Addiction Recovery Ally Program

Recovery is
Possible

Support makes it real.

Gain a gentle yet powerful introduction to the realities of addiction in this ally program. Designed especially for friends, family and loved ones, it provides practical tools and compassionate strategies to help you walk alongside someone on their recovery journey—offering hope, understanding and support through meaningful connection.

Our Training at a Glance

Find out more about the Addiction Recovery Ally Program, developed in collaboration with Mental Health America Lakeshore.

On-Demand

Self-Paced, Anytime

Online

100% Online Learning via Canvas

Cost

$25

Presented in Partnership with MHA Lakeshore

Mental Health America Lakeshore is an affiliate of the nation's leading community-based nonprofit, Mental Health America (MHA), dedicated to addressing the needs individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Since 1953, Mental Health America Lakeshore has been a leader in mental health education, committed to promoting mental wellness and supporting recovery through prevention programs, advocacy and referrals to care and treatment services.

Transformational Training

Be the support they need. This brief, compassionate program helps friends and family understand addiction and learn simple, effective ways to support a loved one in recovery and make a meaningful difference.

Understanding Addiction & Recovery

Instructor: Andrea Hanamann & Victoria Schewe

The Science of Addiction: Gain an understanding of the biological and psychological aspects of addiction.
The Stages of Recovery: Take a look at the process of recovery, from early stages to long-term maintenance.
Relapse: What is it and how to support through it? Understand relapse as part of recovery and how to provide support.

Practical Tools for Support

Instructor: Dana Johnson

Effective Communication with a Loved One in Recovery: Develop strategies for healthy, non-judgmental communication.
Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Well-being: Establish and maintain healthy boundaries while supporting recovery.
Crisis Management and Dealing with Setbacks: Respond to challenges in a supportive and constructive way.

Emotional & Mental Health

Instructors: Andrea Hanamann, Victoria Schewe, Dr. Ritu Bhatnagar, Dr. Virginia Medinilla

Understanding and Coping with Emotional Triggers: Identify and manage emotional triggers in the recovery process.
Managing Stress and Anxiety: Learn techniques to help loved ones manage their own stress and emotional well-being.
Building Resilience: Build emotional resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

Navigating Support & Resources

Instructor: Dana Johnson

Finding and Accessing Support Networks: Receive guidance on finding professional help, support groups and resources.
Self-Care for Families and Loved Ones: Recognize the importance of self-care in maintaining emotional health while supporting others.
Family Therapy and Group Support: Understand the benefits of therapy for families and loved ones in addiction recovery.

Enabling vs. Empowering

Instructor: Andrea Hanamann & Victoria Schewe

Breaking the Cycle of Enabling: Recognize and help stop enabling behaviors that may hinder recovery.
Empowering Your Loved One’s Recovery: Support autonomy and personal growth without taking over their recovery journey.

Long-Term Support

Instructors: Andrea Hanamann & Victoria Schewe

Maintaining Support After Recovery: Continue support in the maintenance phase of recovery.
Celebrating Milestones and Achievements: Encourage and celebrate progress without enabling negative behavior patterns.

Deepen Your Knowledge

Addiction Recovery Certificate Program

A more comprehensive certificate program is available for those supporting others through peer-to-peer relationships and recovery journeys. Save $15 if you register for both.

Access the Program

Instructors

Ritu Bhatnagar

Ritu Bhatnagar, MD, MPH, FASAM, DFAPA, is an addiction psychiatrist and clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Psychiatry.

She is an active member of the Wisconsin Society of Addiction Medicine (WISAM), is the WISAM representative to the Council on Legislation for the Wisconsin Medical Society and serves on the Medicaid Advisory Committee, the Ending Deaths of Despair Task Force and the State Council for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.

Andrea Hanamann

Andrea Hanamann, MS, LPC-IT, is a graduate of UW-Green Bay, where she earned her bachelor’s degree before completing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marquette University.

Her clinical experience began in corrections, where she supported justice-involved individuals through trauma and reentry. She currently serves as a mental health therapist at the Jackie Nitschke Center, where she provides brain-based, trauma-informed care to individuals navigating addiction, emotional dysregulation and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Dana Johnson

Dana Johnson, MSW, is a career social worker, practicing in senior level management in state government, county human services, an educator in higher education and operating a consulting and professional development firm.

His experience includes child welfare practice, policy and reform; transformational organizational leadership and culture change, supervision of teams, continuous quality improvement and dynamic equity, diversity and inclusion efforts across micro, mezzo, and macro systems.

Virginia Medinilla

Virginia Medinilla, MD, PhD, is an Addiction Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and is an active member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), as well as the Wisconsin state chapters of the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM/WISAM) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA/WPA).

Victoria Schewe

Victoria Schewe, SAC-IT, is a dedicated and compassionate social services professional with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in addiction recovery and community support.

Holding an associate degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Victoria has experience working in outpatient and residential treatment through the Jackie Nitschke Center, as well as collaborating with other community organizations focused on prevention, rehabilitation and family services.

Need Guidance?

If you have any questions about the ally program, please contact Melissa Betke, Program Specialist.

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