Addiction Medicine Made Easy | Fighting back against addiction

Can smart people really be immune to addiction? On this special bonus episode of the Addiction Medicine Made Easy podcast, Dr. Casey Grover uncovers the truths behind common myths about addiction, drugs, and overdoses. Designed for students from grades 6 through 12, this episode is both engaging and educational, challenging misconceptions such as the addictive potential of cannabis and the dangers of merely touching fentanyl. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how addiction affects decision-making in the brain, making complex medical science both accessible and compelling.

Additionally, we shed light on how a meal can influence alcohol absorption and reduce intoxication risks. Plus, hear a real-life ER story that underscores the life-saving power of Narcan, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses in minutes. Dr. Grover also highlights the staggering statistics surrounding addiction in America, driving home the importance of carrying Narcan in schools and public spaces. This episode is not only informative but also a call to action to help save lives by better understanding and treating addiction.

Curious about the mysterious herb that's causing a stir in both traditional medicine and recreational circles? Join Dr. Casey Grover as we uncover the fascinating details about kratom, a plant from Southeast Asia with unique stimulant and opioid-like properties. You'll learn about its historical uses for pain relief and energy, as well as its modern-day appeal for euphoria. We break down the science behind kratom, from opioid receptor agonism to COX-2 inhibition, and even explore how an overdose mirrors that of opioids. 

Dr. Grover shares insights from a visit to a local smoke shop, revealing how different strains—green, white, and red vein—are marketed and sold, each promising effects like relaxation, energy, and mood enhancement. However, the lack of consumer information about risks such as dependence and withdrawal will leave you questioning just how safe this herb really is.

Dr. Grover also challenges the regulatory frameworks surrounding kratom, juxtaposing it against well-known supplements like St. John's wort and echinacea. You'll discover the startling gaps in labeling and disclosure, particularly concerning its opioid nature and potential for tolerance and dependence. We also dive into why patients might be hesitant to discuss their kratom use with healthcare providers, shedding light on the stigma and misconceptions that contribute to this silence. This episode underscores the urgent need for better regulations and transparent labeling to ensure consumer safety. Thank you for tuning in and prioritizing your health and well-being with us.

Have you ever wondered how early childhood traumas can shape our mental and physical health, leading to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and addiction? Join us as Dr. Casey Grover and Dr. Reb Close unravel these complexities with compelling real-life examples from their extensive careers in addiction medicine and emergency care. Hear a poignant story that underscores the importance of understanding a patient's history and using empathetic, non-stigmatizing language. This discussion promises not just insights but practical tools for healthcare providers to foster trust and compassion in their practice.

Discover how community support and harm reduction strategies are pivotal in battling addiction. We highlight the necessity of Narcan, drawing parallels with everyday safety items such as fire extinguishers and seatbelts. Listen to inspiring stories of community initiatives like fitness programs for recovery and essential item distribution, demonstrating how these efforts build trust and support recovery. Dr. Grover and Dr. Close shed light on the success of these programs, emphasizing the human connection and practical assistance in reducing harm.

Finally, we delve into the critical topic of safe and effective pain management, focusing on the use of buprenorphine. Dr. Close shares a real-life scenario of collaborating with a surgeon to manage a patient's post-operative pain using buprenorphine, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary communication and mutual understanding in patient care. This episode is packed with invaluable insights and compassionate approaches, aiming to equip healthcare providers and anyone interested in addiction medicine with the knowledge to make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.

Curious about how to effectively talk to your kids about the perils of drugs and alcohol? Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I share my personal experiences and practical strategies for starting these critical conversations. Reflecting on a talk I gave at a local school, I unravel the complexities of parenting in the face of substance use, emphasizing the importance of early and regular communication. Through heartfelt anecdotes, including one particular impactful story, we explore best practices for parenting and the necessity of understanding the underlying reasons for substance use among teens.

Discover the transformative power of family and community in preventing addiction. We highlight the significance of strong parental bonds, family meals, and knowing your child's friends and whereabouts. From the success story of Iceland’s national strategy to local initiatives like CrossFit classes and the Reps for Recovery gym, learn how community connections can act as a robust shield against addiction. We also delve into the mental health aspects and the role of resilience and coping strategies in addiction prevention, offering insights into building a supportive environment for your children.

Unearth powerful strategies for recognizing and addressing signs of substance use and managing challenging conversations about addiction. We discuss the warning signs parents should watch for and the risk factors that might lead teens to substance use. Explore approaches for externalizing the problem, using news stories as conversation starters, and engaging young people as experts. Finally, we shine a light on community-based drug prevention organizations and their vital role in combating overdose deaths among young people. 

Discover the life-saving potential of buprenorphine in the fight against opioid overdoses with Dr. Casey Grover on the latest episode of Addiction Medicine Made Easy. We start with a poignant patient story that showcases the remarkable impact of addiction medicine using Topamax for alcohol use disorder. From there, we shift our focus to the powerful effects of buprenorphine in reducing fatal opioid overdoses, especially in the context of acute fentanyl exposures. Drawing on a pivotal 2020 study from the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, we unpack the pharmacological magic behind buprenorphine’s ability to block full agonist opioids and explore its potential to protect during the fentanyl crisis.

Effective communication with patients about buprenorphine is key, and Dr. Grover emphasizes the importance of this in reducing overdose risks. Reflecting on his own practice, he shares how he now approaches conversations about the medication, underlining that while buprenorphine substantially lowers the risk of fatal overdoses, it doesn’t offer complete protection, particularly if not taken regularly. Tune in for actionable advice and insightful discussions designed to elevate your approach to addiction medicine.

Can cannabis put your heart at risk? Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as we unpack groundbreaking research that challenges the widespread perception of cannabis as a harmless, natural remedy. We'll kick off by discussing a revealing study from the Journal of Pain, which found that CBD products may be ineffective for pain relief and even potentially harmful. Then, we delve into a critical study from the Journal of the American Heart Association, shedding light on the alarming rise in cannabis use and cannabis use disorder, and the often-overlooked cardiovascular risks associated with it, such as syncope, stroke, and myocardial infarction.

In this episode, we'll explore the association between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease, presenting it as a likely independent risk factor. You'll discover why it's crucial to counsel patients, especially those already at risk for heart disease, about the potential dangers of cannabis use. This conversation emphasizes the vital role healthcare professionals play in treating substance use disorders and ultimately saving lives. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to provide better care and protect your patients' hearts. 

How does a drug deal work? How do people with addiction find out what their drugs are cut with? Can you ask your dealer if your drugs are cut with fentanyl? In this episode, Dr. Grover interviews Jeremy, who is a former injection drug user about what it's like buying drugs in the illicit market. 

This is a rebroadcast of Episode 64, with improved audio quality

Traditional medicine involves going to the doctor. How is medicine different when we bring the doctor to you? Could we do a better job treating addiction if we brought the doctor to the patient? Better yet - for our unhoused patients - shouldn't we be bringing the doctor to the patient given all the barriers they face? In this episode Dr. Grover interviews Dominique McDowell, who is an experienced healthcare provider – who has worked in a variety of clinic settings – but has done great work with his team using street medicine to treat patients with substance use disorders.

Episode 78. Traditional teaching to medical students about pain management was to give Tylenol, then Advil, then opioids in ever increasing doses without any maximum dose! Turns out that wasn't quite right. In this episode, Dr. Grover and his colleague Dr. Reb Close share their expertise on best practices in pain management, including how to maximize non-opioid and opioid-sparing medication regimens.

Naltrexone - a medication used to reduce alcohol consumption - is usually prescribed on a scheduled basis when treating alcohol use disorder. Could prescribing it to be taken only on drinking days work too?? In this episode Dr. Grover reviews a recent study on how "targeted" naltrexone can be used to reduce alcohol use.