Substance Stories

Today on Substance Stories, we're talking about the fantastic physical activity benefits of regular exercise and its connection to a healthy lifestyle. This video emphasises that good mental health is a mindset and a lifestyle, which can reduce the likelihood of developing mental illness. It offers motivation and self improvement for maintaining a healthy mind. This episode breaks down: ✅ Why...

🧠 Your diet isn’t about weight—it’s about your mind. Ultra-processed food is everywhere… And it may be quietly damaging mental health, focus, and resilience. In this episode of Substance Stories , we break down: ✅ Why modern food is different ✅ How diet affects mental wellbeing ✅ Simple, realistic ways to eat better ✅ No guilt. No obsession. Just clarity. If you care about your brain, this is...

Christmas in recovery can hit like a trap—here’s how you get through it sober. If you’re in early recovery, Christmas isn’t “just a holiday.” It’s a trigger season: family dynamics, old memories, alcohol everywhere, loneliness, and the pressure to pretend you’re fine. This episode breaks down the myth that you can simply “push through” with will power. Instead, you’ll hear why Christmas is a waypo...

Purpose is the recovery “vitamin” you didn’t know you were deficient in. If you’ve ever hit early sobriety and suddenly felt flat, unmotivated, or stuck in bed—this explains why, and what to do next. You’ll hear a powerful truth: addiction can feel like purpose—but it’s a hollow, treadmill purpose. You wake up to chase, score, use… and repeat. Then sobriety removes that routine, and the silence ca...

Why Meaningful Social Connections Matter More Than Ever Part 2 of our powerful three-part series on mental health and recovery. In this episode of Substance Stories, we explore the life-changing power of meaningful social connections and how they play a critical role in preventing and managing mental illness—especially in addiction recovery. The conversation goes beyond just avoiding relapse. It&#...

Self-Care for Mental Health: The Secret Habit That Changes EverythingIn this powerful first episode of the Substance Stories series, Dr. Richard Bradlow breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in mental wellness—real self-care. This isn’t the social-media version of SelfCare. No bubble baths. No spa days. Instead, Dr. Bradlow reveals practical, science-backed habits that actually streng...

Why Cravings Aren't Kittens—They're Tigers Join us and the brilliant Angelika von Sanden as we unpack the hidden world of cravings—from subtle cues like familiar places or people to the emotional rollercoaster triggered by stress. We explore: • Why avoiding triggers isn't always possible • How cravings turn from kittens to tigers • Practical tools like breathing, cold exposure & cr...

How Drama Triangles Trap Us in Bad Habits. Drama Triangles: The Hidden Trap Holding Back Your RecoveryIn our latest Substance Stories episode, Annie returns to expose how family roles and emotional systems—like being the “black sheep” or always needing a “rescuer”—can quietly sabotage your recovery journey. Learn how to spot when you're caught in the classic drama triangle and how to escape it...

Are You Really Winning at Sports Betting? Most gamblers think they’re in control. But here’s the truth—99% lose money over time. In our latest Substance Stories episode, we dive into the hard-hitting realities of sports gambling in Australia and around the world. From the psychology of competition and ego to the predatory tactics of betting companies, we uncover why so many fall into the trap—and...

From Party Person to Purpose: Reclaiming Your Identity in Sobriety. What if your recovery journey started not with willpower—but with identity? In this deeply insightful episode of Substance Stories, hosts Dr Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka dive into the transformative power of identity in addiction recovery. From Kierkegaard to coffee, they explore how our self-concept—fluid, multifaceted, and s...

What are novel psychoactive agents, and why are they sparking alarm across public health circles? In this episode of Substance Stories, we dive deep into the murky, rapidly evolving world of synthetic drugs — also known as novel psychoactive substances (NPS). You’ve probably seen them: “spice,” “bath salts,” “incense” — legal-sounding products with terrifying consequences. Marketed in convenience...

The Surprising Truth About Negative Reinforcement! Why do we really use substances—and what does it say about our mental health? This eye-opening episode of Substance Stories with Dr Richard Bradlow takes a deep dive into the hidden psychological force known as negative reinforcement. Often mistaken for punishment, negative reinforcement is when we use a behavior (like substance use) to avoid disc...

Are Prescription Drugs Really Safe? Are you unknowingly addicted to your prescription medication? In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow exposes the hidden dangers of prescription drug dependence and how it can quietly take control of your life. From painkillers, sleep aids, ADHD medication, and anti-anxiety pills to everyday stimulants like coffee, discover how thes...

Ever wondered if your weekend drinks or occasional substance use are harmless—or hiding something deeper? In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories, the host breaks down the murky territory between casual use and full-blown addiction, a space known as hazardous use. With a focus on alcohol but applicable to all substances, this episode explores the red flags that signal your relationship wi...

Think You’re Not Addicted? These 5 Warning Signs Might Say Otherwise. Is your relationship with alcohol or other substances as healthy as you think? In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories, Dr Richard dives deep into the often-overlooked space between casual use and full-blown addiction—what he calls "hazardous use." It's a grey zone that many people live in without realizin...

The Hidden Dangers of GHB Explained Simply Dr Richard Bradlow dives deep into the sedative world of GHB—gamma hydroxybutyrate—a drug with a dark dual identity. Once used medically as an anesthetic, GHB has since carved a dangerous niche in party scenes, bodybuilding circles, and chemsex culture. But what makes GHB so alarmingly hazardous? You’ll discover how GHB, often mistaken for harmless due to...

Why Does DBT Work When Other Therapies Fail? How DBT Helps When Traditional Therapies Don’t Work What makes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) so powerful — and why is it helping people succeed where other treatments fall short? In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the secrets behind DBT, a groundbreaking psychotherapy that’s changing the game in addiction recovery, borderline personality disor...

What Really Happens When You Use Inhalants? Inhalants Unpacked: Dangers, Effects & the Truth They Don’t Tell You. What are inhalants, and why are they so dangerous? In this gripping episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow unpacks the full spectrum—from volatile solvents like paint, petrol, and fridge coolants, to inhaled anesthetics like ether, chloroform, and isoflurane, and the eve...

When Fun Turns Fatal : Is Nitrous Oxide Really That Dangerous? Is laughing gas really just harmless fun? 🎈 In this powerful episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow exposes the hidden risks of nitrous oxide—aka nangs, NOS, or whipped cream chargers—and the devastating consequences of chronic use. 🧠 Discover how nitrous oxide affects the brain and nervous system 🩺 Learn the signs of B12...

How To Love Your Tech Without Stress! Can wearable tech boost your mental health or secretly add stress? In this Substance Stories episode, How To Love Your Tech Without Stress!, Dr. Richard Bradlow explores wearable devices in healthcare and its impact on digital health. From wearable tech examples like fitness trackers and smartwatches to wearable tech in sports and wearables for mental health,...

Is There a Pill for Alcohol Addiction? Breaking Down Medication Options: Join Dr. Richard Bradlow, renowned addiction specialist, as he explores the real-world effectiveness of medications for alcohol addiction. If you've ever wondered “is there a pill for alcohol addiction?”, this video breaks it all down—focusing on what works, what doesn’t, and the science behind it all. ✅ In this video, y...

Why did prohibition flop? In Substance Stories: Drug Wars and Double Standards, Dr. Richard Bradlow delivers a crash course prohibition to unravel why prohibition failed. This prohibition oversimplified dive into the prohibition era exposes the history of prohibition—from why was prohibition started to the rise and fall of prohibition. Perfect for fans of drunk history, this episode challenges myt...

Ready to discover how your values influence your personal life? In this transformative Substance Stories episode, Finding Your Compass: The Power of Values in Recovery, Dr. Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka reveal how personal values as your compass in life can revolutionise addiction recovery. Dive into the personal values meaning and learn how your personal core values fuel motivation, purpose, a...

What is the most addictive drug in the world? In this eye-opening Substance Stories episode, Dr. Richard Bradlow, an expert in addiction treatment, tackles what is the most addictive drug and flips the script on drug addiction myths. Forget claims about the most addictive drug or most addictive drug schedule 1—this video debunks decades-old misconceptions about addictive drugs like heroin, nicotin...

Schema Therapy 101: Practical Tools for Emotional Healing and Recovery. Feeling trapped by life traps schema therapy or struggling with addiction? Substance Stories brings you Schema Therapy 101: Practical Tools for Emotional Healing and Recovery! Dr. Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka unpack schema therapy, a game-changer for mental health and addiction and schemas. Wondering why you repeat unhealt...