Cracking Addiction

In this episode, Dr Ferghal Armstrong and Dr Richard Bradlow unpack the complex relationship between alcohol, thiamine deficiency, and the severe neurological condition Wernicke’s encephalopathy. Ferghal opens by questioning long-held beliefs about alcohol’s direct effects on thiamine absorption, while Richard provides a contextual understanding of the symptomatic manifestations. The discussion to...

In the latest episode of "Cracking Addiction," Dr Ferghal continues the journey with Dr Richard, exploring the critical subject of alcohol withdrawal. This episode is particularly focused on the timings, the natural history of withdrawal symptoms, and the potential complications faced during alcohol detoxification. The discourse provides key insights on when symptoms typically appear, ranging from...

In this riveting episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr Ferghal Armstrong and Dr Richard Bradlow shed light on the complex issue of alcohol use and withdrawal, providing critical insights and practical guidance for individuals and healthcare professionals alike. The duo explores detailed diagnostic criteria and the implications of daily alcohol consumption and addresses the signs that might indicate a...

Dr Ferghal Armstrong explores the profound impact of lifestyle interventions on addiction recovery, focusing on the crucial role of tobacco cessation within the addiction and mental health treatment spaces. Dr Armstrong discusses recent AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) guidelines that integrate lifestyle medicine, highlighting how these can dramatically improve patient outcomes. The discussion extend...

Dr Ferghal Armstrong addresses the often-underestimated influence of diet on addiction recovery and mental health. By contrasting Australian Dietary guidelines with the detriments of ultra-processed "junk" food, Ferghal uncovers the profound impact that food choices have on our overall health and capacity to overcome addiction. Exploring various diets, such as the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND die...

Dive into this enlightening episode of Cracking Addiction and unearth the transformative role of exercise in the journey of addiction recovery. Dr Ferghal Armstrong meticulously illustrates how incorporating physical activity can fundamentally enhance the treatment and management of substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health issues. Whether you're a clinician, a person in recover...

Listen to this insightful episode of Cracking Addiction and unravel the complexities of substance use within the realm of professional sports, particularly the AFL. We delve into the controversial handling of illicit drug use among players, balancing the tightrope between medical treatment and role-model expectations. This discussion is crucial for anyone looking to understand the multifaceted app...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr Fergal Armstrong explores the differences in alcohol consumption guidelines across various countries. He breaks down what constitutes a standard drink in Australia and the United States and discusses the recommended limits for men and women in each country. Dr. Armstrong also delves into the Canadian guidelines, which advocate for a very low alcohol intake...

In this episode, Dr. Armstrong delves deep into the concept of resilience and its vital role in addiction recovery. He provides practical insights on the four key processes essential for developing resilience, shedding light on the significance of mastery, vicarious mastery, exhortation, and emotional regulation. Whether you or someone you know is battling addiction, this episode offers invaluable...

On this episode of Cracking Addiction, join host Dr. Ferghal Armstrong as he delves into the science behind addiction. Dr. Armstrong explains the crucial differences between drug misuse and addiction, highlighting the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and drug-specific factors in influencing an individual's vulnerability to addiction. Delving into the physiological underpinnings, he dis...

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Manu Bhatnagar delve into the complexities of non-stimulant treatments for ADHD and the pharmacological aspects involved. In this episode, the experts discuss the roles of clonidine, guanfacine, and melatonin in managing ADHD symptoms, particularly focusing on improving sleep quality and addressing underlying neurobiological factors. Their insights into the impact of...

In this episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and guest Dr. Manu Bhatnagar explore the treatment principles underlying the management of ADHD. If you want to gain valuable insights into the use of stimulant medication and non-stimulant pharmacology in addressing ADHD, this episode is a must-listen. The focus keyword for this episode is "ADHD management." Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Bhatnagar provide in-depth a...

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Manu Bhatnagar dissect the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, shedding light on the nuanced symptoms and the importance of a comprehensive assessment. By exploring the specific domain requirements, exclusion criteria, and subtypes of ADHD, they provide a deeper understanding of the diagnosis process, particularly in different age groups. The episode offers valuable insight...

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve deep into the 12th step of the twelve-step program, exploring the impact of spirituality, the importance of service to others, growth, and relapse prevention. In this episode, the discussion revolves around the psychological, emotional, and practical aspects of the final step, offering valuable insights for both individuals struggling with addicti...

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Manu Bhatnagar delve into the complex and often misunderstood topic of adult ADHD. They discuss the prevalence of ADHD in adults, the potential role of environmental factors in its development, and the challenges in diagnosing and treating this condition in adulthood. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the differential diagnosis of ADHD, the potential impact o...

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the 11th step of the twelve-step program, discussing the significance of prayer and meditation in improving conscious contact with a higher power. The episode explores the practical ways individuals can manifest the 11th step in their daily lives and the impact of skepticism on recovery. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the role of...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Manu Bhatnagar delve into the complexities of screening for ADHD in both children and adults. They break down the core concepts of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperkinesis, providing valuable insights into the often-misunderstood symptoms of this condition. Understanding how ADHD presents in children and adults, as well as the...

In this groundbreaking episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Manu Bhatnagar guide listeners through a deep dive into ADHD, unraveling its complexities and controversies. The duo dissects the widely debated concept of ADHD from a neuropsychological standpoint, exploring its validity, prevalence, and implications for both children and adults. Listeners will gain valuable insights...

Welcome to the latest instalment of the Cracking Addiction newsletter. In this episode, I dive deep into Step 10 of the twelve-step journey with Dr. Laura Petracek. We explore the ongoing process of personal inventory and prompt amends, shedding light on the critical role of self-reflection in addiction recovery. Why Listen: If you're looking to gain insights into maintaining sobriety and personal...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the complexities of the 9th step of the addiction recovery journey, which involves making direct amends to those who have been hurt. Dr. Petracek shares insights from her personal experience, providing a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological struggles involved in this step. Listeners will...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Fergal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek discuss the challenging 8th step in addiction recovery – making a list of persons who have been harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them. The conversation delves into the emotional and practical complexities of this step, offering invaluable insights into the process of self-reflection, making amends, and...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Manu Bhatnagar delve into the complex issue of psychosis in the context of withdrawal treatment or when withdrawing from stimulants such as methamphetamine. They explore the challenges of distinguishing between drug-induced psychosis and primary psychotic disorders, and discuss the intricacies of treatment options, including the...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and guest Dr. Manu Bhatnagar engage in a deep dive into the complex topic of psychosis, specifically in the context of substance use disorders. With a focus on understanding the nature of psychosis, the impetus behind psychotic experiences, and the differentiating factors between substance-induced psychotic disorders and primary schizoph...

In today's episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the seventh step of the twelve-step program. They discuss the importance of humbly asking God to remove our character defects and how it is a continuous process rather than a one-time request. They explore the concept of progress, not perfection, and the active role we play in our personal growth. They also address the sec...

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek discuss the 6th step of the twelve-step process of addiction recovery. They explore the concept of God in this step and emphasize that it can be interpreted as a higher power or even nature. They also question the passive nature of this step, as it involves asking an external force to remove our character defects. The discussion delves into the Christia...