Cracking Addiction

In this episode of Cracking Addiction I speak with Associate Professor Suzanne Nielsen about the opioid epidemic and what we can do about it. In the USA there seems to be more a problem with heroin whereas in Australia we are struggling with prescription opioid dependence. Even though a doctor may be prescribing your pain killers, it is still possible to become addicted to pain killers. The tradit...

In episode 69 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the difference and similarities between general practice and Addiction Medicine. We discuss Addiction Medicine consultation liaison services in hospital, inpatient and community management options with regards to Addiction Medicine. Lastly we discuss the role general practitioners play in managing patients with substance use disorders within the commu...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the class of drugs known as gabapentinoids, a group of GABA analogues. In this episode we discuss the clinical uses of gabapentinoids and also the increasing rates of prescription of gabapentinoids in recent years and the resultant harms associated with gabapentinoids including the risks of dependence/addiction as well as increased rates of overdose...

In episode 67 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the management of acute intoxication of MDMA and discuss the principles of both MDMA and stimulant withdrawal including supportive management options as well as the importance of psychosocial interventions in particular contingency management and CBT based interventions. Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only a...

In episode 66 of Cracking Addiction we discuss MDMA or ecstacy and discuss its analogues PMA and PMMA and discuss the pharmacokinetics of these drugs, the unique properties of MDMA as both an atypical amphetamine-type substance and its effects as an empathogen. We also discuss the usage as both a recreational drug but also the new and emerging evidence of the clinical effects and benefits of...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the timeframe of GHB withdrawal, the severe and significant symptoms of GHB withdrawal and the potential life threatening sequelae of GHB withdrawal. We explore the approach to GHB withdrawal management including medications that can assist to manage these symptoms and the need to speak specialist help promptly given the potential for significant de...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss GHB and its analogs GBL and 1,4-butanediol and the differences between these drugs. We explore the clinical indications for GHB as well as the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of this drug. We discuss the side effects of GHB and some of the symptoms of GHB withdrawal. Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and sh...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we speak to Professor Peg O'Connor, a professor of moral philosophy who is in recovery from alcohol use disorder and who addresses an audience much like herself: those in recovery who have struggled with the Christian-centric God at the heart of Alcoholics Anonymous. She brings our attention to a little-known fact: the term “higher power,” a touchstone in...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss people who use drugs whilst in hospital and discuss the ethics of treating people who use drugs, harm reduction measures that can assist with patient engagement, the stigma and marginalisation people who use drugs experience and the evidence and ethics around behaviour contracts. Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes...

Kamini an Ayurvedic opiate-Kamini or Kamini Vidrawan Ras is an Ayurvedic medicine containing opiates as well as some heavy metals. It is a medicine marketed for a variety of indications ranging from premature ejaculation and impotence to increased stamina. There is increased recognition and awareness of patients presenting to specialist Addiction Medicine services with opioid dependence secondary...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the timeframe and symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, how to stabilise a patient on benzodiazepines and weaning and tapering of benzodiazepines within a community setting. We also discuss and highlight the importance of psychosocial support and lifestyle interventions in managing benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal. Discussions and comments...

In this episode  of Cracking Addiction we discuss the effects of chronic benzodiazepine usage and the mechanisms of which tolerance and dependence to benzodiazepines develops and discuss the time course in which these syndromes can occur as well as discuss the diagnostic criteria for a benzodiazepine use disorder. Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only...

In episode 58 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the pharmacology of benzodiazepines and their interaction with the GABA-A receptor, the different types of benzodiazepines and their different half lives and effects, discuss how to calculator benzodiazepine dose equivalence, the increased risks of benzodiazepine overdose when compared with other medications especially with opioid medications and the...

In today's episode of Cracking Addiction we are joined by Dr Sam Manger the President of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and host of the GP Show podcast who discusses lifestyle interventions in substance use disorders. Lifestyle interventions can be safe and efficacious interventions and there is a growing evidence base for certain lifestyle interventions in some substance use disor...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss relapse prevention strategies with regards to methamphetamine use and discuss harm reduction strategies, how to avoid a lapse becoming a relapse, the Matrix Model, motivational intervention and contingency management. We also discuss the importance of peer support programs in aiding people on their path to recovery from substance use disorder and di...

In this Episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the three phases of methamphetamine withdrawal, strategies to manage the methamphetamine withdrawal including possible medication options and the ongoing psychosocial support required to support patients during methamphetamine withdrawal. Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we mainly speak about methamphetamines but also amphetamines and discuss the amphetamine class of drugs and their physiological effects, the different types of methamphetamines, symptoms of intoxication with amphetamines, side effects of methamphetamine and amphetamines including the various organ systems they impact and in particular the potential psychologic...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we are privileged to have Steven McDonald who discusses his lived experience with addiction and his path towards recovery. Steven speaks openly and honestly about his past history and his experiences. Steven has written a book 'Thanks for Letting Me Share' which is a book of 368 quotes that have helped him along his journey. The book is available on Amazon&nbs...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, the various theories surrounding the pathophysiology of cannabis hyperemesis, treatment of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, diagnostic criteria for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and discuss the other potential differential diagnoses of cyclic vomiting symptoms and how cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is often a diagnosis of...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the variety within the class of synthetic cannabinoids, symptoms of synthetic cannabis intoxications, side effects and complication of synthetic cannabis usage and specific considerations in withdrawal management. Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional...

In the latest episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal syndrome and the duration that can be expected for these symptoms, the common reasons that people use cannabis and how to manage these symptoms post cannabis withdrawal, the pharmacological management options for cannabis withdrawal which is largely symptomatic management and also the the common clinical sce...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the symptoms of cannabis use disorder and cannabis intoxication, the different preparations of cannabis and the THC contents of these various preparations, the harms associated with cannabis use, the harms of cannabis when compared with tobacco and alcohol usage, the risk factors for developing cannabis use disorder, how to identify a person with ca...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss cannabidiol (CBD) and discuss the clinical effects of CBD, how CBD acts on the cannabinoid receptors, the clinical indications for CBD products, the potential areas where CBD may have the most clinical benefit and discuss the lack of psychoactive properties of CBD. We also discuss the risks associated with CBD and how to counsel patients on these ri...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and how it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors and how this interaction with the receptors causes its effects on the body. We also explore the clinical effects of THC, side effects of THC and the clinical indications for THC products. Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only a...

In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the endocannabinoid system, the different types of endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the location of the different receptors, the endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors and their synthesis and breakdown and briefly touch on the two best known cannabinoids THC and cannabidiol.  Discussions and comments in our videos are for information...