afflicted By Addiction
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Our guests include parent activists and treatment professionals from all across the US and politicians who are active with RX reform. These people have almost all lost a child to addiction and have huge lists of followers who share the same fate. I am a father who has been on the front lines of addiction as opposed to a doctor with a degree in addiction and a 2 year old. Parents in the throes of addiction need to know they are not alone and parents of younger children need to understand that addiction can happen to anyone. Not one of the parents who lost a child to addiction every thought their child would become an addict. Not one addict ever thought they would become addicted. The road to addiction is clear when you look back and I will share the wisdom of those who have traveled this road to help other avoid the Hell of addiction.
Bradley DeHaven
A passion to help others with understanding addiction has brewed inside Bradley DeHaven for years. Having been surrounding by addiction his entire life from father, step-father, brother and then his own son caused Brad to dig deep inside to discover what defined himself as a man, a husband and a father. Brad wrote his first book "Defining Moments" from an odd perspective while he relived the thoughts that rushed through his head as he was undercover, wired and setting up a dangerous drug dealer in a parking lot less than a mile from his home. The deal was made to get Brad’s addicted son out of a prison stint and into rehab where Brad believed his son belonged.
Brad’s second book; "The Addict Among Us" is an 18 month journey. Brad interviewed over 400 parents and addicts and discovered many teachable moments. He believes these dramatic interviews will open the eyes of the "not my child" club and educate them so they do not join the club of so many of us who never saw addiction coming. Brad was honored that Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack who is a true champion of this cause, read this manuscript and graciously offered to write the "Forward" to The Addict Among Us.
Brad’s other specialties are as Author, Public Speaker, and raising awareness and education regarding prescription drug abuse. He also is no stranger to radio, having once hosted a financial radio program.
