Listen Now:
Follow & Subscribe:
On This Episode:
In this episode of Grade 1 View, we sat down with two incredibly brave and inspiring guests, Louisa Martin, PhD, CRNA and Rigo Garcia, MSN, MBA, CRNA, who opened up about their personal battles with substance use disorder. They didn’t hold anything back. From near rock bottom to recovery, from fear and shame to leadership and advocacy, their stories are raw, real, and deeply relevant to our lives as students and future CRNAs.
This is an issue that so many people struggle with, and CRNAs are certainly not immune to these battles. We talked about the unique pressures in our profession, why overachievers are vulnerable, and how addiction often hides behind perfectionism. We also learned about the AANA’s 24/7 helpline and what we can do as peers to support each other.
Together, we can pave the way for a healthier, more supportive future for all healthcare professionals. If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide your struggles or if you care about someone who might be silently suffering, we hope this episode helps you find the support you need.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Why high achievers and CRNAs are especially at risk for substance use
📖 Personal stories of addiction, recovery, and redemption from Louisa and Rigo
📞 What to know about AANA's 24/7 confidential helpline
🚫 Breaking the stigma: why it’s okay not to be okay
❤️ How to help a classmate or colleague in crisis
If you or someone you know need support, please utilize these resources:
- Parkdale Center
- 24 Hour Hotline: 888-895-2471
- Partnership with AANA
- Wellness Resources from AANA
Important Links:
"It's so freeing on the other side of it that double life, that shame and guilt and remorse, it just will eat you alive."
- Louisa Martin, PhD, CRNA
