Community Leaders Discuss the Youth Vaping Epidemic, Addiction Recovery & Mental Health
In Episode 3 of The Real Story, Michael Silverman sits down with four community leaders—Izzy Patoka, Karson Kamenetz, Pat Young, and Steven Thomas—to discuss addiction, mental health, recovery support, public safety, and the growing challenges facing Maryland communities.
Drawing from backgrounds in public service, community leadership, law enforcement, and local government, each guest shares their perspective on how communities can better address substance use disorders, improve access to treatment, support mental health initiatives, and respond to the growing concerns surrounding the youth vaping epidemic.
Together, they explore how prevention, education, recovery resources, and community-based solutions can help individuals and families build healthier futures.
About This Episode
Addiction, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders impact every community. In this episode, the guests discuss the importance of expanding treatment access, supporting recovery services, improving crisis intervention programs, and creating pathways for long-term success.
A major focus of the conversation centers on prevention efforts and the growing concern surrounding youth vaping. As vaping products become increasingly accessible to teenagers, local leaders are exploring ways to reduce exposure, educate families, and create healthier environments for young people before experimentation develops into nicotine addiction or other substance use challenges.
The discussion also highlights barriers that treatment providers face, the importance of recovery housing, and the need for collaboration between healthcare providers, public officials, schools, law enforcement, and community organizations.
More than a conversation about policy, this episode is about people, recovery, and the shared responsibility of creating communities where individuals have access to the support they need to thrive.
Guest Speaker: Izzy Patoka
Title: Councilman
Izzy Patoka is a Baltimore County Councilman, urban planner, and community leader who has dedicated his career to strengthening neighborhoods and improving quality of life for residents. First elected to the Baltimore County Council in 2018 and reelected in 2022, he has championed initiatives focused on education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. His background in urban planning has shaped his commitment to creating healthy, sustainable communities where residents have access to opportunities and essential services.
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Addressing the Youth Vaping Epidemic
One of the recurring themes throughout the episode is the growing concern surrounding the youth vaping epidemic. Guests discuss how vape shops and nicotine products have become increasingly visible in communities and how some products are marketed in ways that appeal to younger audiences.
The conversation explores the importance of prevention-focused policies, educational initiatives, and community awareness efforts designed to reduce youth vaping and nicotine addiction. The guests emphasize that addressing vaping among teens requires cooperation between schools, families, healthcare providers, and local governments to create environments that encourage healthy choices and reduce exposure to addictive substances.
By focusing on prevention and early intervention, communities can help reduce the long-term impact of vaping and substance use among young people.
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Guest Speaker: Karson Kamenetz
Title: Councilman Candidate
Karson Kamenetz is a lifelong Baltimore County resident, attorney, and community advocate focused on strengthening neighborhoods, supporting economic growth, and improving government accountability. Throughout his campaign, he has emphasized the importance of community engagement, public safety, affordable housing, and addressing challenges such as youth vaping, substance use prevention, and access to recovery services.
Key Topics Discussed
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Youth vaping epidemic
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Teen vaping prevention
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Nicotine addiction awareness
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Addiction recovery and treatment access
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Mental health services
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Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs
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Safe Stations recovery initiatives
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Community-based recovery support
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Recovery housing and affordable housing
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Substance use prevention programs
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Public safety and behavioral health
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Early intervention and education
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Community partnerships in recovery
Guest Speaker: Pat Young
Title: County Executive Candidate
Pat Young is a Marine Corps veteran, former Maryland Delegate, and Baltimore County Councilman who has spent his career serving Maryland communities through public service and leadership. His work has focused on government transparency, education, mental health services, affordable housing, and community investment. He advocates for practical solutions that address addiction, recovery support, behavioral healthcare access, and long-term community wellness.
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Guest Speaker: Steven Thomas
Title: Police Lieutenant
Steven Thomas is a veteran law enforcement leader and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) coordinator with the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Throughout his career, he has helped develop innovative programs connecting individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises with treatment and recovery resources. His leadership played a key role in the development of Anne Arundel County's Safe Stations initiative, which provides immediate access to recovery support and treatment services for individuals seeking help.
Watch the Full Episode
A Memorable Moment from the Episode
One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is the recognition that addiction is a health issue requiring treatment, support, and evidence-based solutions. Pat Young discusses the need for expanded behavioral health services, increased treatment accessibility, and stronger community support systems that allow individuals to receive care close to home, where recovery outcomes are often most effective.
His perspective reflects a growing understanding that long-term recovery requires not only treatment but also housing, community support, and opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives.
— Pat Young
Steven Thomas explains how Anne Arundel County's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model brings together law enforcement, clinicians, recovery advocates, treatment providers, and community organizations to support individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.
His work demonstrates how collaborative, community-based approaches can improve outcomes, reduce barriers to treatment, and connect people with help when they need it most.
— Steven Thomas
Explore More Episodes
Interested in more conversations about addiction, recovery, mental health, resilience, and hope?
Visit The Real Story Series to explore additional episodes featuring community leaders, advocates, professionals, and individuals whose experiences help create greater understanding and inspire positive change.