GLP-1 medications have quickly become one of the most talked-about topics in healthcare—and they raise important questions for clinicians caring for patients with substance use disorders. In the first episode of the Governor’s Institute’s new Hot Topics series, Dr. Michael Baca-Atlas joins us for a practical conversation about GLP-1s and what clinicians should know.

Each episode explores a timely clinical topic related to substance use disorders and highlights three key takeaways clinicians can put into practice. In upcoming episodes, we’ll take a closer look at cannabis, Kratom, 7-OH, and perinatal substance use disorder.

Michael Baca-Atlas, MD, FASAM, completed his undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, College Park, and medical school at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his Family Medicine residency at UNC as well as an Addiction Medicine fellowship at UNC in the Department of Psychiatry. He serves as the associate medical director for the
Tobacco Treatment Program as well as a medical consultant for UNC Horizons, a program that serves women, including those who are pregnant or parenting with substance use disorders. He serves as medical director of UNC REACH Enhanced Primary Care where he sees patients with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. He also serves as an attending on the inpatient family medicine
service at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus. He teaches addiction medicine fellows, family medicine/psychiatry/nurse practitioner residents, and medical and nurse practitioner students in various clinical settings.

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In the final episode of the Tarang series, Pooja Mehta sits down with two individuals who share their personal recovery journeys and perspectives on substance use and mental health in AAPI communities. 

Together, they reflect on the role of culture, identity, community, and support, while offering hope and insight for others navigating similar challenges.

Courtesy: music by audionautix.com.

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In Part 2 of our Tarang series, two clinicians share what they’re seeing in practice when it comes to substance use and mental health in AAPI communities. Drawing from both professional and lived experience, the conversation explores cultural barriers to care, stigma, connection, and the importance of culturally responsive support.

Courtesy: music by audionautix.com.

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In the first episode of our Tarang series, we’re joined by Pooja Mehta, creator of Tarang, to explore substance use disorder in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Together, we discuss stigma, cultural dynamics, barriers to care, and why culturally responsive outreach and engagement are essential to improving access and support.

Courtesy: music by audionautix.com.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.

In this special update, we’re offering a preview of the 2026 Addiction Medicine Conference, taking place April 9–11 in Asheville, North Carolina, with both in-person and virtual attendance options.

We discuss key topics, including substance use disorder treatment, co-occurring mental health conditions, patient-centered care, and emerging drug trends, along with opportunities for nearly 20 hours of CME for healthcare providers.

Conference details + registration: https://addiction-medicine.org/spring-conference

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Dr. David Ryan returns for Part 2 of his presentation from the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians Alcohol Use Training Webinar. Building on the foundations from Part 1, this session takes a closer look at treatment options for alcohol use disorder.

Dr. Ryan walks through FDA-approved medications, behavioral interventions, and the importance of connecting patients to ongoing support.

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Dr. David Ryan shares Part 1 of his presentation from the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians Alcohol Use Training Webinar. This session covers how to recognize when alcohol use becomes a concern, with an overview of screening tools, diagnostic criteria, and the neurobiology of addiction.

Dr. Ryan also discusses current drinking guidelines, population-level risks, and key points from the epidemiology of alcohol use. It’s a practical, evidence-based look at how providers can better identify and understand alcohol use disorder in clinical settings.

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In this episode, host Cheryl Viracola, Director of Practice Advancement with the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, speaks with Dr. Vera Reinstein and Dr. Charles McCormick about how prescribers and pharmacists can work together to expand access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

They explore how collaborative care models make treatment more accessible, the role of prescribers in initiating partnerships, and practical steps to build these connections.

Listeners will also learn about the PhARM-OUD Guideline and resources that support both providers and pharmacists in improving patient care.

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In this episode, host Pollen Williamson, Director of Physician and Advanced Practice Provider Initiatives at the Governor’s Institute, sits down with Dr. Michael Baca-Atlas—family physician, addiction medicine specialist, and current President of the North Carolina Society of Addiction Medicine (NCSAM).

Together, they explore the vital role of NCSAM, the benefits of membership, and how the organization is advancing care in the Tar Heel State.

Listen now to get insight on how you can connect, grow and make an impact.

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In this episode, Peter Rives, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA, shares his presentation from the Governor’s Institute’s 2025 Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Conference. Focused on motivational interviewing (MI), this session explores how MI can be used to effectively engage adolescents in conversations about behavior change—especially when they're feeling unsure or resistant.

Peter breaks down the core principles and spirit of motivational interviewing, offers practical tips for applying MI techniques in real-life clinical settings, and highlights common challenges providers may face when working with young people navigating substance use.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.