Podcasts about substance use disorders

Kurt grew up in a Christian home where his parents were very involved in ministry outreaches to the poor, outcast, and downtrodden. From a young age he was impressed by the joy and fulfillment of seeing lives restored and hope given to the hopeless. He determined early on that he wanted to follow Christ and make a real and lasting difference in people's lives. Although Dr. Bravata did not initially set out to become an addictionologist, he soon felt called by God to share his grace by helping to lead people out of lives of deeply rooted hurt, dysfunction, and addiction. As a Family Physician Dr. Bravata simply responded to the need for effective, evidence-based treatment of Substance Use Disorders in his rural patient population. This growing passion led Dr. Bravata to seek education in addiction medicine, become DATA 2000 waivered to prescribe buprenorphine, and eventually obtain Addiction Medicine Board Certification through the practice pathway provided by the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM). Along the way, Dr. Bravata has been involved in local and national Family and Addiction Medicine leadership, education, and publication. To learn more about Dr Bravata, you can find him under the handle livefreeordiet on Facebook, X, Truth Social, and Instagram, or you can find his book at livefreeordiet.com or anywhere books are sold. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Dr. Nicolas Garel joins the podcast to discuss findings from his new article in the September/October issue of the Journal of Addiction Medicine titled Increased Risks of Major Cardiac Adverse Events in Stimulant Use Disorder as Compared With Other Substance Use Disorders: A Propensity-score Matching Cohort Study. Dr. Nicolas Garel is a psychiatrist and clinician-scientist at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM). He is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Université de Montréal and adjunct professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. Dr. Garel completed his medical degree at the Université de Montréal, followed by his psychiatry residency and clinician-scientist fellowship at McGill University, and later pursued advanced training in research and addiction medicine at Stanford University. His research program focuses on innovative interventions for treatment-resistant mood disorders and substance use disorders.   Article Link: Increased Risks of Major Cardiac Adverse Events in Stimulant Use Disorder as Compared With Other Substance Use Disorders: A Propensity-score Matching Cohort Study  

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with the founder and director of Throttle & Thrive, A first responder and veteran, male only, recovery center located in the beautiful neighborhood of Palos Verdes Estates out in Cali. Shavon and I discussed her calling to establish this program and just as important the mission of saving lives within a community she and her staff care deeply about. Something she said to me really hit home. "We aren't just saving men from themselves, we are giving families back their fathers and husbands. If you or someone you know is struggling to get back to the man you once were, share this episode, give us a call and let's get it done! https://throttleandthrive.com/tel:805.701.1309More info on Shavon and Throttle & ThriveThrottle & Thrive is a men's only, 6-bed detox and residential (inpatient) substance misuse treatment program exclusively for First Responders and Veterans. We are a 12-step program and place emphasis on processing trauma through a variety of different modalities including EMDR. Throttle & Thrive is licensed by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) as a dual-diagnosis facility for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health. We are accredited by the Joint Commission and accept most medical insurance policies.Thank you for taking the time to give this podcast a listen. If you would like more information on other Law enforcement Life Coach initiatives, our "Sometimes Heroes Need Help" wellness seminar or our One-On-One life coaching please visit :www.lawenforcementlifecoach.comJohn@lawenforcementlifecoach.comAnd if you would like to watch the interview you can view it in it's entirety on the Law Enforcement Life Coach YouTube Channel : https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCib6HRqAFO08gAkZQ-B9Ajw/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

This episode features an in-depth discussion with Tom, Director of Withdrawal Management and Residential Services, and Dani, Senior Director of Residential Services at CommQuest. Together, they explore substance use disorder as a medical condition—one that affects the brain, behavior, and overall quality of life, but is also highly treatable with the right support. Through clear, compassionate conversation, they address common misconceptions, the impact of stigma, and the real barriers that prevent individuals and families from seeking care.This episode also highlights how treatment has evolved to become more person-centered, evidence-based, and holistic, including integrated mental health care, medication-assisted treatment, withdrawal management, and recovery supports. Tom and Dani offer practical guidance for individuals considering treatment, as well as for family members supporting a loved one, emphasizing hope, education, boundaries, and the importance of seeking help. Their message is clear: recovery is possible, help is available, and no one has to navigate this journey alone.For more information about CommQuest please visit: https://www.commquest.org/

Michaela shares her powerful recovery journey shaped by trauma, homelessness, substance use, and mental health struggles. After surviving a suicide attempt that became her turning point, she found healing through peer support, holistic practices, and breathwork. Now the Executive Director of Advocacy Unlimited, Michaela reflects on long-term recovery, embodied healing, and helping others reconnect with themselves beyond their circumstances.00:00 Intro & long-term recovery01:00 What Advocacy Unlimited does02:00 Childhood trauma and early substance use03:00 Pregnancy, getting sober, and pushing everything down04:45 Relapse, suicide attempt, and rock bottom05:30 Choosing to live and beginning recovery06:45 Early recovery and learning adulthood08:30 Education, identity, and rebuilding life10:30 Finding purpose through advocacy work12:00 Discovering holistic and mind-body healing14:30 Recovery beyond sobriety16:00 Breathwork and nervous system regulation19:00 Guided breathwork practice24:00 How breathwork changed relationships and work25:00 Advocacy Unlimited programs & resources28:00 How to get involved / closing ----Across the Web----

Release is not recovery, unless we build a bridge. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon is joined by Dr. Joshua Hall, FAOAAM, to examine what it truly takes to rehabilitate substance use disorder at the moment people leave incarceration, when the risk of overdose and recidivism is highest. Dr. Hall is the Medical Director and Senior Quality Officer at Crossroads Treatment Center and Chief Medical Officer at The Phoenix Center in South Carolina. Dual board-certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, he has dedicated his career to advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system. Drawing from his clinical experience and personal journey, Dr. Hall shares insights into South Carolina's innovative soft re-entry model, a program that begins engagement during incarceration and continues seamlessly after release. The approach combines medication-assisted treatment, peer support, and continuity of care to intercept relapse, reduce recidivism, and support long-term stability. Together, Sharlee and Dr. Hall explore why the weeks following release are the most dangerous, and the most powerful, window for change, and how treating addiction as a medical condition, not a moral failure, can transform lives, families, and communities.   For more information about Crossroads Treatment Center, please visit: https://www.crossroadstreatmentcenters.com Learn more about the Soft Re-entry Program, please visit: https://www.crossroadstreatmentcenters.com/soft-re-entry-program/ For more information about the Crossroads Annual Outcomes report, please visit: https://www.crossroadstreatmentcenters.com/2024-annual-outcomes-report/ If you would like to refer someone, call 877-848-9294 or visit: https://www.crossroadstreatmentcenters.com/refer-someone-now/ If you are an individual looking for support, please call  855-694-8288 Connect with Crossroads on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossroadscenters Connect with Crossroads on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/crossroadscenters/ Connect with Crossroads on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@crossroadscenters Connect with Crossroads on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CrossroadsCenters

In this episode, we discuss a recently released research snapshot titled, “Substance Use Disorders Among Utah Women: A 2025 Update.” This snapshot examines how substance use disorders (SUDs) affect women in Utah and across the United States. Using state and national data, the report explores whether Utah's patterns align with or diverge from national trends. The analysis highlights three key areas: prevalence and demographic differences in substance use among women; the intersection of women's health, pregnancy, and trauma; and current efforts and programs aimed at reducing substance use disorders throughout Utah. What stories do the data tell about women's experiences with substance use in Utah? We'll explore all of that and more in today's episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, an Extension Professor of Leadership at Utah State University and the Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project and A Bolder Way Forward, is joined by two guests. First, Corinne Clarkson, co-author of the report and Research Associate for the Utah Women & Leadership Project. Second, Rachel Denton, co-author of the report and a licensed clinical social worker. Support the show

People don't have substance use disorders in isolation. Their family, friends, and colleagues all experience, as Lisa Katona Smith, M.Ed., says, "feelings of anger, fear, and shame that fracture relationships with loved ones at a time when they are needed most." Lisa is a certified Peer Recovery Specialist, family consultant, TEDx speaker, and author of the book, "Parallel Recovery: A Guide for Those Who Love Someone Struggling with Substance Use Disorder." Inspired by her personal experience navigating a family member's addiction and motivated by the limitations of traditional support models, she created Parallel Recovery® — a structured, compassionate framework that gives a voice to the untold side of recovery and redefines how families support loved ones through substance use disorder. Lisa and Parallel Recovery can be reached at https://lisakatonasmith.com/. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

In this conversation, Christina Dent and Stacey McKenna discuss the complexities of substance use, particularly in relation to motherhood and pregnancy. Stacey shares her personal journey with methamphetamine use and how it shaped her research as a medical anthropologist. They explore the impact of policies on substance use, the emotional context behind addiction, and the stigma surrounding mothers who use substances. The discussion emphasizes the importance of supportive environments and effective treatment options, particularly medications for opioid use disorder, to improve outcomes for both mothers and their children.   About Stacey: Stacey McKenna is a medical anthropologist and senior fellow in integrated harm reduction at the R Street Institute. She has conducted research on substance use and addiction in the United States and Malawi. In her work with R Street, she studies and writes about how policy affects people's abilities to protect their health.   Keywords: substance use, addiction, motherhood, prenatal care, harm reduction, policy, recovery, stigma, mental health, support systems

Productivity Losses From Substance Use Disorder in the U.S. in 2023 American Journal of Preventive Medicine Information on morbidity-related productivity losses attributable to substance use disorder is limited. This study estimates morbidity-related productivity losses attributable to substance use disorder among U.S. adults aged ≥18 years in 2023. It found that total morbidity-related productivity losses attributable to substance use disorder in the U.S. are substantial, amounting to $92.65 billion in 2023. Inability to work cost accounted for $45.25 billion, followed by absenteeism cost of $25.65 billion, presenteeism cost of $12.06 billion, and cost of household productivity loss of $9.68 billion. Given that these estimates depend on the prevalence of substance use disorder and the amount of lost productive time, evidence-based prevention efforts and policies addressing them can help reduce these losses.   Read this issue of the ASAM Weekly Subscribe to the ASAM Weekly Visit ASAM

Those who have faced it know it well: substance use disorder does not discriminate. But addiction treatment can look different for everyone. That's why Fraser, a Minnesota-based autism services program, has launched a new substance use disorder treatment program specifically for Minnesotans on the autism spectrum. To get a better picture of how their services look different from a traditional addiction treatment program, Aric Jensen, the vice president of the outpatient and community-based mental health program at Fraser, joined MPR News host Nina Moini.

Healing the Addiction Crisis: A Blueprint for the ChurchMike and Glenn are joined by author and recovery advocate Keton Douglass to discuss the devastating opioid epidemic that is sweeping across all demographics and borders. Douglass, who champions the collective mantra of "Being Hope Dealers," is working on the front lines to raise recovery awareness, specifically focusing on education at the church level.The conversation highlights:The Blueprint: Her book, The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of Addiction, offers a systemic approach to addiction education and awareness.iTHIRST Ministry: Douglass's involvement with iTHIRST, a mission dedicated to bringing hope to the over 45 million Americans suffering from Substance Use Disorders.Spiritual Healing: The core belief that spiritual healing is the glue to recovery.Mutual Healing: The idea that "mutually broken people can help heal each other."The Church's Role: The agreed-upon necessity for churches to act as "hospitals for the sick," with iTHIRST providing the tools to be "the hands to healing" in 45 states.(Part 1 of 2)

Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Question: I have been fostering our grandchild since March. It is now almost September. Both biological parents had drug addiction. Bio mom was on a trial home visit, but used this as the reason our grandchild is with us. After the trial home visit ended, bio mom was still getting supervised visits 2x a week. After every visit, the little one was dysregulated and started biting and hitting the daycare kiddos and the provider, and would also act out towards us. She is only 15 months old. Both parents terminated their rights in May, and that is when I put a stop to the visits. We know bio mom was still using while having her supervised visits. I give weekly updates and photos to bio mom. But she keeps pushing for (in-person) visits, and I can't do visits, as I don't know if bio mom is clean or still using. She has had 13 years of using and has found loopholes in the system to keep seeing her other kids, when she doesn't have custody of them. Since we stopped visiting, my grandchild has become more stable and regulated and has stopped biting and hitting. Our caseworker has filed the adoption papers, and we will soon finalize the adoption. Bio mom is still using, and she tells me she is an alienated parent, and that I am keeping her from her child. Am I doing the right thing by not letting her see the child?Resources:How Do You Manage Relationships with Birth Parents with Substance Use Disorders?Open Adoption With Addicted Birth Parents5 Tips for Navigating Sticky Situations with Birth ParentsPractical Help for Shared Parenting in Kinship CaregivingSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

In the spring of 2017, the phone calls came almost every day. Tina Stadig always stayed in touch with her twin sister, no matter where life had taken her. The last time they spoke, Tina talked about what was next in her life. She mentioned finding a new place to land, possibly with her sister, like old times.They never made a plan. And then, one day, the calls stopped. Days passed. Then weeks. And the silence that followed was louder than any conversation they'd ever had. It would take months before anyone realized just how long Tina had been gone… and by then, the search for answers had already become something much more complicated.At the time of her disappearance in 2017, Tina was described as white with brown hair and hazel eyes, about 5-foot-2 and 140 pounds. She might be carrying a backpack and trash bag with her personal belongings inside, and was known to frequent Skowhegan, Waterville and Bangor. If you have any information that could help determine Tina Stadig's whereabouts, please call the Skowhegan Police Department at (207) 474-6908.If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, you're not alone and help is available.The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free support and education for individuals and families. You can call the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, that's 1-800-950-6264, or visit nami.org to chat online.You can also visit shatterproof.org, a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to ending addiction stigma and helping families find treatment and recovery resources.View source material and photos for this episode at: darkdowneast.com/tinastadig Dark Downeast is an Audiochuck and Kylie Media production hosted by Kylie Low.Follow @darkdowneast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTokTo suggest a case visit darkdowneast.com/submit-case Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.