E28 - Aired 08-04-22 Michelle Dunn

E28 - Aired 08-04-22 Michelle Dunn

Michelle Dunn's story is one of profound loss, resilience, and a fierce determination to help others. In this episode of 'Courage to Hope', host Tony Lagreca sits down with Michelle, who tragically lost her daughter Alyssa to substance abuse. Instead of letting grief consume her, Michelle transformed her pain into a beacon of hope for others by founding Alyssa's Place, a peer recovery and resource center.

Alyssa's Place isn't just any recovery center; it's a sanctuary offering unique services like animal-assisted therapy and equine-assisted learning. Michelle passionately discusses how these therapies help individuals reconnect with their emotions and find joy in their lives again. The center also provides outpatient programs and other vital resources for those on their recovery journey.

During their conversation, Michelle opens up about the harrowing experience of discovering Alyssa's substance use disorder and the uphill battle to get her the help she needed. She emphasizes the critical need to address the stigma surrounding addiction, making it clear that creating a safe, supportive space is essential for recovery. The episode also delves into the alarming issue of fake pills and the prevalence of fentanyl in the drug market.

Michelle highlights the importance of education and access to resources to prevent addiction and support those in recovery. Michelle's journey is a testament to the power of turning personal tragedy into a force for good. Her work at Alyssa's Place offers a lifeline to many who are struggling, showing that even in the darkest times, there is hope and a path to recovery.