Addiction Practice Pod

In this episode, In this episode, David P. Ball and Dr. Alison Hamilton are back to discuss the coordination and planning required when people with substance use disorders must leave their rural and/or remote communities to receive health care. They first speak with Dr. Pier-Maude Lanteigne, a primary care physician in Nunavut with expertise in addictions medicine. Dr. Lanteigne provides clinical insights and strategies to support patients receiving care away from home. David then hears from Dr. Mona Kwong, a Vancouver-based pharmacist who speaks to how health care providers can support transitions between rural and/or remote communities and urban settings. Finally, David is joined by returning guest from Season 2, Shawn Wood, an advocate for people who use substances and research associate, who shares unique perspectives about enhancing healing supports in rural and remote or Indigenous communities that could reduce the need for travel to urban areas.

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In this episode, host David P. Ball and Dr. Alison Hamilton are back to talk to returning Season 2 guests, research scientist Dr. Geoff Bardwell, and nurse practitioner Kate Hodgson. Listeners may remember Geoff and Kate from Episode 1 - Substance use care in rural and remote contexts, of Season 2. Together, they discuss how OAT telehealth and other virtual services have changed in BC over the past 5 years. Geoff and Kate share unique perspectives about virtual substance use care in rural and remote areas of BC, including challenges and opportunities to meet the needs of local communities, how technology can be leveraged to advance this, and where it falls short.

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In the first episode of Season 7, host David P. Ball is joined by Dr. Alison Hamilton to highlight the work done by clinicians as part of the Provincial Opioid Treatment Access Line (POTAL) to increase access to opioid use disorder treatment across BC. Alison is family and addiction medicine physician with locum experience in 13 rural and remote communities across six provinces and territories in Canada. Alison previously joined as a co-host for an episode in Season 5 and has returned to co-host a 3-episode arc on rural and remote substance use care. David and Alison speak to Dr. Jessica Hann MD, a leader in virtual substance use care with Providence Health Care, to learn about how POTAL came to be, how it works and how it’s accessed, the impact it’s had so far, and important practice considerations when it comes to providing virtual substance use care. David then talks to “Darlene” (pseudonym), a person with lived/living experience of opioid use disorder who has been profoundly affected by having access to virtual substance use care. David and Alison continue the conversation in the next episode, “Virtual Substance Use Care, Part 2: Considerations for Rural & Remote Virtual Care” with two more guests, so make sure to tune in again to hear more about virtual care considerations for rural and remote communities.

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In this episode, host David P. Ball explores how clinicians can more effectively identify and inquire about alcohol use in primary care. He’s joined by Tom Stere, a Tofino district councillor who shares how his lived experience of alcohol use disorder influences his advocacy work, and Dr. Olivia Brooks, a family physician specializing in addictions care in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside who shares helpful tips for both inquiring about and treating alcohol use disorder. This insightful conversation highlights the importance of recognizing when alcohol may be contributing to common clinical concerns, and how compassionate, evidence-informed inquiry can make a meaningful difference in someone’s care.

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In this episode, host David P. Ball dives into the topic of managing benzodiazepine use in primary care. He’s joined by Bill Nelles, a former AIDS nurse and counsellor with lived experience of benzodiazepine use, and Dr. Megan Hill, a family physician with over 10 years of experience in addiction medicine. Together, they offer practical insights for care providers supporting patients to manage or reduce benzodiazepine use. Through real-world examples and grounded clinical advice, the episode highlights how structured, compassionate care can make a meaningful difference.

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In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with Peer Addictions Worker, Heather Edward, and Registered Social Worker, Chelsea Tetrault, who share insights about the role of interdisciplinary teams in a person’s substance use care journey. With a focus on harm reduction and creative problem-solving, Heather and Chelsea illustrate the importance of connection and collaboration across teams and clinics to help people have autonomy in their treatment and recovery care. Listeners will hear practical examples about appointment accompaniment, regular check-ins, and how coordinated, person-centred supports can reduce barriers to health care and sustain stability through treatment.

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In this episode, David P. Ball speaks with Peer Support Specialist Chad Ellsworth and primary care addictions physician Dr. Jacob Sussman about what respectful, person-centred engagement looks like in substance use care. Drawing from lived experience and clinical practice, the guests share how small gestures of kindness and curiosity about a client’s motivations can build trust and support long-term connection to care. This episode highlights real-world experiences of navigating the health care system, the importance of goal setting, and the role that peers play in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in clinical settings.

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In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with Marjory Ditmars, a nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in low-barrier addiction care, and Dominik, who shares lived experience of initiating and stabilizing on opioid agonist treatment (OAT). The guests share insight into the clinical and relational work of initiating OAT, strategies for stabilization, barriers that patients face, and how trauma-informed, patient-centred approaches can support long-term engagement. The episode highlights real-world examples of OAT initiation, outreach, partnerships with other providers, and the importance of patience with care approaches.

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In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with guests Apollo Collin-Gray and Dr. Anees Bahji about how clinicians can engage youth in meaningful, non-judgmental conversations about cannabis in a post-legalization context. They explore why youth use cannabis, how stigma and barriers to health care shape youth choices, and what clinicians can do to create safer, more supportive environments to help youth achieve their health goals. Listeners will hear Apollo share personal experiences of navigating the health system and cannabis use as a young person, followed by Dr. Bahji offering clinical insight on how care providers can engage with young patients who use cannabis with curiosity and compassion. This episode highlights practical strategies for initiating conversations, discussing risks in age-appropriate and non-stigmatizing ways, and how to identify when additional services or treatment may be needed.

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In this episode, journalist David P. Ball and outreach primary care physician Dr. Terri Aldred discuss the importance of culturally safe and trauma informed substance use care for Indigenous communities. Dr. Aldred shares how her lived experience informs her medical practice, caring for Indigenous Peoples experiencing challenges rooted in colonialism, systemic racism, and health inequities. David and Dr. Aldred also speak with Angela Thomson, Indigenous Wellness Liaison at St. Paul’s Hospital. Angela highlights how Indigenous Wellness Liaisons strengthen communication and build trust between patients and clinicians, which can promote positive health care experiences. Finally, Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer for Indigenous Health, explores how Indigenous-specific racism is woven into our health care system and how cultural humility and accountability influence clinical practice. Dr. Behn Smith also discusses systemic barriers to care for Indigenous Peoples and the need for culturally grounded, decolonizing approaches to care.

Access the show notes here.