Podcasts about substance use disorders

Boston asked residents what they needed before spending a dollar of its opioid settlement money. Christian Arthur, senior policy and strategy specialist at the Boston Public Health Commission's Recovery Services Bureau, illustrates in this episode how the city started with a community assessment and turned that feedback into real programs—a first-in-the-nation fund for families who've lost loved ones to overdose, public health vending machines that dispense naloxone, and grants to the organizations already doing the work. It's a candid conversation about community engagement, spending with intention, and what other cities can learn from it. Christian Arthur is a senior policy and strategy specialist at Boston Public Health Commission's Recovery Services Bureau. He has served the commission for the last seven years and has focused his career on building and launching harm reduction solutions that save lives and advance public health innovation.   More Links and Information   Check out more Fors Marsh Media Connect or partner with Fors Marsh  Learn how Boston is using its opioid settlement funding  Explore Boston's Overdose Data to Action 

Why isn't there a consistent message about alcohol and health? How do you know if you're putting yourself at risk? Is it really “all things in moderation”? Dr. Sarah Wakeman is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School & Sr. Medical Director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham. She is also the author of Treatable: Rethinking Addiction and How to Get Care Right. In this episode, she shares why we hear conflicting messages on alcohol, why what “one drink” means is subjective, the actual health risks even for moderate drinkers, drinking stigma & what real sobriety means.  If you liked this episode, you'll also like episode 265: HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE AN ALCOHOLIC? [REMASTERED] Guest:https://www.drsarahwakeman.com/Book https://a.co/d/0afUgsLEhttps://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/https://www.instagram.com/massgeneralbrigham/https://www.instagram.com/drsarahwakeman/ https://www.facebook.com/MassGeneralBrighamInternational/?brand_redir=45556346121#  Sponsors: https://www.historicpensacola.org/about-us/  1:04 — How People Measure Their Own Drinking (Spoiler: They Don't)2:08 — Why the Science Is So Confusing: CDC vs. WHO3:35 — What "Class 1 Carcinogen" Actually Means4:39 — Why We Can't Study Alcohol the Way We Study Other Things6:09 — What's “a” drink?11:04 — Does It Matter Why You Drink?12:27 — The Capsule Wardrobe Approach to Alcohol14:21 — Health Risks for Moderate Drinkers16:08 — Breast Cancer and Light Drinking: The Uncomfortable Truth17:42 — Toxic Load: Can We Blame the Country We Live In?20:04 — The Challenge of Counseling Patients on Alcohol25:00 — What Alcohol Does to the Brain25:34 — Alcohol-Induced Dementia: How Would You Know?27:17 — Alcohol, Anxiety & Depression: A Two-Sided Coin29:10 — Dry January: Helpful Reset or False Start?33:00 — Moral Incongruence and the Drinking Stigma34:38 — The "Alcohol Puppy" in Your Brain: Dopamine & Reward36:20 — The Endorphin Connection: Why Alcohol Feels Like a Painkiller37:17 — Naltrexone & the Sinclair Method: Medicine for Moderation39:22 — How to Talk to Your Doctor About Drinking41:40 — The South Dakota 24/7 Sobriety Experiment44:00 — Is Alcoholism a Disease, a Behavior, or Both?46:31 — Contingency Management: Rewarding Sobriety48:23 — "The Opposite of Alcoholism Isn't Sobriety — It's Connection"49:31 — Where to Find Dr. Wakeman & Her Book TreatableRequest to join my private Facebook Group, MFR Curious Insiders: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BAt3bpwJC/Follow me in all the places:https://www.meredithforreal.com/  https://www.instagram.com/the_curiousintrovert/ meredith@meredithforreal.comhttps://www.youtube.com/meredithforreal https://www.facebook.com/curiousintrovert

What does it take to help someone not just survive an overdose, but find their way to recovery? This Recovery Month, Brad Finegood, strategic advisor at Public Health – Seattle & King County, illuminates how his team is trying to answer that question. He opens up about losing his brother to an overdose, how that loss shapes his work, and why empathy is central to public health. We discuss how King County, Washington, cut overdose deaths by roughly a third from 2023 to 2025, the tools making a difference—medications, mobile outreach, a post-overdose center, and new crisis care centers—the promise of opioid settlement funds, and campaigns to confront stigma.  Brad Finegood serves as strategic advisor at Public Health Public Health – Seattle & King County where he guides the county's overdose prevention strategy. He has served as drug and alcohol coordinator and health integration specialist for the county's Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, where he also co-chaired the Heroin and Prescription Opioid Task Force. He has more than 25 years of experience in the field, has delivered two TED Talks on substance use, and roots the commitment to his work in the loss of his brother to overdose.  More Links and Information  Check out more Fors Marsh Media Connect or partner with Fors MarshLearn how to recognize an overdoseExplore King County's Opioid Recovery & Care Access CenterContact the National Help Line

Dr. Jeremiah Weinstock is the chair of the Department of Psychology at St. Louis University. He's spoke about some of the defining characteristics of substance use disorders, as well as reflected on the difficulties his patients face while in recovery.

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler speaks with Dr. Tim Wilens about the complex relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders. They discuss how to distinguish ADHD from substance-related cognitive symptoms, determine when co-occurring conditions should be treated concurrently, and select appropriate ADHD medications based on the substance involved. Dr. Wilens also examines stimulant misuse and diversion, the role of nonstimulants, what is known about centanafadine's abuse potential, and practical approaches to monitoring treatment without undermining the therapeutic relationship.  Timothy E. Wilens, MD, is chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is co-director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is the MGH Trustees Chair in Addiction Medicine and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Wilens' research interests include the relationship among ADHD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, embedded health care models, and the pharmacotherapy of ADHD across the lifespan.     Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and EMA Wellness. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Fall Congress   Get $100 off NEI Fall Congress registration with code POD26. Go to https://nei.global/fall to sign up today!   Membership  As a valued NEI Podcast listener, Dr. Cutler's offering you 20% off new NEI Membership with code CUTLER20. Go to https://nei.global/member and join now!  Never miss an episode!

Today, we're tackling a deceptively simple question that comes up all the time in clinical practice: When should we prioritize medication, when should we emphasize psychotherapy, and when can we recommend both? This question comes up especially often with patients who are new to treatment. They'll ask, “Do I need a medication?” or “Can I just do therapy?” And while it's tempting to answer in generalities, the evidence actually gives us much clearer guidelines, depending on the substance that the patient is using. CME: Take the CME Post-Test for this EpisodePublished On: 09/07/2026Duration: 10 minutes, 57 secondsNoah Capurso, MD, and Suzanne Decker, PhD, have disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

Dr. Doug Burgess the medical director of Addiction Services at University Health in Kansas City and teaches psychiatry at UMKC. He spoke about how he got into the field of addiction psychiatry and about some of the misconceptions people — including himself at one point — have about those with substance use disorders.

Today, we're re-releasing my conversation with psychiatrist Anna Lembke on the future of addiction. Whether its substances, screens, or work itself, addiction in some form touches nearly all of our lives either directly or through someone we care about. Anna breaks down the dopamine mechanisms behind addiction of all kinds, from opioids to social media to, in her own case, romance novels, and shares what actually works in recovery, including exercise and structured abstinence. Whether you're thinking about screen habits, substance use, or just how to build healthier routines, this one's well worth another listen. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Anna Lembke Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. (00:01:52) Defining Addiction Why addiction involves compulsive use despite harm, even when the behavior seems ordinary. (00:03:31) Romance Novels and Harm How Lembke's own reading habit became a case study in subtle addiction. (00:05:49) Dopamine and the Addicted Brain What repeated dopamine spikes do to reward pathways and withdrawal symptoms. (00:08:34) Seeing the Problem How naming a compulsive habit can make it visible and open the door to change. (00:10:34) Addiction Medicine Today How the opioid epidemic changed medical training and addiction awareness. (00:12:48) Russ Altman's “Addictions” Russ details his own dopamine habits for the audience. (00:14:37) Exercise and Hormesis Why movement, effort, and discomfort can help restore healthier dopamine patterns. (00:17:22) Dopamine Fasting The self-intervention Dr. Lembke used & her potential cross-addictions. (00:21:22) Vulnerability to Addiction Why genetic risk, family history, and drug of choice shape addiction vulnerability. (00:22:53) The Opioid Epidemic How prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl shaped three waves of crisis. (00:24:51) Fentanyl and Overdose Risk Why counterfeit pills and fentanyl exposure can be lethal even for new users. (00:26:28) Treating Opioid Addiction Why medications like methadone and buprenorphine help restore stability. (00:28:17) The Future of Addiction Why Lembke sees addiction as a long-term challenge across drugs, media, and food. (00:29:22) Conclusion   Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you a grandparent stepping into the role of raising grandchildren, questioning how to build a sanctuary out of chaos—especially when trauma lingers in your family's story? Do legal barriers, relentless exhaustion, or the stigma of addiction leave you feeling stranded, yearning for guidance grounded in real science rather than just willpower? If you've ever wished you could pause the world for a moment of rest or clarity, you are not alone.I'm your host, and for decades, I've worked alongside families like yours—those who've faced down disaster, addiction, and loss while showing up, day after day, for their grandchildren. I know firsthand how shame and blame can seep into the fabric of kinship care, convincing us that struggling means failing. But what if true recovery starts by honoring our limits and building supportive connections, not just for the children in our care but for ourselves?Welcome to "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren." Here, you'll meet experts like Dr. Cristal Bador, a trauma researcher and clinician who translates clinical breakthroughs into kitchen-table strategies for rural caregivers. You'll hear candid conversations about turning exhaustion into resilience, shifting from a narrative of moral failure to systemic recovery, and confronting hard realities like substance use disorder—with dignity and hope.Join our community as we uproot outdated stigmas, spotlight rural wisdom, and gather practical, evidence-based tools to nurture your family through adversity. Together, we'll turn pain into power, redefining what's possible for you and your grandchildren—one informed, compassionate step at a time.Send us Fan MailRethink the child welfare system—what if the real issue isn't funding, but the questions we ask? If you're passionate about social justice, child welfare, or systemic reform—this episode will challenge your perspective and inspire new ways to advocate for change. Join us in shifting the focus from crisis management to family-centered solutions. Reshape the future of child welfare—listen now.  In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook 

Addiction affects millions of people, yet stigma and misunderstanding often prevent people from seeking help. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Jonathan Avery, an addiction psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, about the realities of addiction and recovery. Dr. Avery explains that addiction is more than a problem of willpower. Drawing on research and clinical experience, he discusses how genetics, mental health, trauma, social factors, and brain chemistry all play a role in the development of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. The conversation examines how addictive behaviors, from alcohol use and opioid dependence to gambling and social media use, affect the brain's reward system and why quitting can be so difficult. Dr. Avery also shares how newer treatments, including medications and emerging research on GLP-1 medications, are changing the landscape of addiction care. Finally, Dr. Avery discusses the importance of reducing stigma, building supportive communities, and recognizing that recovery is possible. He offers practical advice for people who may be struggling themselves as well as guidance for supporting loved ones with compassion and understanding. Chapters 00:00 – What Is Addiction? Why addiction is more than a substance, the role of trauma and mental health, and what happens in the brain 05:05 – Gambling, Screens, and Modern Addictions How behavioral addictions affect the brain and why smartphones have changed the landscape 09:00 – Treatment, Recovery, and New Hope Available therapies, medications, emerging GLP-1 research, and why most people do get better 11:30 – Breaking Stigma and Supporting Recovery Why connection matters, how addiction overlaps with mental health, and ways to support loved ones Key Topics Covered Addiction Recovery Substance use disorders Alcohol use disorder Opioid addiction Fentanyl epidemic Behavioral addictions Gambling addiction Social media addiction Gaming addiction Nicotine and vaping Dopamine and reward pathways Withdrawal Mental health and addiction Trauma and addiction Addiction stigma Recovery support Community and connection Addiction treatment Medication-assisted treatment GLP-1 medications Self-medication hypothesis Depression and addiction Anxiety and addiction Addiction psychiatry Key Takeaway Addiction is a complex health condition influenced by brain biology, mental health, life experiences, and environment, not simply a lack of willpower. While quitting can be challenging, effective treatments, supportive communities, and growing understanding of addiction are helping more people achieve lasting recovery. Reaching out for help is often the first and most important step.   Bio: Jonathan Avery, M.D., is an addiction psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and vice chair of addiction psychiatry, a professor of clinical psychiatry, and the Stephen P. Tobin and Dr. Arnold M. Cooper Professor in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is the program director for the addiction psychiatry fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. He also serves as the medical director of the NBA's Anti-Drug Program. Dr. Avery graduated from the New York University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. During residency, he was selected as a Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry Fellow, served as co-chief resident in his final year, and received several awards for his clinical and academic work. He then completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine before joining the faculty at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Avery has published widely in addiction psychiatry, with work spanning clinician attitudes toward patients with addiction, treatment approaches for substance use disorders, and the intersection of mental illness and addiction. He is the founder of the NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine Program for Substance Use and Stigma of Addiction, and his research on stigma has been supported by multiple national grants and awards. He has served on the editorial board for the DSM-5 Clinical Cases book and is the editor and author of more than 10 books, including Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment and The Stigma of Addiction: An Essential Guide. His forthcoming book, Thriving with Addiction: A New Roadmap for Lasting Recovery and Health (Prometheus Books, 2026), explores how recovery can become a pathway to improved brain and physical health. Dr. Avery is also the host of the Thriving with Addiction podcast, where he interviews leading researchers, clinicians, athletes and public figures about addiction, recovery and behavior change. He has received numerous awards for his clinical and academic work, including the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Faculty Innovation in Education Award and the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the New York County Psychiatric Society.

Listen without ads on patreon at: www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast SUMMARY: This week on Dopey, Dave marks eight years since the death of his original co-host and close friend, Chris O'Connor. After celebrating members of Dopey Nation—including brothers Brian and Matt, Laren, Steve Schneider and Jessica—Dave reflects on recovery, character defects and the strange experience of hearing Chris again every week through the Total Dopey Replay.   The heart of the episode is an intimate conversation with Chris's former fiancée, Annie, who is now a surgeon, a wife and the mother of two young children. Annie looks back on finding Chris after his fatal overdose, the trauma that followed and the years it took before that memory stopped feeling frightening and became simply, painfully sad.   Dave and Annie discuss the life Chris never got to live, whether he wanted children, the secrecy surrounding his relapse and the possibility that nobody close to him knew he was using. Annie explains why she ultimately walked away from a planned career treating substance use disorder and why Dopey may offer comfort to some people while remaining too painful for members of Chris's family.   Annie shares a powerful analogy she received shortly after Chris died: in the beginning, grief is the only room in the house. As life continues, you add new rooms—relationships, children, work, friendship and purpose. The grief room never disappears, but it is no longer the only place you can go. That realization leads Dave and Annie to an unexpected connection: recovery from addiction can also be a form of grief. You may never erase the loss or forget the feeling you once chased, but you can build a life large enough that it no longer consumes everything. PLease listen to this very special ChrisMiss Episode.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.