Episode #169 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Peter Komendowski and Drug-Free CommunitiesEpisode #169 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Peter Komendowski and Drug-Free Communities
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Peter Komendowski is one of Iowa’s leading advocates for healthy, drug-free communities. In the face of the opioid epidemic, a resurgence of meth use, and a marijuana industry targeting Iowa youth he is a sought-after speaker as an expert in substance abuse prevention and high-risk behavior management. Peter serves as president of The Partnership for A Healthy Iowa and the Face It Together (PDFI/FIT) coalition, and co-director of the Iowa Digital Literacy & Wellness Project. He succeeded Senator Grassley as Chair of Face It Together Coalition’s healthy communities’ initiative, which still stands to this day as the oldest statewide coalition of substance abuse prevention resources in Iowa. Peter travels throughout Iowa coordinating projects including the Iowa Media Literacy Project, Take5Iowa, the Drug-Free Workplace Program, Speak Out 4 Kids, the Power of Grandparents, the Blueprint for Healthy Communities, and the Iowa Caring Communities Tour. He was invited by Mediacom to host the TV series, Children & Drugs: Secrets for Parents, which aired eight episodes in 2013. Building on that success he was invited back to host the TV show Surviving Bad, now in its 10th year on the air. He is co-founder of the Internationally renowned Iowa Digital Literacy & Wellness Conference, and as a writer and a speaker, has been entertaining audiences of all ages with his observations on “living in the digital world – life at the speed of human.” He also speaks to children and adults, on topics ranging from “How Substance Abuse, Media and other Addictive Behaviors Impact Your Bottom Line,” “A Mindful Approach to the Media – Knowing the Tricks & Traps,” to “Rebuilding America from the Inside Out.” He has enjoyed a healthy dose of media exposure, has been a TEDx speaker, and is often aired on Iowa radio and TV stations as a subject matter expert on substance abuse, prevention, and youth high risk behaviors. Additional information is available at www.AHealthyIowa.org
1:02:23•18 Mar 2024
Building Drug-Free Communities: Insights from Peter Komendowski
Episode Overview
- Primary prevention aims to stop addiction before it starts.
- Community support systems are crucial for managing risks.
- Media's influence on youth requires updated prevention models.
- Building resilience in children can reduce risky behaviours.
- Early intervention is key to effective substance abuse prevention.
“Would I give a hammer to a four or five-year-old and let them walk around the house with it?”
Ever wondered how communities can effectively combat drug addiction and promote healthier lifestyles? This episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction' dives deep into the efforts led by Peter Komendowski, a leading advocate for drug-free communities in Iowa. Hosted by Dr. Roneet Lev, an emergency and addiction physician with a wealth of experience, the episode sheds light on prevention strategies and the challenges faced in tackling substance abuse.
Peter, who serves as president of The Partnership for a Healthy Iowa and co-director of the Iowa Digital Literacy & Wellness Project, shares his journey from a media expert to a key figure in substance abuse prevention. Peter discusses the importance of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention methods, drawing parallels to everyday practices like brushing teeth or wearing seat belts. He emphasises the need for early intervention and community support systems to manage risks effectively.
The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of media and its impact on youth behaviour, highlighting the necessity for updated prevention models that resonate with today's digital age. Peter's anecdotes about working with youth and his insights into the emotional and social factors influencing addiction provide a compelling narrative. He argues that building resilience and compassionate sensitivity in children can significantly reduce risky behaviours.
The episode is packed with practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding and preventing addiction. Ready to be inspired by real-world solutions to one of society's most pressing issues? Tune in to hear how dedicated individuals like Peter Komendowski are making a difference.
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