The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast

The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast

The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast is a clear, compassionate, and informative show designed to answer the real questions people have about mental health and addiction treatment. Each episode breaks down common questions around behavioral health care—covering topics like addiction treatment, mental health services, therapy options, recovery programs, insurance, levels of care, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment. Our goal is to remove confusion, reduce stigma, and provide straightforward answers you can trust. This podcast is built from the same questions people search online every day—questions asked by individuals seeking help, families supporting loved ones, and professionals navigating the behavioral health space. Episodes are short, focused, and easy to understand, making complex topics approachable and actionable. Whether you’re exploring treatment options, supporting someone in recovery, or looking for reliable behavioral health information, The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast delivers clarity, education, and hope—one question at a time.

Episodes

  1. Episode 5: Benzodiazepines — The Hidden Danger of Dependence and Withdrawal | Carolina Center for Recovery

    1D AGO

    Episode 5: Benzodiazepines — The Hidden Danger of Dependence and Withdrawal | Carolina Center for Recovery

    Episode 5: Benzodiazepines — The Hidden Danger of Dependence and Withdrawal | Carolina Center for Recovery Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal — but even when taken as directed, they can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction. In this episode of The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast, we break down how benzodiazepines work, why they’re so risky, and what safe recovery actually requires. In this episode, we cover: • What benzodiazepines are and why they’re prescribed  • Common benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin  • How benzodiazepines slow the central nervous system  • Why dependence can develop even when taken as prescribed  • How tolerance, dependence, and addiction form  • What benzodiazepine misuse really looks like  • Behavioral warning signs of benzodiazepine addiction  • Why withdrawal symptoms are so severe and dangerous  • The risks of quitting benzodiazepines “cold turkey”  • How withdrawal can cause anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, and dangerous spikes in heart rate and blood pressure  • Why medically supervised detox is critical  • What long-term recovery from benzodiazepine addiction involves This episode reinforces a crucial message: benzodiazepine addiction is not a personal failure — it’s a medical condition. With proper medical support, therapy, and long-term care, recovery is possible and lasting healing can begin. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice.

    7 min
  2. Episode 4: Barbiturates - Risks, Addiction, and Recovery | Carolina Center for Recovery

    1D AGO

    Episode 4: Barbiturates - Risks, Addiction, and Recovery | Carolina Center for Recovery

    Episode 4: Barbiturates - Risks, Addiction, and Recovery | Carolina Center for Recovery Barbiturates have a long and dangerous history — once widely prescribed as medical solutions, now recognized as high-risk substances with severe consequences. In this episode of The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast, we break down what barbiturates are, how they affect the brain, and why recovery requires specialized care. In this episode, we cover: • What barbiturates are and how they affect the central nervous system  • How barbiturates work by amplifying GABA, the brain’s “off switch”  • Why these drugs were once widely prescribed  • How barbiturates transitioned from medical use to recreational abuse  • Common street names like “barbs,” “reds,” and “goofballs”  • Why barbiturates are classified as high-risk substances  • The paradox of calm and euphoria versus catastrophic side effects  • Why mixing barbiturates with alcohol or opioids is extremely dangerous  • Early warning signs of barbiturate overdose  • Long-term cognitive and personality changes linked to barbiturate abuse  • Behavioral signs of barbiturate addiction  • Why barbiturate detox must be medically supervised  • What long-term recovery from barbiturate addiction looks like This episode emphasizes a critical truth: barbiturate addiction is serious and potentially life-threatening, but recovery is possible. With safe detox, professional support, and long-term treatment, individuals can heal and begin building a life worth living. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice.

    7 min
  3. Episode 3: When a Drink Becomes a Problem - Alcohol Use Disorder Explained | Carolina Center for Recovery

    2D AGO

    Episode 3: When a Drink Becomes a Problem - Alcohol Use Disorder Explained | Carolina Center for Recovery

    Episode 3: When a Drink Becomes a Problem - Alcohol Use Disorder Explained | Carolina Center for Recovery Alcohol is deeply ingrained in social culture, which can make it difficult to recognize when drinking crosses the line from casual to harmful. In this episode of The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast, we break down Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) — what it is, how it develops, and how recovery begins — using educational insights from Carolina Center for Recovery. In this episode, we cover: • Why alcohol use is so normalized in society  • What Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) actually is from a clinical perspective  • How moderate, heavy, and binge drinking are defined  • CDC guidelines for alcohol consumption and what counts as “one drink”  • Why numbers alone don’t tell the full story  • Behavioral warning signs of Alcohol Use Disorder  • How loss of control shows up in daily life  • The long-term health consequences of chronic alcohol abuse  • How alcohol affects the liver, brain, and cancer risk  • Why Alcohol Use Disorder is a medical condition — not a moral failure  • What recovery from alcohol addiction looks like • Why detox, personalized treatment, and ongoing support matter This episode emphasizes an important truth: recognizing a problem isn’t about blame — it’s about awareness. And recovery isn’t just about stopping drinking, but about starting a healthier, more meaningful life. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice.

    7 min
  4. Episode 2: The Adderall Effect - Focus, Addiction, and Recovery | Carolina Center for Recovery

    2D AGO

    Episode 2: The Adderall Effect - Focus, Addiction, and Recovery | Carolina Center for Recovery

    Episode 2: The Adderall Effect - Focus, Addiction, and Recovery | Carolina Center for Recovery In this episode of The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast, we take a closer look at Adderall — a prescription stimulant that can be life-changing for some and dangerously addictive for others. This episode is based on educational insights from Carolina Center for Recovery and focuses on understanding how Adderall works, why misuse happens, and what recovery truly involves. In this episode, we cover: • What Adderall is and why it’s prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy  • Why Adderall is considered a “double-edged sword”  • The difference between therapeutic use and misuse  • How Adderall affects dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain  • Why those brain chemistry changes increase addiction risk  • How tolerance, dependence, and addiction develop  • Physical warning signs, including cardiovascular risks and weight loss  • Behavioral red flags such as secrecy, doctor shopping, and shifting priorities  • The mental health toll, including anxiety, paranoia, and mood changes  • What recovery from Adderall addiction looks like  • Why detox, therapy, support groups, and long-term planning matter This episode reinforces an essential message: Adderall addiction is serious, but recovery is possible. With the right support and a personalized approach, people can regain control and begin building a meaningful, healthy life. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice.

    7 min
  5. Episode 1: Substance Questions, Real Answers | Carolina Center for Recovery Addiction Blog

    2D AGO

    Episode 1: Substance Questions, Real Answers | Carolina Center for Recovery Addiction Blog

    Episode 1: Substance Questions, Real Answers | Carolina Center for Recovery Addiction Blog In this first episode of The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast, we answer some of the most common — and often misunderstood — questions people have about substances, addiction, and recovery. Drawing from educational insights featured on the Carolina Center for Recovery Addiction Blog, this episode focuses on clarity, awareness, and the path forward. In this episode, we cover: • Why alcohol intoxication affects everyone differently  • How body weight, food, tolerance, and metabolism influence drinking  • How long cannabis can be detected — and why it depends on the type of drug test  • The real dangers of prescription opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone  • How drug slang terms can hide extremely dangerous substances  • What “sherm,” “wet,” and similar terms actually mean  • Why recovery is about more than stopping substance use  • How structured programs like the 12-step model support accountability and growth  • What it means to begin building a life worth living This episode is designed to replace confusion with understanding and highlight that recovery is a deeply personal journey — one focused on creating a meaningful, purposeful life. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice.

    5 min

About

The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast is a clear, compassionate, and informative show designed to answer the real questions people have about mental health and addiction treatment. Each episode breaks down common questions around behavioral health care—covering topics like addiction treatment, mental health services, therapy options, recovery programs, insurance, levels of care, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment. Our goal is to remove confusion, reduce stigma, and provide straightforward answers you can trust. This podcast is built from the same questions people search online every day—questions asked by individuals seeking help, families supporting loved ones, and professionals navigating the behavioral health space. Episodes are short, focused, and easy to understand, making complex topics approachable and actionable. Whether you’re exploring treatment options, supporting someone in recovery, or looking for reliable behavioral health information, The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast delivers clarity, education, and hope—one question at a time.