Episode 107 - Irish Angel: Interview with Amanda Coleman
Episode 107 - Irish Angel: Interview with Amanda Coleman

Recovery Is Possible

Irish Angel is a support network for Law Enforcement, EMS, Fire Fighters, and military. They provide education, awareness, and resources about addictions, PTSD, PTSI, TBI, depression and anxiety. They offer opportunities to inform, heal and promote a...

InspiringEmpoweringInformativeHopefulSupportive

56:30•16 Jun 2022

RSS Feed

About this podcast

Recovery Is Possible

Michael Van Meter

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

Recovery ReimaginedSobriety ToolkitFamily RecoveryBody & MindTreatments

Episodes: 186

View Podcast Visit External Site

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Amanda Coleman on Irish Angel: Support for First Responders Facing Addiction and Trauma

“I think realistically, I think the family should be brought in on a certain part of the treatment near the end so that they have a better understanding of it too, because it's an adjustment, and sometimes it can be a difficult one, because they're so used to one person that they've all their lives.”

What happens when the people who protect us need protection themselves? In this episode of 'Recovery Is Possible', Michael Van Meter sits down with Amanda Coleman, the powerhouse behind Irish Angel. This organization is a lifeline for first responders—law enforcement, EMS, firefighters, and military personnel—struggling with addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Amanda shares her journey from the inception of Irish Angel to its current role in providing essential resources and support for those who risk their lives daily.

The conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked trauma first responders endure and the systemic lack of support that leads many to leave their professions. Amanda passionately argues for a cultural shift within these departments, emphasizing the crucial role of family involvement in treatment and the importance of breaking the stigma around seeking help.

With a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode offers a hopeful message about the power of education and community in promoting mental health and recovery. Whether you're a first responder, know one, or are simply interested in mental health advocacy, this episode is a must-listen.

PreviousEpisode 106 - Turning It Around with Brian Granneman

NextEpisode 108 - Charlie Engle - The Penguin - Movement for Recovery