Addiction Medicine Made Easy | Fighting back against addiction

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 

Imagine battling substance addiction for decades, only to find your path to recovery through personal growth and self-awareness. In this heartfelt episode, I, Dr. Casey Grover, sit down with Paul Giovino, a Monterey resident who courageously shares his transformative journey from dependency to resilience. Paul's story is not just about overcoming addiction; it's about addressing the emotional roots of substance use and finding strength in building self-esteem. Together, we explore the significant hurdles he faced, from professional setbacks to health challenges, and the pivotal role of personal development activities in his recovery process.As we navigate the complexities of opioid addiction treatment, we uncover the challenges posed by substances like fentanyl and the groundbreaking impact of treatments such as buprenorphine. Our conversation sheds light on the societal stigma surrounding treatments like methadone, which can often hinder recovery efforts. Through personal anecdotes, we discuss how individual differences in brain chemistry influence responses to opioids, and the ongoing struggle to overcome self-shame and societal misconceptions. It's a deep dive into the science and personal stories behind addiction, shedding light on how these factors play into the recovery journey.Community support emerges as a key theme in our discussion, emphasizing how networks like Alcoholics Anonymous can be instrumental in maintaining sobriety. We highlight the importance of creating compassionate and stigma-free healthcare environments, and how education is crucial in transforming addiction treatment. By sharing Paul's inspirational story, we underscore the life-saving impact of early access to addiction care and the power of a supportive community in fostering resilience and self-awareness. Join us for an episode that reminds us of the profound truth: treating addiction saves lives.To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Discover the transformative potential of ADHD medications in addiction treatment as we bring you a captivating discussion with Dr. Justin Mohatt, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist. Dr. Mohatt joins us to unravel the complexities of using ADHD medications to combat stimulant addiction, shedding light on how these drugs can make a difference. We'll explore a myriad of medications, including guanfacine, clonidine, and atomoxetine, and discuss their respective roles in addressing adult ADHD and substance use disorders. Learn the importance of a meticulous diagnostic process to distinguish ADHD from other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, ensuring a tailored approach to treatment.We navigate the nuanced landscape of ADHD in adults with a history of substance use, emphasizing the critical role of family insights to inform diagnoses beyond self-reports. The conversation underscores the careful application of stimulants for ADHD, even in those with stimulant use disorders, while presenting Vyvanse as a potentially safer choice. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine receive special attention for their dual role in treating ADHD and co-occurring anxiety, offering a glimpse into strategies for managing side effects and insurance hurdles. Hear how non-addictive alternatives could provide solutions for patients who haven't found success with traditional medications.As we delve deeper into co-occurring ADHD and trauma, Dr. Mohatt discusses the potential benefits of alpha agonists and other non-stimulant options in treating complex cases involving PTSD and substance use disorders. Together, Dr. Mohatt and I affirm the importance of addressing ADHD within addiction treatment to foster recovery and improve cognitive function, offering a beacon of hope for those navigating these intertwined challenges.To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com 

This is a bonus episode. I was asked to speak at several schools in the area around where I work about drugs and alcohol - both to students and to parents. I wanted to make the education as impactful and real as possible. So I focused on the substances that are most likely to affect our youth and their families - alcohol, cannabis, nicotine/vaping, and fentanyl. To help make my presentation as real as possible, I actually went to a liquor store, a tobacco shop, and a cannabis dispensary to look at how these products are sold and marketed - and how to interpret the labels on them. Whether you are a student, a parent, or just a person concerned about substance use, I know you will learn something from this lecture. If you're looking to start a conversation with your loved one about drug and alcohol use, this lecture will help educate you on the current state of addiction, and give you information on how to start that conversation about drugs and alcohol.To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com