Dr. Werch was raised in rural Wisconsin where he experienced alcohol and drug abuse as a normal part of daily living. He received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983 and began his career in addictions prevention, education, research and writing. He has held several tenured academic positions and retired to found Prevention Plus Wellness, LLC where he serves as President. Dr. Werch created four nationally recognized evidence-based substance abuse programs. He lives in Jacksonville Florida with Lauren, his wife of 33 years, and has three adult children.