Cracking Addiction

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, we delve into the crucial fifth step of the twelve-step program. Join us as we explore the significance of admitting our wrongs to God, ourselves, and another human being. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways from this insightful conversation: Admitting our wrongs to another human being takes courage: Sharing our faults with someone else can be scary, as w...

In this episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek explore the fourth step of the twelve-step program - making a searching and fearless moral inventory. They discuss why this step is crucial for individuals with alcohol or substance use disorders, and how it can lead to a sense of relief and freedom from self-loathing. The conversation also covers the fifth step, where confession to a s...

Welcome to another episode of Cracking Addiction, where we delve into the world of addiction and recovery. In this episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and guest Dr. Laura Petracek explore the third step in the twelve-step process. They discuss the concept of turning our will and our lives over to a higher power, exploring different interpretations of what that higher power may be. Dr. Petracek shares h...

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong discusses the importance and impact of take-home naloxone with experts Jeremy Szmerling and Dr. Suzanne Neilsen. They explain what take-home naloxone is and its role as an opioid antagonist in combating opioid toxicity, including both heroin and prescription opioid overdoses. They debunk common misconceptions and address barriers to its usage. The episode provides valuable in...

Welcome to "Cracking Addiction." In this episode, Dr. Fergal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek dive into the second step of the twelve-step program: "Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity." They explore the meaning of each element of this step and provide valuable insights on attending meetings, belief in a higher power, and the restoration of sanity in recove...

In today's episode, we will dive deep into Dr Laura's personal journey of addiction, mental health struggles, and finding a sense of belonging. From battling with substance abuse and self-destructive behaviours to overcoming societal and religious pressures, Laura's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help. We'll explore the pivotal moments that led to her...

Welcome to another episode of Cracking Addiction! I'm your host, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, and the brilliant Dr. Laura Petracek is joining me today. In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of why some patients feel they don't need to achieve abstinence and believe they can control their substance use or drinking. We explore the psychological aspects at play, including cognitive distortions and d...

We delve into the fascinating realm of cognitive distortions and the powerlessness individuals with addiction often face. Dr. Petracek shares her experiences and insights, highlighting the importance of motivational interviewing and the dangers of attempting to control drinking habits. We'll also explore the concept of hitting rock bottom and societal pressures that prevent individuals from seekin...

In today's episode, we delve into the often isolating and lonely world of motherhood. Our host, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, is joined once again by the inspiring Celeste Yvonne, as they discuss the challenges faced by mothers in today's society. From the impossible parenting standards set on social media to the lack of support for maternal mental health, this episode uncovers the realities that mothers...

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Celeste Yvonne, sharing her personal experiences and insights on quitting alcohol and embracing a sober life. Celeste discusses the challenges that many individuals face when attempting to break free from the clutches of addiction, particularly when it comes to alcohol. She explores the fears of not fitting in, losing friends, and the belief that withou...

Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek in this enlightening discussion about Radical Acceptance—a powerful concept that can lead us towards healing and empowerment. Radical acceptance is the process of acknowledging that we have the resources to move forward despite life's challenges. By embracing this mindset, we can alleviate suffering, reduce substance use, and foster healthier relat...

Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, Dr. Laura Petracek, and Kate Butler in this insightful discussion about using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness techniques to aid individuals with chronic pain. Chronic pain, persisting beyond three months with no apparent pathology, can be exacerbated by various psychological factors, such as trauma, mental health disorders, and catastrophization. In t...

In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the significance of validating the invalid during conversations. They shed light on the power of respecting differing points of view, even when they may seem invalid, as a means to achieve resolution and harmony. The duo introduces the GIVE mnemonic - Gentle, Genuine, Interested, and Easy - as an effectiv...

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the vital aspects of effective communication: showing interest in others, active listening, and the power of validation. Dr. Armstrong emphasises the significance of giving space to open up and using body language to convey genuine interest. However, the challenge arises when discussing passionate subjects, as...

In this insightful episode of Cracking Addiction, joinDr Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek as they delve into the transformative concept of GIVE from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). GIVE, represented by the letters G-I-V-E, stands for Genuine, Showing Interest, Validating, and Using an Easy Manner. Discover how these principles can help individuals establish and maintain meaningful rel...

Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek in this insightful discussion on self-respect as a fundamental aspect of how we relate to others. Discover effective techniques, including the FAST approach (Be Fair to Yourself and Others, No Apologies, Stick to Values, Be Truthful), that can help you cultivate self-respect and self-esteem. Gain valuable insights into the concept of fairness and i...

Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek as they delve into the transformative O-M-A-N (Observation, Measuring, Asserting, and Not) framework for negotiating with friends, partners, colleagues, and others. In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Armstrong emphasises the power of observation and creating healthy boundaries without jeopardising relationships. Discover how being a disinterested...

Improve your relationships and enhance your interpersonal skills with the Dear Man technique, a powerful tool derived from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek as they delve into the intricacies of this technique and its application for individuals with substance use disorders and borderline personality disorder. The Dear Man technique helps you n...

In this episode, we explore the diagnosis of depression and its subtypes. Depression is a powerful emotional state that affects work, relationships, and more. We delve into major depression, the symptoms, and diagnostic criteria. We discuss how depression can be a clinical disorder, not just negative thoughts. Dan Pham emphasises the importance of explaining the diagnosis to loved ones. We also ex...

Join us on Cracking Addiction as we delve into the fascinating world of dual diagnosis and triple diagnosis in addiction medicine. Dual diagnosis refers to the coexistence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, while triple diagnosis encompasses the additional dimension of physical health. In this thought-provoking series, experts Dan Pham and Ferghal Armstrong explore the inter...

Welcome to the 100th episode of Cracking Addiction. In this milestone episode, we delve deep into the assessment of dependency, comparing home-based detox with inpatient detox, and explore the fundamental principles of managing withdrawals for alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, and opioids. We examine the important decision of choosing between home-based detox and inpatient detox. We also explore...

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Steve Herd delve into the grim reality of family violence, exposing its potential for lethality. They focus on key risk factors, including the perpetrators' behaviour towards pets and their use of jealousy as a tool for control. The discussion begins by highlighting the alarming connection between the mistreatment of animals and domestic violence. Steve Herd emphasises th...

In this serious and thought-provoking episode of "Cracking Addiction," Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Mr. Stephen Heard shed light on evidence-based risk factors for lethality in family violence. They address the complexities faced by clinicians when dealing with female victims and emphasise the importance of understanding their resilience strategies. The episode explores the heightened risks during se...

In this thought-provoking episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr Ferghal Armstrong and Steve Herd delve into the grim reality of family violence, focusing on the evidence-based risk factors for lethality. With a serious tone, they shed light on the Common Risk Assessment Framework, which highlights factors that significantly contribute to the risk of lethality in domestic abuse cases. Drawing attention...

In this informative episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura J. Petracek discuss the power of mindfulness and meditation in regulating our emotions. They explore the concept of mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment without worrying about the past or future, and they explain how this can lead to decreased physiological responses and a lower heart rate. They also del...