Evan Morgan, a dedicated fire captain from Central California, provides a raw and deeply personal account of his struggle with addiction, illustrating the harsh realities faced by healthcare professionals battling the stigma that comes with it. Once an ambitious student experimenting with drugs, Evan’s journey spiraled into dependency on prescription painkillers after a workplace injury. His candid narrative reveals the devastating effects of addiction on his professional life and personal relationships, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the internal conflicts of a first responder caught between duty and dependency.

Listeners will discover how Evan's life took a pivotal turn when an encounter with law enforcement acted as a much-needed wake-up call. The story unfolds to reveal the weight of maintaining a paramedic career while wrestling with a Dilaudid addiction and the unexpected relief that came with being honest about his struggles. With backing from his supportive fire department chiefs, Evan embarked on a rehabilitation journey at the International Association of Firefighters in Maryland, which ultimately led him to sobriety. Through his inspirational account, we explore the power of transparency and the surprising support system that can emerge when someone is brave enough to ask for help.

Our episode underscores the critical need to shift perceptions around addiction in professional settings, with a focus on reducing stigma through empathy and understanding. Evan's experience exemplifies how sharing personal stories can foster compassion and break down prejudices in healthcare environments. By shedding light on the prevalent issues of substance abuse and PTSD among first responders, we aim to promote a culture of support and awareness, encouraging others to view addiction through a more compassionate lens. Join us as we commit to creating resources and raising awareness for addiction treatment, inspired by the bravery and resilience of those like Evan.

Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, on an eye-opening journey as we tackle the tough questions surrounding addiction medicine.

We start by discovering why cannabis isn't the harmless plant many believe it to be, especially in the context of recovery. Drawing from a compelling study, we reveal how cannabis use in sober living environments may set the stage for relapse into alcohol and other drugs, challenging the notion that it can coexist with sobriety.

But that's just the beginning. We next do a deep dive into dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful hallucinogen stirring curiosity in addiction treatment circles. From its natural origins to its historical significance in traditional ayahuasca ceremonies, we explore DMT's unique effects and how they differ based on how it's taken.

In our quest to understand hallucinogens in addiction treatment, we discuss hallucinogen use disorder. With no medication-assisted treatment available, we emphasize the need to address underlying mental health issues. As we finish the episode, we explore emerging research on the therapeutic possibilities of hallucinogens like psilocybin in the treatment of other substance use disorders.

References:

Madam Noire link: https://madamenoire.com/1331923/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ayahuasca/

Addiction Medicine Textbook link: https://shop.lww.com/The-ASAM-Essentials-of-Addiction-Medicine/p/9781975107956

To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Imagine battling substance addiction for decades, only to find your path to recovery through personal growth and self-awareness. In this heartfelt episode, I, Dr. Casey Grover, sit down with Paul Giovino, a Monterey resident who courageously shares his transformative journey from dependency to resilience. Paul's story is not just about overcoming addiction; it's about addressing the emotional roots of substance use and finding strength in building self-esteem. Together, we explore the significant hurdles he faced, from professional setbacks to health challenges, and the pivotal role of personal development activities in his recovery process.

As we navigate the complexities of opioid addiction treatment, we uncover the challenges posed by substances like fentanyl and the groundbreaking impact of treatments such as buprenorphine. Our conversation sheds light on the societal stigma surrounding treatments like methadone, which can often hinder recovery efforts. Through personal anecdotes, we discuss how individual differences in brain chemistry influence responses to opioids, and the ongoing struggle to overcome self-shame and societal misconceptions. It's a deep dive into the science and personal stories behind addiction, shedding light on how these factors play into the recovery journey.

Community support emerges as a key theme in our discussion, emphasizing how networks like Alcoholics Anonymous can be instrumental in maintaining sobriety. We highlight the importance of creating compassionate and stigma-free healthcare environments, and how education is crucial in transforming addiction treatment. By sharing Paul's inspirational story, we underscore the life-saving impact of early access to addiction care and the power of a supportive community in fostering resilience and self-awareness. Join us for an episode that reminds us of the profound truth: treating addiction saves lives.

To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Discover the transformative potential of ADHD medications in addiction treatment as we bring you a captivating discussion with Dr. Justin Mohatt, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist. Dr. Mohatt joins us to unravel the complexities of using ADHD medications to combat stimulant addiction, shedding light on how these drugs can make a difference. We'll explore a myriad of medications, including guanfacine, clonidine, and atomoxetine, and discuss their respective roles in addressing adult ADHD and substance use disorders. Learn the importance of a meticulous diagnostic process to distinguish ADHD from other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, ensuring a tailored approach to treatment.

We navigate the nuanced landscape of ADHD in adults with a history of substance use, emphasizing the critical role of family insights to inform diagnoses beyond self-reports. The conversation underscores the careful application of stimulants for ADHD, even in those with stimulant use disorders, while presenting Vyvanse as a potentially safer choice. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine receive special attention for their dual role in treating ADHD and co-occurring anxiety, offering a glimpse into strategies for managing side effects and insurance hurdles. Hear how non-addictive alternatives could provide solutions for patients who haven't found success with traditional medications.

As we delve deeper into co-occurring ADHD and trauma, Dr. Mohatt discusses the potential benefits of alpha agonists and other non-stimulant options in treating complex cases involving PTSD and substance use disorders. Together, Dr. Mohatt and I affirm the importance of addressing ADHD within addiction treatment to foster recovery and improve cognitive function, offering a beacon of hope for those navigating these intertwined challenges.

To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

This is a bonus episode. I was asked to speak at several schools in the area around where I work about drugs and alcohol - both to students and to parents.

I wanted to make the education as impactful and real as possible. So I focused on the substances that are most likely to affect our youth and their families - alcohol, cannabis, nicotine/vaping, and fentanyl.

To help make my presentation as real as possible, I actually went to a liquor store, a tobacco shop, and a cannabis dispensary to look at how these products are sold and marketed - and how to interpret the labels on them.

Whether you are a student, a parent, or just a person concerned about substance use, I know you will learn something from this lecture. If you're looking to start a conversation with your loved one about drug and alcohol use, this lecture will help educate you on the current state of addiction, and give you information on how to start that conversation about drugs and alcohol.

To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Ever wondered if a plant could be both a herbal remedy and a controversial subject in addiction medicine? Join us as we uncover the multifaceted nature of Kratom with Dr. Sonia Del Tredici and Dr. John Keenan from the Addiction Medicine Journal Club podcast for a journal club style episode on Kratom. Together, we explore Kratom's historical uses for pain relief and fatigue management and its growing popularity as an aid in opioid withdrawal. This episode promises to give you a thorough understanding of its pharmacological effects, including interactions with opioid receptors and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Our conversation shifts to the intriguing trends in Kratom usage across the United States. We dissect three recent studies on Kratom, highlighting Kratom's allure as a perceived safer option for managing anxiety, depression, and pain. Despite its benefits, we don't shy away from discussing its potential for addiction and the demographic reach of its users. This episode challenges listeners to consider whether the overlap between Kratom users and those with other substance use disorders is surprising or expected, urging healthcare providers to adopt open-ended dialogues to address patient needs effectively.

In a deep dive into Kratom Use Disorder, our discussion includes a fascinating case series study examining the use of buprenorphine for treatment. We highlight the study's findings on withdrawal management and Kratom metabolite reduction, exploring the effectiveness of buprenorphine in stabilizing patients. With a significant portion of patients remaining in follow-up care, we ponder the subjective effects of using Kratom alongside buprenorphine. Tune in to grasp the complexities of Kratom use and the importance of education and ongoing research, as we prepare for an upcoming interview with an industry professional to continue this enlightening series.

Our episode reviews three studies on Kratom to facilitate our discussion. Here are those studies:

Smith KE, Dunn KE, Rogers JM, Grundmann O, McCurdy CR, Garcia-Romeu A, Schriefer D, Swogger MT, Epstein DH. Kratom use as more than a "self-treatment". Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2022 Nov 2;48(6):684-694.

Hill K, Grundmann O, Smith KE, Stanciu CN. Prevalence of Kratom Use Disorder Among Kratom Consumers. J Addict Med. 2024 May-Jun 01;18(3):306-312.

Broyan, V. R., Brar, J. K., Allgaier, Student, T., & Allgaier, J. T. (2022). Long-term buprenorphine treatment for kratom use disorder: A case series. Substance Abuse, 43(1), 763–766.

To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

I'm thrilled to welcome Amity Cooper to the Addiction Medicine Made Easy Podcast! Amity is a mental health professional specializing in equine therapy, to share her unique perspective on the pivotal role of mental health in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Together, we explore the intersection of mental health and addiction recovery, delving into therapies that support individuals on their journey to a fulfilling sober life. Amity's insights provide insight at how equine therapy and holistic approaches can transform the recovery process, offering hope and healing to those in need.

Our discussion then turns to the concept of personal transformation during recovery, focusing on the importance of establishing a guiding "North Star." We highlight strategies like polyvagal therapy and self-awareness practices as essential tools for managing co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders. Finally, we delve into the therapeutic benefits of equine therapy, where horses act as co-partners in therapy, promoting mindfulness and emotional expression. Discover how this innovative approach can empower individuals to redefine their futures, fostering emotional healing and self-awareness in the process.

At the beginning of the episode we look at how early cannabis use can impact academic performance. We discuss the findings of a compelling study published in JAMA Pediatrics. We'll explore how adolescent cannabis use is linked to lower grades and increased dropout rates, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the long-term effects of substance use. This episode promises to equip listeners with crucial insights into how these early choices can alter life's trajectory, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making for young people.

Amity's website: https://amitycooper.com/

To reach Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Join us for a riveting discussion with Chris Terzakos, an insightful author and life coach, who shares his compelling journey from the gritty streets of New York City to finding solace in fitness. Chris opens up about witnessing the widespread impact of drugs like cocaine and LSD in his neighborhood and how he turned to exercise as his lifeline. Discover how the pursuit of a natural high through fitness provided a therapeutic escape, laying the foundation for Chris's message about the healing power of exercise in addiction recovery. Chris discusses how addiction has affected his life, including his experience when his best friend developed addiction.

Chris candidly discusses his own struggles with anabolic steroids and the path to sobriety. He offers insights into overcoming addiction, emphasizing the role of empathy and support in helping loved ones navigate their journeys.

This episode covers a wide range of topics from people who have transformed their lives through fitness, challenging the stigma surrounding addiction terminology, and highlighting how addiction affects friends and family.