E36: Analyzing ‘Euphoria’: Teen Substance Use and Authentic Recovery with Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza

Today, we are making invisible things visible for people recovering from problematic substance use, and we talk about what recovery is REALLY like if you are a teen/young adult, or if you are the loved one of someone who struggles with the grips of problematic substance use. I’m with everyone’s favourite psychiatrist, @TheKicksShrink, Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza. I started watching Euphoria after I read his comments about it in a Time Magazine article, and I’m so glad I did.

We talk about:

• What we love about HBO’s Euphoria, and what we’d like to tell people about what the show doesn’t cover,
• What’s it like working with teens to reduce their use of substances?,
• What’s the Sinclair Method and how does it help people reduce problematic drinking,
• How long does recovery actually take?
• What recovery from opioid use is like, and what should we know about the treatment options.

Our Guest: Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza, MD is a triple board certified psychiatrist, in adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. He is based out of Northern Virginia and works primarily with children and adolescents through the major hospital system in the area, providing services as the psychiatrist for the adolescent partial hospitalization program, as well as outpatient medication management. He also has his own private practice, LouCouPsych, working with adults with a special interest in ADHD, addictions, depression and anxiety. He also works with the national basketball players association mental health and wellness program, and is available as a provider and resource for the Washington Wizards.

Find Dr. Mirza: Website | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter

Resources:

• Time Magazine: What Euphoria Gets Right—and Wrong—About Teen Drug Use and Addiction
• From Canada’s Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: Finding Quality Addiction Care in Canada: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Guide, and Life in Recovery.
• Understanding the science and goals behind Harm Reduction,
• Knowing Your Limits with Cannabis: A Practical Guide to Assessing Your Cannabis Use
• Looking for help with treatment in Ontario? Try ConnexOntario to find support near you.
• Check out the ADHD Resource Hub’s special subsections page for more on ADHD and Substance Use. 
• Use the discount code ‘CCPODCAST’ at checkout, for 15% off on DIY*ADHD.

Find Christina (CRPO #003908): Website | Find a Therapist | Instagram