Cracking Addiction

Meducate
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Cracking Addiction

Welcome to Cracking Addiction, the show that delves deep into the world of addiction medicine. Hosted by Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr Ferghal Armstrong, this podcast covers a broad range of addiction-related topics, from the science behind addiction to the various treatment options available. Each week, the hosts provide listeners with engaging and informative discussions on all aspects of addiction medicine. From alcohol and drug addiction to gambling addiction, they explore the various types of addiction and their impact on individuals, families, and communities. With a focus on evidence-based information, Cracking Addiction provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of addiction, including the latest research and treatment options. Whether you are struggling with addiction or simply interested in learning more about the topic, this podcast is an excellent resource. The show also features regular guests and experts who share their insights and experiences on addiction-related topics. With new episodes released every week, Cracking Addiction is your go-to source for the latest information and insights on addiction medicine. So join us as we explore this complex and fascinating topic and work to break the cycle of addiction. Visit our website for more information and free courses https://go.meducate.com.au/courses

  1. Addiction Facts Everyone Needs to Know

    2 DAYS AGO

    Addiction Facts Everyone Needs to Know

    Are you curious about what really causes addiction? In this eye-opening video, I dive deep into the complexities of addiction, examining the genetic vulnerability, environmental influences, and the significant role of trauma. You'll discover how substances like nicotine, heroin, and alcohol increase dopamine in the brain, making us crave them even when we don't necessarily enjoy them. Keyword alert: If you're fascinated by addiction, neuroscience, or mental health, this video is tailor-made for you! Join me, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, as we explore the intricate pathways and factors leading to addiction. You'll learn how genetic factors account for about 50% of addiction risk and why some substances hold higher addictive potential than others. We’ll delve into the environmental or exposure risk factors, such as family dynamics, school policies, and community environments, all of which play crucial roles in addiction. Most importantly, we'll discuss the often-overlooked impact of childhood trauma and how these early experiences can lead to risky behaviours and substance use later in life. Keyword lovers: Addiction causes, addiction genetics, addiction trauma—you don't want to miss this! This video arms you with a better understanding of addiction so that we can approach those affected with empathy and compassion. You'll gain insights that can help illuminate why addiction is not just a personal failing but a multifaceted condition influenced by a range of factors.

    10 min
  2. To Test or Not to Test: The Vital Role of Urine Drug Screens in Addiction Clinics

    OCT 16

    To Test or Not to Test: The Vital Role of Urine Drug Screens in Addiction Clinics

    Are you curious about the role of urine drug screens in addiction treatment? Wondering if they're necessary or just a hassle? Join me, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, and the insightful Dr. Richard Bradlow as we dive deep into the debate around urine drug screens and their place in modern clinics. We'll uncover the science, the ethics, and the real-world impacts these tests have on patients and practitioners alike. In this eye-opening episode, we explore whether urine drug screens help build trust or damage therapeutic relationships, and we debate their role in managing takeaways for methadone and suboxone patients. We'll delve into the latest guidelines, discuss the pros and cons, and share intriguing real-life cases that reveal the complexities of addiction treatment. If you’re passionate about addiction medicine or seeking to understand more about urine drug screens, this video is a must-watch! Key Discussion Points: To do or not to do? The impact of urine drug screens on rapport and stigma. The critical role of urine drug screens in prescribing safe takeaways. Real-world cases highlighting the necessity and consequences of screening. Best practices for balancing patient care and harm prevention.

    15 min
  3. Breaking Down AA Myths and Facts

    OCT 9

    Breaking Down AA Myths and Facts

    Are you looking to deepen your understanding of the AA 12-Step Program and peer support in addiction recovery? You've found the perfect video! In this engaging chat, I sit down with Jesse Ball to uncover the transformative power of peer support and the truths behind the AA 12-Step Program. We dive right in by explaining the fundamental structure of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-Step groups like Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and so on, breaking down the processes that make these meetings so effective. Our conversation tackles common objections, debunking the myth that the 12-Step Program is a cult and addressing concerns around spirituality and belief systems. As a bonus, Jesse shares his own journey from addiction to becoming a recovery support worker, highlighting the significance of having a sponsor to guide you through the 12 steps. Whether you're skeptical about needing a sponsor or simply curious about how to choose one, this video answers all your questions. So, if you're in recovery, considering joining a peer support group, or just eager to learn more about the AA 12-Step Program, hit play and join us on this enlightening journey! Bullet Points Peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and their variants are essential for recovery, offering a structured twelve-step program based on spiritual principles. The twelve-step philosophy holds that human willpower alone cannot overcome addiction, emphasizing a spiritual approach to recovery. Common criticisms of the twelve-step program include perceptions of it being a cult; however, the program is decentralised and members can leave freely at any time. Sponsors within these programs guide newcomers through the twelve steps, and selecting a sponsor involves finding someone you understand and can connect with, often recommended to have at least one year of sobriety. The actual work and transformation in the twelve-step program happen largely outside meetings, through the guidance of sponsors who help members adopt new ways of thinking.

    12 min
  4. Ibogaine: A New Hope for Addiction Recovery and Mental Health

    OCT 2

    Ibogaine: A New Hope for Addiction Recovery and Mental Health

    Uncovering the Power of Ibogaine: A Game-Changer for Addiction Treatment [Psychedelic Medicine, Ibogaine, Addiction Recovery] Are you ready to revolutionise your understanding of addiction treatment? In this eye-opening episode of Cracking Addiction, I sit down with the legendary Zappy Zapolin, founder of the Mind Army and renowned as the "psychedelic concierge to the stars." Together, we delve into the transformative world of psychedelic medicine, focusing specifically on the groundbreaking potential of ibogaine in addiction recovery. 🔥 Discover how ibogaine offers a radical shift in treating heroin addiction and other substance dependencies. Zappy takes us on a journey through the cultural and historical roots of this powerful African plant, used for centuries by the Bwiti people to connect with their ancestors. With current rising addiction crises and mental health issues, could ibogaine be the miracle we’ve been waiting for? 👀 Don't miss out on this riveting conversation that promises to challenge conventional wisdom. You'll learn why Zappy and his Mind Army are advocating fiercely for the decriminalization and legalization of naturally occurring psychedelics. Tune in to understand the profound benefits and the contentious debates surrounding their use. 💬 Be part of this transformative discussion! Like, share, comment, and subscribe to MedHeads to stay updated with the latest in addiction treatment breakthroughs! 📚 [Mind Army Official Website] https://mindarmy.org #Ibogaine #PsychedelicMedicine #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #CrackingAddiction This episode is perfect for you if you're committed to exploring cutting-edge treatments and alternative solutions to addiction.

    24 min
  5. Breaking Free- From Addiction to Recovery

    SEP 25

    Breaking Free- From Addiction to Recovery

    In this episode of Cracking Addiction, I sit down with Jesse Ball to explore the profound journey of breaking free from addiction and embracing a fulfilling life in recovery. If you're looking for motivation and real-life insights on addiction, recovery, and maintaining sobriety, this video is just for you! Keywords: addiction, recovery, sobriety. We dive deep into Jesse's personal experiences, from the pivotal moments that made recovery attractive to the ongoing practices that help him stay clean. You'll hear about the power of accountability, the journey through the twelve-step program, and how even salsa dancing can play a role in the path to a new life. Jesse’s story resonates with the struggles many face, and his tips on fitness, diet, and mental health are invaluable for anyone navigating their own recovery or supporting someone in theirs. Keywords: addiction, recovery, sobriety. Trigger for Change: A realisation by the age of 25 that continuing to use drugs over a past breakup was no longer a valid reason. Trauma and Substance Use: Emphasised the importance of not validating a victim mindset to avoid feeling disempowered and reinforcing the ability to change one's life. Power and Accountability: Recognising powerlessness over addiction paradoxically empowers individuals to actively seek help and make lifestyle changes. Sustaining Recovery: Success in early recovery involved following advice from experienced individuals in recovery, engaging in therapy, fitness, and building accountability through relationships and activities. Maintaining Recovery: Continuously engaging in healthy habits such as regular exercise, meditation, and diet, while exploring new interests and remaining accountable to oneself and others.

    23 min
  6. SIX WAYS ALCOHOL CAN KILL YOU

    SEP 18

    SIX WAYS ALCOHOL CAN KILL YOU

    Are you curious about how alcohol really affects your heart health? In this eye-opening episode of "Cracking Addiction," Dr. Richard Bradlow and I, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, dive deep into the science behind alcohol consumption and its impacts on diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease. This video is packed with insights that you won't want to miss! Alcohol and heart health are two critical subjects that often spark extensive debates. In today's discussion, we'll explore the common questions that many people have about alcohol and its relationship with high blood pressure and heart disease. We'll debunk myths, reveal surprising facts, and help you understand the intricate balance between potential benefits and significant risks. We start with the famous debate on whether alcohol, especially red wine, can be good for your heart. While resveratrol in wine does have some health benefits, I explain how the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption far outweigh these perks. Dr. Bradlow and I cover topics like alcoholic cardiomyopathy, thiamine deficiency, and the dangerous path toward cirrhosis and other liver issues. Understanding these mechanisms will give you a clearer picture of what too much alcohol can do to your body, especially your heart.

    11 min
  7. Secrets to opioid weaning done right

    SEP 11

    Secrets to opioid weaning done right

    Mastering Opioid Risk Management: Practical Tips & Life-Saving Strategies with Dr. Ferghal Armstrong Are you concerned about the risks associated with opioids? Want to understand practical strategies for opioid risk management? This is the video just for you! Join me, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, and Dr. Richard Bradlow as we delve deep into the intricacies of managing opioid toxicity, dependency, and safety. In this episode of Cracking Addiction, we tackle the pressing [keywords "opioid risk management"] head-on. We discuss why it's crucial to manage the risks of opioids and share actionable techniques that you can incorporate into your medical practice immediately. Our conversation covers everything from assessing the right reasons for prescribing opioids, establishing clearly defined functional goals, to the benefits of opioid rotation and utilising naloxone nasal spray (Nixoid). If you want to stay ahead in your practice and ensure patient safety, make sure not to miss this episode! We also highlight the importance of having an "exit strategy" for opioid prescriptions and discuss harm minimisation strategies for high doses. This video is packed with valuable insights and expert advice. If you found this information valuable, don't forget to like, share, and comment below. Your feedback helps us create more content that matters to you. Links and Resources: Join our community: https://meducate.com.au/ For more insightful content, visit our website https://meducate.com.au/

    21 min
  8. The Risks Doctors Take With Prescriptions

    SEP 4

    The Risks Doctors Take With Prescriptions

    Are you concerned about the dangers of benzodiazepines and opioids? Curious about how these medications impact individuals with substance use disorders? In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Richard Bradlow tackle the pressing issues surrounding the prescription of benzodiazepines and opioids. This is essential viewing for anyone interested in the complex dynamics of medication management and opioid stewardship. From the outset, we delve into the rising legal and ethical concerns GPs face when prescribing these medications. We discuss the escalated risks of co-prescribing benzodiazepines with other sedatives, including alcohol and opioids, which can be life-threatening. Our experts explain why saying no to persistent medication requests is difficult but sometimes necessary to uphold the principle of "primum non nocere" — do not harm. What sets this episode apart is its insightful historical context. We explore tranquilizers from the first minor tranquilizer, Milltown, to the development of major tranquilizers alongside antipsychotics and antidepressants. Dr. Bradlow’s analysis is both rich and engaging, providing a broader understanding of how these medications evolved and why benzodiazepines, despite their therapeutic window, are fraught with dependency issues. Discover the nuanced strategies for managing long-term benzodiazepine and opioid prescriptions, especially in cases involving chronic pain and opioid use disorder. Learn about the importance of clear communication and shared decision-making between doctors and patients, which is crucial for safe prescribing practices. Feel empowered in your knowledge and join the conversation on how we can navigate these challenging waters responsibly. Whether you're a healthcare professional, educator, or someone affected by substance use disorders, this video provides the insights you need.

    32 min
See All (167)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Cracking Addiction, the show that delves deep into the world of addiction medicine. Hosted by Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr Ferghal Armstrong, this podcast covers a broad range of addiction-related topics, from the science behind addiction to the various treatment options available. Each week, the hosts provide listeners with engaging and informative discussions on all aspects of addiction medicine. From alcohol and drug addiction to gambling addiction, they explore the various types of addiction and their impact on individuals, families, and communities. With a focus on evidence-based information, Cracking Addiction provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of addiction, including the latest research and treatment options. Whether you are struggling with addiction or simply interested in learning more about the topic, this podcast is an excellent resource. The show also features regular guests and experts who share their insights and experiences on addiction-related topics. With new episodes released every week, Cracking Addiction is your go-to source for the latest information and insights on addiction medicine. So join us as we explore this complex and fascinating topic and work to break the cycle of addiction. Visit our website for more information and free courses https://go.meducate.com.au/courses

Information

  • Creator
    Meducate
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Cracking Addiction
  • Show Website
    Cracking Addiction

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada