Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I provide a comprehensive guide to treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy, examining evidence-based approaches that protect both mother and baby through critical periods of care. The statistics are sobering - opioid use disorder in pregnancy has more than doubled in recent years, with overdoses now a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death.

• Two major medical societies (ACOG and ASAM) recommend treating with methadone or buprenorphine rather than attempting medication-free withdrawal
• Buprenorphine shows slight advantages over methadone for pregnancy outcomes, but the best choice is whichever medication keeps the mother sober
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when babies experience withdrawal after birth, but can often be managed with supportive care rather than medication
• Medication dosages often need adjustment during pregnancy as increased blood volume dilutes medication concentration
• Breastfeeding is compatible with both methadone and buprenorphine treatment
• The postpartum period brings unique challenges that increase relapse risk, requiring enhanced support for new mothers
• Two patient cases illustrate both successful treatment and the challenges of maintaining recovery while parenting a newborn

Visit centralcoastoverdoseprevention.org to learn more about preventing overdose deaths in your community.

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]

This episode provides a deep dive into the complexities of addiction medicine learned from seeing patients in my practice. Through real patient cases, I highlight the importance of tailored approaches to addiction that consider both the physiological and psychological aspects of recovery.

We discuss
• Insights into demographics of substance use in a rural setting 
• The effectiveness of dual medication therapies for alcohol use disorder 
• The link between trauma and substance use disorders 
• Emerging concerns surrounding kratom as a public health issue 
• The significance of managing co-occurring ADHD in addiction treatment

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]

This episode delves into the role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in treating cannabis use disorder, exploring scientific studies and their findings. Listeners will gain insights on the efficacy of NAC, its potential in addiction treatment, and practical considerations for use.

• Overview of cannabis use disorder statistics and the need for treatment options 
• Explanation of N-acetylcysteine and its mechanism of action in addiction 
• Review of clinical trials evaluating NAC's effectiveness in reducing cannabis use 

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To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]

Trauma plays a pivotal role in the journey of addiction, with many individuals using substances as a means to cope with unresolved issues. Addressing PTSD is crucial for effective recovery, as understanding the link between trauma and addiction can empower individuals toward healing. 

In this episode we discuss:
• Trauma and its historical context in PTSD understanding 
• Description of brain responses to trauma and the feedback loop 
• Big T and little t traumas and their cumulative effects 
• The connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult illnesses 
• The importance of a trauma-informed approach in treatment 
• Case studies illustrating the impact of trauma on addiction recovery 
• Recommendations for therapeutic interventions and medication options

I reference a podcast episode at the beginning of the episode. Here's a link to that episode

https://lemonadamedia.com/podcast/trauma-with-dr-gabor-mate/

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]

Understanding the teenage brain’s vulnerability to addiction can help parents and educators guide youth more effectively. This episode explores the brain's development, early drug use risks, emotional impairment, and effective prevention strategies drawn from successful programs like Iceland's. 

Key points:
• Teenage brains develop until around age 26, with the prefrontal cortex being critical for decision-making 
• Early substance use increases the risk of developing addiction 
• Social and emotional learning is impaired by drugs and alcohol 
• Nick Sheff's story highlights the long-term effects of early addiction 
• Dopamine plays a crucial role in pleasure, survival, and addiction risk 
• Teenagers have lower baseline dopamine levels, driving them to seek new experiences 
• Iceland's approach to reducing adolescent addiction focuses on positive activities and parental engagement 
• Organized activities are protective against addiction, creating positive environments for teens 
• Conclusion emphasizes the critical role of understanding and intervention in preventing addiction'

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]

Can personal stories of struggle and resilience reshape our understanding of addiction? The answer is YES! My patients teach me about addiction all the time!

Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I share the powerful stories of three patients whose experiences challenge society’s perceptions of addiction. Their journeys highlight the need for understanding over judgment and the vital role healthcare providers play in supporting those in need.  

This episode is a heartfelt call to action. Byy raising awareness and extending support, we can improve addiction treatment and break the stigma surrounding this complex issue. Listen in and join a community committed to compassion, advocacy, and meaningful change.

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]

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 psychology

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]

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 empowerment

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected] 

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 outreach

To contact Dr. Grover: [email protected]

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: [email protected]