In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall sits down with Dr. Krista Hales to discuss Nevada’s opioid response programming and the critical role of community connections in behavioral health. Reflecting on insights from a recent listening session, they explore the challenges of maintaining motivation in recovery, the importance of psychological safety for treatment providers, and the necessity of cultural responsiveness in substance use treatment. Dr. Hales emphasizes the power of teaching individuals to find comfort in discomfort and shares personal experiences on resilience, advocacy, and self-care in the field. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the need for trust, persistence, and a supportive community in addressing substance use disorders.
Guest:
Dr. Krista Hales, DBH LADC-S
Krista Hales, DBH LADC-S is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor / Intern Supervisor with a Doctorate Degree in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University. Krista has been working in substance use treatment since 2008 and has developed programming across multi-levels of care through integration and innovative treatment options. Establishing recovery-oriented systems of care for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders has been a passion of hers since a young age. Additionally, Krista serves the Las Vegas Recovery community in numerous fashions. She is an active member of several entities throughout the state including the Nevada Governor’s Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, the Southern Nevada Opioid Advisory Council (SNOAC), and Shine A Light Foundation. She is also planning committee Lead for Recovery Village at Las Vegas PRIDE and Narcan at Night. Krista is a firm believer in all individuals being given fair access to supportive services when trying to find balance in their wellness journey.
Resources:
- Dr. Krista Hales, Roseman University – www.roseman.edu/research-faculty/directory/krista-hales-dbh-ladc-s/; khales@roseman.edu
- Empowered Moms – www.empoweredmoms.org
- SAMHSA’s Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-By-Step Guide to Wellness – https://library.samhsa.gov/product/creating-healthier-life-step-step-guide-wellness/sma16-4958
- Governor’s Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council (BHPAC) – https://dpbh.nv.gov/Boards/BHPAC/home
- Listening Session: Treatment for Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder – www.nvopioidcoe.org/video/listening-session-treatment-for-individuals-with-opioid-use-disorder/
- Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD): The Basics – www.nvopioidcoe.org/video/medications-for-opioid-use-disorder-mouds-the-basics/
