Over the last decade, more and more people seem to be rethinking their drinking. This is in part evident by the recent surge in popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, or beverages that emulate the characteristics of alcoholic beverages but that have zero or very low alcohol content. How many people drinking non-alcoholic beverages? Are these helpful for people trying to reduce alcohol use? Are they harmful? How can science guide policy to help maximize the benefits and minimize the costs of non-alcoholic beverages? In this episode, Dr. Molly Bowdring generously answers our questions and discusses the current science on non-alcoholic beverages, what we still need to know, and how policy might effect any potential harms or benefits to public health. Dr. Molly Bowdring is an Instructor in the Stanford Prevention Research Center and practicing psychologist in the Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic at Stanford University School of Medicine.

In many clinical contexts, substance use disorder is oftentreated separately from posttraumatic stress disorder. Yet, these conditions commonly co-occur and are reciprocally determinant, meaning that the outcomes of a course of treatment for either condition might depend upon treating theother. On this episode, Dr. Sudie Back talks about the importance of treating co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder simultaneously, and the prolonged exposure treatment, COPE, she developed with her colleagues to manage both disorders. Dr. Sudie Back is a professor, and the director of the NIH-sponsored DART research training program, in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is also a psychologist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital.

Behavioral addictions have increased in importance over the past few decades and are perhaps more relevant than ever with the legalization of sports betting across America. However, there is still debate about whether behavioral addictions exist. While some disordered behavior, such as gambling and gaming disorder, have recently received more widespread recognition (as demonstrated by inclusion or consideration in the DSM-5), others, such as sex or food-related addiction, remain controversial. What should we consider when categorizing behaviors as addictions, and how might categorizations impact science and practice? Dr. Josh Grubbs joins us to discuss the journey and complexities of behavioral addictions, whether they are similar or different from substance addictions, and how we might consider treating such conditions moving forward. Dr. Grubbs is an Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico and an investigator at the Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions (CASAA), where he studies compulsive sexual behavior disorder, gambling disorder, and personality characteristics. Find out more about his work here.

The world population is aging. In the United States alone, the population of older adults 65 and up is projected to nearlydouble by 2060, from 49 million in 2016 to 95 million people. This historic change in population demographics will require shifts in public health responses. In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Alexis Kuerbis about how older adults use substances, and the unique factors to consider when working with aging populations. Dr. Alexis Kuerbis is a Social Worker and Professor in the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in the City University of New York and The Graduate Center at CUNY. Dr. Kuerbis also maintains a private practice in New York City. Learn more about her work here.

On this Addiction Psychologist segment, we talk to experts about new policy developments to get a better understanding of the implications for our work, our clients, and our personal lives. On this episode, we talk with Dr. Lara Coughlin about the science of contingency management, recent changes in incentive allowance for contingency management, and how these changes might impact practice. Dr. Lara Coughlin is an assistant professor in the University of Michigan Addiction Center and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School, as well as the Director of the CHOICE lab, the Co-director of the Michigan Innovations in Addiction Care through Research and Education Program and the Faculty Lead of Mental Health Equity at the University of Michigan Eisenburg Family Depression Center.

Learn more about contingency management here, and about the changes to allowable incentives here.

Dr. Kirsten Smith joined us in June 2022 for a wonderful discussion about Kratom. In this episode, she updates us on the volatile changes that have occurred since our last discussion. Dr. Kirsten Smith is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit at Johns Hopkins University. 

If you haven't heard the first episode, make sure to have a listen to get caught up to speed on Kratom!

Although risk of substance use disorder exists for anyone that uses substances, study after study shows that early initiation of substance use in adolescence is a strong predictor of later substance-related problems and is associated with higher risk . What is going on in the brain during adolescence, and how do substances affect it? Dr. Lindsay Squeglia discusses the development of the brain during adolescence and the risks of substance use during adolescence, and attempts to answer our questions about the chicken or the egg. Dr. Squeglia also talks about her efforts to create evidence-based psychoeducation programs about substance use for adolescents and programs to help teens get involved in science. Dr. Lindsay Squeglia is a Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences in the College of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a Co-Director of the MUSC Youth Collaborative. Find out more about her work here.

Gambling continues to grow in popularity in the United States, particularly with the introduction of sport betting. Should we be concerned? Dr. Jeremiah Weinstock joins us to discuss prevalence of gambling disorder, differences between gambling and substance use disorders, and the potential implications o rapidly rising rates of gambling in the United States. Dr. Weinstock is a Professor and the Department Chair in the Department of Psychology at Saint Louis University. You can learn more about his work here.

Alcohol is often consumed around others: at bars or clubs, social events, college parties, or dinner with friends. How does alcohol influence social connection, and vis-a-versa? Why are they so seemingly interconnected? In this episode, Dr. Michael Sayette discusses his research on alcohol's relationship with the social context and the clinical importance of understanding how the acute effects of alcohol influence social connection. Dr. Sayette is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. You can learn more about his work here.

Substance use often initiates in adolescence, and an earlier age of first use is associated with a higher likelihood of lifetime problems. But, do risky behaviors carry the same risks for everybody? Dr. Tammy Chung discusses social determinants of health and racial health disparities in young people and highlights how factors in our society create disparities, resulting in more risk from substance use and other health behaviors for people in some groups than others. Dr. Tammy Chung is the Director of the Center for Population Behavioral Health and a Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers University. Find out more about her work here.