Our latest guest shares her story and works to break stigma around substance use and empower families.

Sports reporter and author Lauren Sisler opens up to Elizabeth Vargas this week on "Heart of the Matter" about her parents' hidden struggles with addiction and the tragic loss that changed her life. Lauren promotes prevention education and shares insights from her new book, Shatterproof, aiming to break the stigma surrounding addiction and empower families. Lauren shares the importance of open communication:

"I do wish there was someone there encouraging me to ask those questions. And to maybe have those conversations and to better understand what was happening. Because my dad's alcoholism was apparent. But again, as a kid, I just brushed it under the rug. 'Oh, my dad's fine. He's great.' and would just go about life. And now as a new mom, I'm sure these are lessons that I'm going to be taking myself, to realize that we got to be honest with those around us. And we also got to be honest with ourselves. And I think that's half the battle, being willing to have those conversations with others."

Listen Now
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Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas is available via Apple Podcasts ([link removed] ) , Spotify ([link removed] ) and drugfree.org ([link removed] ) .

Content warning: This episode contains mentions of death, as well as in-depth discussions of substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, please contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. These programs provide free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

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