In this powerful episode of The Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Dr. Andrea V. Givens of Global Impact Wellness Group to unpack the urgent challenges facing today’s youth. From the alarming rise of early substance use among children as young as nine, to the growing misuse of prescription drugs under academic pressure, Dr. Givens shares expert insights on how families, schools, and communities can step up.

Together, they explore:

• The critical importance of prevention programs and real-life peer stories.

• How diet, environment, and holistic care can reduce reliance on prescription drugs.

• The growing dangers of synthetic cannabinoids and substances marketed in everyday places.

• Balancing the clinical promise and ethical risks of treatments like ketamine and ibogaine.

• The role of telehealth, community partnerships, and culturally tailored recovery models.

The conversation also celebrates Global Impact Wellness’ upcoming Global Impact Day with the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting how partnerships can amplify awareness and break stigma.

This episode is a call to action for parents, policymakers, educators, and community leaders to champion compassionate, accessible, and evidence-based care that truly supports recovery and resilience.

🌐 Learn more at GlobalImpactWellness.com

#MentalHealthAwareness #SubstanceAbusePrevention #GlobalImpactPodcast #YouthWellness #CommunityHealing

In this episode of the Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui dives into one of the most pressing challenges families face today—financial stress. From inflation and rising costs to seasonal expenses like back-to-school, holidays, and everyday habits, money pressures are more than just numbers—they affect our mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

Ali explores how financial stress is often less about not having money and more about lacking discipline, habits, and environment. He shares personal stories, the psychology of stress, and practical steps to break bad spending cycles. You’ll hear how small changes—like eliminating daily sugar or cutting back on “invisible expenses”—can not only save hundreds each month but also lead to greater mental clarity and reduced stress.

Key Takeaways:

• Why financial stress is more about habits than income

• How environment shapes both trauma and discipline

• Practical strategies for breaking bad spending cycles

• The connection between financial stress and mental health

• Why discipline in one area (like health) carries over to finances

Resources:
👉 Learn more or get support: GlobalImpactWellness.com
👉 Explore services for mental health, substance abuse, and women’s wellbeing (including Fleur’Drea)

Featuring Dr. Andrea V. Givens, Executive Operator of Global Impact Wellness Group

In this powerful episode of the Global Impact Podcast, host Ali Mehdaoui sits down with Dr. Andrea V. Givens to explore a side of mental health that often goes overlooked: the role of environment and family support systems in healing and recovery.

• Beyond the Individual: Why mental health care isn’t just about the patient, but also about their home, family, and community.

• The Power of Environment: How a stable, supportive setting accelerates healing—and how a toxic or unsupportive one can make recovery harder.

• Family Dynamics in Therapy: Why households where everyone engages in therapy often thrive more than those where only one or two members participate.

• Breaking the Stigma: Understanding therapy not as a “life sentence,” but as a practical toolkit for healthier relationships and stronger futures.

• Finding the Right Therapist: Why choosing the right professional is like speed dating—fit matters, and not every therapist is right for every client.

• Forgiveness & Resilience: Ali shares a deeply personal testimony of childhood trauma, the long journey toward forgiveness, and the power of creating new, joyful memories with his children.

• “Environment is everything—healing thrives where support exists.”

• Therapy isn’t just for the individual; it transforms entire families.

• Finding the right therapist is crucial—don’t settle until you find the right fit.

• Forgiveness doesn’t erase scars, but it can release the weight of the pain.

• Global Impact Wellness is committed to providing a safe, welcoming space where mental health support is personalized and stigma-free.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, remember—you are not alone. Visit GlobalImpactWellness.com to explore therapy options, connect with licensed professionals, and take the first step toward healing.

🔑 Key Topics💡 Big Takeaways📲 Resources & Support