Addiction Medicine Made Easy | Fighting back against addiction

In this episode, we are tackling stigma. Specifically stigma against patients by healthcare providers.  Stigma against patients struggling with addiction is a significant barrier to effective healthcare treatment, leading to profound consequences, including increased harm and even death. The episode highlights the definition of stigma, its impacts on patient behavior, and actionable strategies to...

We're talking about Xylazine again. We haven't covered it on the podcast since 2022, and since it's becoming more common in the drug supply, it was time to discuss it again.  Unlock the secrets to understanding one of today's most alarming substances misused in addiction – Xylazine, infamously dubbed the "Zombie Drug." Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I dive into the wor...

This episode explores the complexities surrounding kratom, featuring insights from Matthew Lowe of the Global Kratom Coalition (GKC). We discuss the dual nature of kratom, its benefits and risks, the importance of consumer education, and the ongoing push for industry regulation to protect users.  We discuss • An overview of kratom's rising popularity and consumer demographics  • The role of w...

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 candi...

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, chal...

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 emot...

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, in...

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 r...

* Link to get CME at the bottom of the show notes * 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...

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...

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 f...

Have you ever considered the emotional journey of siblings when they discover a loved one's trauma? This episode invites you to explore this often-overlooked perspective with our special guest, Keeper Catran-Whitney, the author of "Helplessness: What Happens To Brothers When We Learn Our Sisters Have Been Molested By Our Parents?." Keeper opens up about the personal journey of grapp...

Unlock the complexities of Kratom, a substance both fascinating and misunderstood, as we promise to enrich your understanding with insights from Dr. Sonya Del Tredici and Dr. John Keenan of the Addiction Medicine Journal Club. Join us as we explore Kratom's dual identity as a stimulant and opioid-like substance, its traditional roots, and the reasons behind its rise in popularity. Despite its...

What if the root of America’s deadly opioid crisis lies in a single pharmaceutical company’s marketing strategy? Dr. Casey Grover takes you on a compelling journey through the origins and evolution of this epidemic. From Purdue Pharma's aggressive promotion of OxyContin to the alarming rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, we dissect how tolerance and dependence perpetuate the cycle of add...

Can CBD truly provide effective pain relief, or is it just another overhyped remedy? Join us in this eye-opening episode of Addiction Medicine Made Easy, where Dr. Casey Grover critically examines the realities behind cannabidiol (CBD) usage for pain management. We start the episode with inspiring encounters, including a discussion of the work of musician Matt Butler, who uses his songs to shine a...

Can smart people really be immune to addiction? On this special bonus episode of the Addiction Medicine Made Easy podcast, Dr. Casey Grover uncovers the truths behind common myths about addiction, drugs, and overdoses. Designed for students from grades 6 through 12, this episode is both engaging and educational, challenging misconceptions such as the addictive potential of cannabis and the dangers...

Curious about the mysterious herb that's causing a stir in both traditional medicine and recreational circles? Join Dr. Casey Grover as we uncover the fascinating details about kratom, a plant from Southeast Asia with unique stimulant and opioid-like properties. You'll learn about its historical uses for pain relief and energy, as well as its modern-day appeal for euphoria. We break down...

Have you ever wondered how early childhood traumas can shape our mental and physical health, leading to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and addiction? Join us as Dr. Casey Grover and Dr. Reb Close unravel these complexities with compelling real-life examples from their extensive careers in addiction medicine and emergency care. Hear a poignant story that underscores the importance of understanding...

Curious about how to effectively talk to your kids about the perils of drugs and alcohol? Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I share my personal experiences and practical strategies for starting these critical conversations. Reflecting on a talk I gave at a local school, I unravel the complexities of parenting in the face of substance use, emphasizing the importance of early and regular communication....

Discover the life-saving potential of buprenorphine in the fight against opioid overdoses with Dr. Casey Grover on the latest episode of Addiction Medicine Made Easy. We start with a poignant patient story that showcases the remarkable impact of addiction medicine using Topamax for alcohol use disorder. From there, we shift our focus to the powerful effects of buprenorphine in reducing fatal opioi...

Can cannabis put your heart at risk? Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as we unpack groundbreaking research that challenges the widespread perception of cannabis as a harmless, natural remedy. We'll kick off by discussing a revealing study from the Journal of Pain, which found that CBD products may be ineffective for pain relief and even potentially harmful. Then, we delve into a critical study from...

How does a drug deal work? How do people with addiction find out what their drugs are cut with? Can you ask your dealer if your drugs are cut with fentanyl? In this episode, Dr. Grover interviews Jeremy, who is a former injection drug user about what it's like buying drugs in the illicit market.  This is a rebroadcast of Episode 64, with improved audio quality

Traditional medicine involves going to the doctor. How is medicine different when we bring the doctor to you? Could we do a better job treating addiction if we brought the doctor to the patient? Better yet - for our unhoused patients - shouldn't we be bringing the doctor to the patient given all the barriers they face? In this episode Dr. Grover interviews Dominique McDowell, who is an experi...

Episode 78. Traditional teaching to medical students about pain management was to give Tylenol, then Advil, then opioids in ever increasing doses without any maximum dose! Turns out that wasn't quite right. In this episode, Dr. Grover and his colleague Dr. Reb Close share their expertise on best practices in pain management, including how to maximize non-opioid and opioid-sparing medication r...

Naltrexone - a medication used to reduce alcohol consumption - is usually prescribed on a scheduled basis when treating alcohol use disorder. Could prescribing it to be taken only on drinking days work too?? In this episode Dr. Grover reviews a recent study on how "targeted" naltrexone can be used to reduce alcohol use.