Substance Stories

Choosing the right therapist - a step-by-step guide to mental health! Learn how to choose the right therapist with Dr. Richard Bradlow and Annie Neville on Substance Stories. Find a therapist and master how to find a therapist! In this game-changing episode, they tackle: What is psychotherapy? What you need to know before choosing a therapist? And which—CBT, ACT, Schema, or Psychodynamic—suits YOU...

In this powerful episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka tackle the heart of addiction recovery: therapeutic boundaries. If you’ve ever wondered why a firm but compassionate “no” can transform lives or what it’s like for professionals to make the tough call to discharge a client, this conversation is a must-listen. Dr. Bradlow and Nathan dive deep into the realities of s...

From Dog Parks to Personal Growth: Angelica von Sanden on ACT Therapy. Are you searching for real and relatable strategies to break free from addiction or overwhelming habits? In this powerful episode of Substance Stories, I sit down with the incredible Angelica von Sanden, author of the much-loved Sit Stay Grow—the book my patients can’t stop talking about (or stealing from my clinic library!). W...

Can You Drink Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Recovery? Are you in recovery and wondering if it’s okay to drink non-alcoholic drinks? Or maybe you’re just sober curious and want to know if those zero-alcohol options really help—or hurt—your journey? In this thought-provoking episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka dive deep into one of the most controversial topics in addiction...

Peer Support Groups Demystified: Overcoming Fears, MythsDiscover the Power of Peer Support in Addiction Recovery! On this Substance Stories episode, host Dr. Richard Bradlow and guest Nathan Akoka from the Victoria Clinic dive deep into peer support groups in substance abuse recovery. Explore peer support through 12 step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Gamblers A...

The Truth About Relapse : Why Sobriety Alone Isn't the Answer &What Dopamine Nation Taught Me About Breaking Bad Habits? I've been reading Anna Lemke's 'Dopamine Nation,' and while it's fantastic, I strongly disagree with her belief that four weeks of sobriety magically fixes everything. I believe addiction is a response, a coping mechanism, a signal that something deep...

Self-Medication vs Addiction - The Hidden Truth About Addiction and Self Medication! Hey everyone, I'm tackling a topic that hits close to home for many: self-medication. I’ve noticed a lot of people tell me they're using substances to self-medicate, but what does that really mean, and how does it differ from addiction? We’re not just talking about chasing a high; we’re talking about trying to esc...

Addiction Support Pillars: The Famous Five That Make Recovery PossibleWant to make recovery last? In this episode of "Substance Stories," I join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong to share the "Famous Five." These are the key players for addiction support—helping you start, stay, and grow in recovery. It’s a team effort, not a solo job. Your GP tracks your mental health. An addiction specia...

Polyvagal Theory Explained: How It Transforms Healing & RecoveryWonder how your mind and body connect in addiction or mental health struggles? In this episode of "Substance Stories," Dr. Richard Bradlow and Dr. Ferghal Armstrong dive into polyvagal theory. The vagus nerve links your brain to your body, steering your emotions. We explain how the autonomic nervous system fits in. Dr. Bradlow rat...

Family Support for Addiction Recovery - Substance Abuse Recovery StoriesStruggling to help a family member with drug addiction? You’re not alone. In this episode of "Substance Stories," Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and I offer practical steps for addiction treatment. We show you how to strengthen relationships and support recovery. This works for opioid addiction or any type—even if you just want better...

Is Alcohol that Dangerous ? The Hidden Truth About the Most Abused Substance Worldwide. Alcohol is all around you, yet it’s one of the deadliest drugs. Dr. Richard Bradlow and Dr. Ferghal Armstrong explain why in Episode 4 of "Substance Stories." They detail how alcoholism damages your body and mind. The effects of alcohol hit hard—withdrawal can be dangerous too. You’ll hear recovery st...

Breaking Free From the Grip of Addiction - A Life Changing GuideWhat does addiction recovery look like? Join me and Dr. Ferghal Armstrong as we explore it in "Substance Stories." We focus on building real relationships and finding purpose beyond drug addiction. Dr. Armstrong shows how connecting with non-users and engaging in meaningful activities drives overcoming addiction. You’ll hear...

How To Help Someone With Addiction The RIGHT Way! How do you spot addiction in someone close to you? Are you facing it yourself? Dr. Richard Bradlow and Dr. Ferghal Armstrong answer this in "Substance Stories." They point out warning signs and give practical steps for addiction treatment. Our work at the Victoria Clinic in Melbourne backs up the advice. Mental health ties into addiction—...

What is the disease of addiction and Substance Abuse? What is addiction? Want to know how it affects you? Dr. Richard Bradlow and Dr. Ferghal Armstrong tackle this in the first episode of "Substance Stories." They define drug addiction and substance use disorder, explain its roots, and clarify how it differs from dependency. You’ll learn about the psychological, biological, and social ca...