Straight Talk With The Doc

Self-injury can be moderate or severe, but any form of self-harm should be evaluated and addressed. Dr. Bhatt, MD explains how self-harm and substance abuse can make each other worse.

Codependent relationships are often seen in those with addiction and their loved ones. Dr. Bhatt, MD describes the signs to look out for and how to address a codependent relationship.

It is one of the most common mental health disorders in America. Dr. Bhatt, MD explains the difference between normal everyday stress and anxiety, and the dangers of self-medicating.

Many young people begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol in college. Where is the line between normal experimentation and the start of a potentially serious problem? Dr. Bhatt, MD breaks it down

Determining if someone has a sexual compulsion can be difficult. Sex is a normal part of life for most people, but where do you draw the line and classify it as an addiction? Dr. Bhatt explains when sex or porn use becomes a problem.

What defines a traumatic situation, and when does that trauma become PTSD? Dr. Bhatt explains and explores the relationship between trauma and addiction.

The drugs of today can cause a physical dependency in 2 weeks or less. Even though it was never intended, users can experience painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they discontinue drug use. However, this does not always mean that someone has an addiction. Dr. Bhatt explains the differences between addiction and dependency.

There is a reason people say “you are what you eat.” What we put into our bodies influences not only our physical health, but our mental health. This is even more important for those in the recovery process. Dr. Bhatt breaks down how drugs and alcohol can impact appetite, weight fluctuation, and overall health.

Children across the world are facing a pandemic as they develop through their most formative years. They are facing challenges adults today never had to consider, like isolation, fear, and increased mental health struggles. Over 43,000 children are estimated to have lost a parent due to COVID-19, forcing children to grieve their parent's death at a young age. Dr. Bhatt, a Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, breaks down how COVID-19 is impacting children.

It's been 50 years since the War on Drugs campaign was launched in 1971. After all the regulations put in place after Nixon declared drugs public enemy number one, many are looking back at the past 50 years and realizing that we may not be winning this war. Dr. Bhatt, MD gives background on the War on Drugs and discusses the dangers of proclaiming drugs users as the enemy.

As COVID comes in waves and the vaccine continues to roll out, experts are looking at the impact COVID has had on people's mental health. Those with mental health or substance use disorders are at an increased risk for danger.

The term California sober refers to those who avoid “hard drugs,” but still partake in the use of substances like alcohol and Marijuana. Some claim this is the new form of sobriety, but the dangers of abusing any substance are still present, concerning some experts.

Those with an Opioid use disorder and their loved ones know that it is not an easy drug to quit. There are a variety of treatment options that include therapy and treatment medications, but some may be concerned that those taking medications do not understand their potential effects. Dr. Bhatt, MD explains how they work and what you should know before taking them.

Healthy relationships can bring joy, love, and motivation to someone's life, but when substance abuse is thrown into the mix, it can cause anger, sorrow, and feelings of betrayal. Research has demonstrated that substance abuse is one of the main “final straws” for couples that decide to divorce. Dr. Bhatt, MD talks about why this is, and what to do if your partner is abusing drugs or alcohol.

Drugs like cannabis have been used throughout history for a number of therapeutic and practical uses, but the laws surrounding them have changed over the years due to public opinion, political motives, and scientific research. Dr. Bhatt, MD explains what psylocibin, cannabis, and ketamine do to the body and mind, and how they can be used in both positive and negative ways.

When people lose the ability to determine that they need to seek treatment for a mental health or substance use disorder, involuntary or civil commitment comes into play. Dr. Bhatt, MD explains the criteria needed to enact a civil commitment and what that means for the patient

Social media can be used to connect with others, share our ideas, and get a laugh. However, when social media or internet usage begins interfering with life in a negative way, it is something that needs to be paid attention. Dr. Bhatt, MD explains how behavioral addictions work and how some research has demonstrated that excessive social media use can have a negative effect

Substance use disorders have a relapse rate of 40 to 60%, and some experts estimate that number to be much higher. Although frustrating, relapse is often just a part of the recovery process. Dr. Bhatt, MD explains why relapse happens, and what you can do to prepare.

Fentanyl is involved in a huge number of Opioid overdose deaths. A drug that was intended for hospital patients with severe pain has now made its way on to the street, taking lives with it. Dr. Bhatt, MD breaks down the drug that is 100 times more potent than Morphine.

The Opioid Epidemic has claimed the lives of almost 841,000 people since its start in 1999, and it is still going on to this day. Dr. Bhatt, MD breaks down the history of the Opioid Epidemic, what the factors were that sparked it, and where we're at today.

Bipolar disorder is something that will likely impact a diagnosed individual for their entire life. Dr. Bhatt, MD explains the science behind it in this episode, and we also speak with someone who has experienced the disorder themselves.

In rehab, the main focus is your recovery. Everyone around you is helping you attain that goal. However, what happens when you leave? The real world comes with challenges that you need to prepare for. In this episode, Dr. Bhatt, MD gives some advice you can take home.

There is a cycle with depression and addiction. Depression makes people want to self-medicate with substances, but abusing substances worsens depression. Dr. Bhatt, MD breaks down the common mental health disorder that millions struggle with and explains its ties to addiction.

Over 9% of American children have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. With assistance, those with ADHD can thrive. However, there is a strong link between those with ADHD and their odds of developing an addiction. In this episode, Dr. Bhatt, MD discusses this connection.

With 1.5 million American adults being current Cocaine users, this powerful drug is rampant throughout the county. Dr. Bhatt, MD breaks down how Cocaine affects the brain, as well as why its earned a glamorized reputation in some circles.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be a great aid during treatment to help those with a drug or alcohol addiction maintain sobriety. Dr. Bhatt explains how they work.

It's something the majority of Americans consume, but also an addictive substance that can sometimes be deadly. Dr. Bhatt explains how alcohol works in the brain, and what the long term effects of alcoholism are.

What do you do when your loved one is abusing drugs and alcohol? Dr. Bhatt addresses this sensitive topic and gives expert advice.

As the vaccine rolls out, it raises the question of how those who struggle with addiction will be impacted.

Receiving the wrong diagnosis can impact the trajectory of someone's life, but misdiagnosis still occurs. Dr. Bhatt explains why.

Rates of substance abuse have increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Bhatt breaks down why that's happened.

There's a lot to take into consideration when deciding on a rehab. We break down the questions you should be asking.

Dr. Ashish Bhatt, MD, MRO explains what Methamphetamine does to a user's brain and why it is so addictive.

Eating disorders are the most lethal mental illnesses. Dr. Ashish Bhatt, MD, MRO explains why and its link to addiction.

Those working in the medical profession have high rates of substance abuse. Dr. Ashish Bhatt, MD, MRO breaks down why that is.

What is addiction? Breaking down our brain's behaviors.

Who is Dr. Bhatt? Learn about his story and his mission.