Addiction Medicine Made Easy | Fighting back against addiction

Trauma plays a pivotal role in the journey of addiction, with many individuals using substances as a means to cope with unresolved issues. Addressing PTSD is crucial for effective recovery, as understanding the link between trauma and addiction can empower individuals toward healing. In this episode we discuss:• Trauma and its historical context in PTSD understanding • Description of brain responses to trauma and the feedback loop • Big T and little t traumas and their cumulative effects • The connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult illnesses • The importance of a trauma-informed approach in treatment • Case studies illustrating the impact of trauma on addiction recovery • Recommendations for therapeutic interventions and medication optionsI reference a podcast episode at the beginning of the episode. Here's a link to that episodehttps://lemonadamedia.com/podcast/trauma-with-dr-gabor-mate/To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Understanding the teenage brain’s vulnerability to addiction can help parents and educators guide youth more effectively. This episode explores the brain's development, early drug use risks, emotional impairment, and effective prevention strategies drawn from successful programs like Iceland's. Key points:• Teenage brains develop until around age 26, with the prefrontal cortex being critical for decision-making • Early substance use increases the risk of developing addiction • Social and emotional learning is impaired by drugs and alcohol • Nick Sheff's story highlights the long-term effects of early addiction • Dopamine plays a crucial role in pleasure, survival, and addiction risk • Teenagers have lower baseline dopamine levels, driving them to seek new experiences • Iceland's approach to reducing adolescent addiction focuses on positive activities and parental engagement • Organized activities are protective against addiction, creating positive environments for teens • Conclusion emphasizes the critical role of understanding and intervention in preventing addiction'To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Can personal stories of struggle and resilience reshape our understanding of addiction? The answer is YES! My patients teach me about addiction all the time!Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I share the powerful stories of three patients whose experiences challenge society’s perceptions of addiction. Their journeys highlight the need for understanding over judgment and the vital role healthcare providers play in supporting those in need.  This episode is a heartfelt call to action. Byy raising awareness and extending support, we can improve addiction treatment and break the stigma surrounding this complex issue. Listen in and join a community committed to compassion, advocacy, and meaningful change.To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

This podcast episode delves into the groundbreaking concept of dual brain psychology and its implications for understanding trauma and addiction. Dr. Fred Schiffer shares his insights on how different hemispheres of the brain process trauma and the methods developed to facilitate healing through dual brain dynamics.• Explanation of split brain studies and their significance • Distinction between the functions of each brain hemisphere • Insights on how trauma resides in different sides of the brain • Connection between cravings and brain hemisphere activity • The cumulative effect of trauma and its relation to addiction • Gender dynamics and patterns in trauma experiences • Therapeutic approaches using hemispheric stimulation • Call for clinicians and patients to explore dual brain psychologyTo contact Dr. Grover: ammmadeeasy@fastmail.com

This is an episode on addiction and trauma, with the author Rikki West as a guest. Rikki shares her powerful story of assault, addiction, and healing, and we discuss the deep connection between trauma and addiction. We had a fantastic conversation about personal struggles and the importance of community support, as well as finding the path to healing. We discuss:• Exploring the connection between trauma and addiction • Rikki's journey from childhood through addiction to recovery • Impact of familial addiction on personal development • The role of community and support groups in healing • Rikki's experience with therapy and emotional regulation • Navigating relationships and intimacy after trauma • The importance of sharing stories for healing and empowermentTo contact Dr. Grover: ammmadeeasy@fastmail.com 

In this episode, we are tackling stigma. Specifically stigma against patients by healthcare providers. Stigma against patients struggling with addiction is a significant barrier to effective healthcare treatment, leading to profound consequences, including increased harm and even death. The episode highlights the definition of stigma, its impacts on patient behavior, and actionable strategies to reduce it within the healthcare system. We discuss:• Definitions and types of stigma • The harmful effects of stigma on quality of life • The link between stigma and higher mortality rates • Patient responses to stigma in healthcare settings • Personal stories highlighting the real impact of stigma • Effective strategies for reducing stigma in healthcare • Importance of using person-first language and educational outreachTo contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

We're talking about Xylazine again. We haven't covered it on the podcast since 2022, and since it's becoming more common in the drug supply, it was time to discuss it again. Unlock the secrets to understanding one of today's most alarming substances misused in addiction – Xylazine, infamously dubbed the "Zombie Drug." Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I dive into the world of Xylazine, a veterinary medication with unintended and dangerous consequences when misused by humans. Discover the pharmacological effects of this alpha-2 agonist, closely related to medications like clonidine, and learn how it disrupts normal physiological functions, leading to slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and sedation.In this episode, I unravel the complexities of Xylazine use, highlighting the dire risks of overdose and the challenges faced due to the absence of a human reversal agent. By sharing my 14 years of experience in the emergency department and my current role as a medical director in addiction treatment, I aim to provide crucial insights into how healthcare professionals can respond to Xylazine-related emergencies. This episode offers a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in the realm of addiction medicine, from healthcare providers to individuals battling addiction and their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of informed and compassionate care.To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

This episode explores the complexities surrounding kratom, featuring insights from Matthew Lowe of the Global Kratom Coalition (GKC). We discuss the dual nature of kratom, its benefits and risks, the importance of consumer education, and the ongoing push for industry regulation to protect users. We discuss• An overview of kratom's rising popularity and consumer demographics • The role of word-of-mouth and the internet in kratom discovery • Importance of accurate labeling and consumer education • Differences between kratom leaf, extracts, and synthetic products • Discussion on addiction potential and withdrawal symptoms • The Kratom Consumer Protection Acts and their significance • Ethical considerations within the kratom industry • Call for enhanced regulation and responsible marketing practicesTo contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Evan Morgan, a dedicated fire captain from Central California, provides a raw and deeply personal account of his struggle with addiction, illustrating the harsh realities faced by healthcare professionals battling the stigma that comes with it. Once an ambitious student experimenting with drugs, Evan’s journey spiraled into dependency on prescription painkillers after a workplace injury. His candid narrative reveals the devastating effects of addiction on his professional life and personal relationships, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the internal conflicts of a first responder caught between duty and dependency.Listeners will discover how Evan's life took a pivotal turn when an encounter with law enforcement acted as a much-needed wake-up call. The story unfolds to reveal the weight of maintaining a paramedic career while wrestling with a Dilaudid addiction and the unexpected relief that came with being honest about his struggles. With backing from his supportive fire department chiefs, Evan embarked on a rehabilitation journey at the International Association of Firefighters in Maryland, which ultimately led him to sobriety. Through his inspirational account, we explore the power of transparency and the surprising support system that can emerge when someone is brave enough to ask for help.Our episode underscores the critical need to shift perceptions around addiction in professional settings, with a focus on reducing stigma through empathy and understanding. Evan's experience exemplifies how sharing personal stories can foster compassion and break down prejudices in healthcare environments. By shedding light on the prevalent issues of substance abuse and PTSD among first responders, we aim to promote a culture of support and awareness, encouraging others to view addiction through a more compassionate lens. Join us as we commit to creating resources and raising awareness for addiction treatment, inspired by the bravery and resilience of those like Evan.

Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, on an eye-opening journey as we tackle the tough questions surrounding addiction medicine. We start by discovering why cannabis isn't the harmless plant many believe it to be, especially in the context of recovery. Drawing from a compelling study, we reveal how cannabis use in sober living environments may set the stage for relapse into alcohol and other drugs, challenging the notion that it can coexist with sobriety.But that's just the beginning. We next do a deep dive into dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful hallucinogen stirring curiosity in addiction treatment circles. From its natural origins to its historical significance in traditional ayahuasca ceremonies, we explore DMT's unique effects and how they differ based on how it's taken. In our quest to understand hallucinogens in addiction treatment, we discuss hallucinogen use disorder. With no medication-assisted treatment available, we emphasize the need to address underlying mental health issues. As we finish the episode, we explore emerging research on the therapeutic possibilities of hallucinogens like psilocybin in the treatment of other substance use disorders.References: Madam Noire link: https://madamenoire.com/1331923/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ayahuasca/Addiction Medicine Textbook link: https://shop.lww.com/The-ASAM-Essentials-of-Addiction-Medicine/p/9781975107956To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com