Send us Fan Mail Chronic pain gets treated like a character flaw far too often, and that’s the first injury. When you’re told “the scans look fine” or “it must be anxiety,” you’re left holding pain that is real while also being made to feel crazy for having it. We wanted a smarter, more honest conversation about what chronic pain is, how the brain and nervous system can keep the signal alive, and what “pain recovery” looks like when the goal is function, meaning, and getting your life back. We’re joined by Dr. Mel Pohl, MD, DFASAM, a family physician and addiction medicine leader who has spent decades working with people at the intersection of chronic pain, substance use, and long-term recovery. Together we break down the difference between acute pain and chronic pain, why emotions and attention can amplify symptoms, and how catastrophizing and a broken pain scale keep people stuck. We also talk about practical nervous system retraining ideas like mindfulness, meditation, and expressive writing so the story gets witnessed without becoming a life sentence. Then we tackle marijuana for chronic pain with the informed-consent lens most people never get. Today’s THC potency is nothing like the past, and the “relief” many feel may be intoxication and distraction rather than true analgesia. We dig into cannabis dependence, withdrawal, psychosis risk, and why normalizing high-potency THC is especially dangerous for teens and developing brains. If you’re weighing cannabis as an opioid alternative, struggling with sleep and anxiety, or trying to understand why your pain changes with focus and mood, this conversation gives you language and a clearer map. If this helped you feel seen, subscribe, share it with someone who lives with chronic pain, and leave a review so more people find it. What part of the conversation challenged your view the most? Savorista Coffee is offering our listeners 25% off their premium craft decaf and half caf blends with bold flavors, ethically sourced beans, and natural decaffeination. Small-batch roasted for exceptional taste. E Use promo code GASLIT at checkout! https://savorista.com/discount/GASLIT Kenshō Cocktails by RSRV Collective are premium, non-alcoholic drinks crafted to deliver bold, sophisticated flavors inspired by classic cocktails—alcohol-free indulgence. Enjoy an exclusive discount 30% off using code GASLIT at checkout Good for anything purchased; it’s the best deal, and can’t be found anywhere else. https://rsrvcollective.com/discount/GASLIT 💊 Ready to Deprescribe Your Psych Meds? Psych meds have harmed us—and we’re not just survivors, we’re deeply educated in psychopharmacology, psychology, and nutrition. As hosts of The Gaslit Truth Podcast, we guide people safely off psychiatric medications with strategies grounded in science and brain health 🔥 You’ve been harmed. You’ve been dismissed. It’s time to take your brain back—with guidance from people who’ve been there and know their stuff. Support the show Are you tired of being gaslit and want to DEEP THROAT some more truth? We want to hear from you! Message us your gaslit stories at thegaslittruthpodcast@gmail.com While you are at it, Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube @thegaslittruthpodcast. Be sure to Hit that subscribe button and get alerts for more episodes! Thanks for listening! Follow Us individually at Dr. Teralyn: Instagram @Dr_TeralynFacebook @DrTeralynTik Tok @Dr_TeralynTherapist Jenn: Instagram @TherapistJenTikTok @Jenn.Schmitz
