Cracking Addiction

By MeducateMedicine Health & Fitness

Cracking Addiction episodes

December 14, 2022 Prescription opioid use disorder
In this episode of Cracking Addiction I speak with Associate Professor Suzanne Nielsen about the opioid epidemic and what we can do about it.
In the USA there seems to be more a problem with heroin whereas in Australia we are struggling with prescription opioid dependence. Even though a doctor may be prescribing your pain killers, it is still possible to become addicted to pain killers. The traditional treatments we have for opioid dependence in general include methadone and buprenorphine based opioid replacement therapy.
A recent addition to the family includes the Long -Acting Injectable Buprenorphine therapies, commonly referred to as “the Injection”. Patients who struggle with prescription opioid use disorder (which has been referred to as “pain killer addiction”) also benefit from opioid replacement therapy.
Suzanne’s research over the last ten years has proven that the same therapies that work for heroin dependency, also work for prescription opioid dependency.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
20 min
December 07, 2022 Addiction Medicine vs. General Practice
In episode 69 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the difference and similarities between general practice and Addiction Medicine. We discuss Addiction Medicine consultation liaison services in hospital, inpatient and community management options with regards to Addiction Medicine. Lastly we discuss the role general practitioners play in managing patients with substance use disorders within the community and the breadth of community presentations and continuity of care that they provide their patients.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
26 min
November 30, 2022 Gabapentinoids
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the class of drugs known as gabapentinoids, a group of GABA analogues. In this episode we discuss the clinical uses of gabapentinoids and also the increasing rates of prescription of gabapentinoids in recent years and the resultant harms associated with gabapentinoids including the risks of dependence/addiction as well as increased rates of overdose and polypharmacy harms.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
21 min
November 23, 2022 MDMA and stimulant withdrawal
In episode 67 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the management of acute intoxication of MDMA and discuss the principles of both MDMA and stimulant withdrawal including supportive management options as well as the importance of psychosocial interventions in particular contingency management and CBT based interventions.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
18 min
November 16, 2022 MDMA / Ecstasy
In episode 66 of Cracking Addiction we discuss MDMA or ecstacy and discuss its analogues PMA and PMMA and discuss the pharmacokinetics of these drugs, the unique properties of MDMA as both an atypical amphetamine-type substance and its effects as an empathogen. We also discuss the usage as both a recreational drug but also the new and emerging evidence of the clinical effects and benefits of MDMA and its increased usage in medical practice. MDMA has many effects on the body and we discuss the effects of MDMA on the brain, heart and liver in particular as well as some of the side effects of MDMA.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
27 min
November 09, 2022 GHB Withdrawal
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the timeframe of GHB withdrawal, the severe and significant symptoms of GHB withdrawal and the potential life threatening sequelae of GHB withdrawal. We explore the approach to GHB withdrawal management including medications that can assist to manage these symptoms and the need to speak specialist help promptly given the potential for significant deterioration.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
20 min
November 02, 2022 GHB
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss GHB and its analogs GBL and 1,4-butanediol and the differences between these drugs. We explore the clinical indications for GHB as well as the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of this drug. We discuss the side effects of GHB and some of the symptoms of GHB withdrawal.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
16 min
October 26, 2022Higher and Friendly Powers
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we speak to Professor Peg O'Connor, a professor of moral philosophy who is in recovery from alcohol use disorder and who addresses an audience much like herself: those in recovery who have struggled with the Christian-centric God at the heart of Alcoholics Anonymous. She brings our attention to a little-known fact: the term “higher power,” a touchstone in the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, was coined by William James, philosopher, psychologist, and intellectual giant of the early 20th century.
In this book Professor O'Connor addresses concepts such as:
Understanding the Concept of “Higher Power” at the Heart of the 12-Step Program
Why There Must Be Multiple Paths out of Addiction and No One is the Best or Right
Why Needs in Recovery Change over Time
Undertaking Spiritual Recovery in AA without a Religious Denomination

Professor O'Connor's book 'Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering' can be ordered from her website: https://pegoconnorauthor.com/ as well as Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wildhouse Publications.
36 min
October 19, 2022 Using drugs in hospital
In this episode of Cracking
Addiction we discuss people who use drugs whilst in hospital and discuss
the ethics of treating people who use drugs, harm reduction measures
that can assist with patient engagement, the stigma and marginalisation
people who use drugs experience and the evidence and ethics around
behaviour contracts.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
22 min
October 12, 2022 What is Kamini?and is it safe?
Kamini an Ayurvedic opiate-Kamini or Kamini Vidrawan Ras is an Ayurvedic medicine containing opiates as well as some heavy metals. It is a medicine marketed for a variety of indications ranging from premature ejaculation and impotence to increased stamina. There is increased recognition and awareness of patients presenting to specialist Addiction Medicine services with opioid dependence secondary to Kamini Vidrawan Ras often requiring treatment with opioid substitution therapy.
Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.
Latest Blogs
https://www.meducate.com.au/blog
About Meducate ®
Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.
See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au
17 min

About Cracking Addiction

From the publisher's feed

Seeking answers about addiction or supporting someone on the path to recovery? Welcome to Cracking Addiction, the podcast that empowers you with knowledge and hope.