The Addiction Files: An Addiction Medicine Podcast

In this episode of The Addiction Files, we break down a March 2025 Journal of Medicina study "Novel Insights into Addiction Management: A Meta-Analysis on Intervention for Relapse Prevention" on relapse prevention and translate the evidence into clinical practice. We cover high-yield interventions, risk stratification, and real-world “clinical pearls” for managing return to use across settings. De...

This episode of The Addiction Files breaks down kratom’s pharmacology with a focus on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid-active compound driving many of its effects. It highlights the growing risks of high-potency products, including dependence and toxicity. A concise, clinically relevant overview for recognizing and managing kratom-related presentations. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD F...

As fentanyl reshapes opioid use disorder treatment, long-standing buprenorphine induction practices are being challenged. In this episode, we examine emerging evidence supporting rapid, same-day initiation of long-acting injectable buprenorphine, alongside the growing role of high-dose transmucosal buprenorphine for fentanyl use disorder. We discuss why traditional multi-day inductions may increas...

Back by popular demand, Dr. Mason Turner will be presenting an insightful episode on the fundamentals of personality disorders, their prevalence in substance use disorders, and the available treatment options. We invite you to join us for this captivating discussion. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Donnelly Cook, MD.  Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1...

In this episode we review ASAM's newly released stimulant guidelines. The ASAM Clinical Treatment Guidelines " focus on the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and promotion of recovery for patients with Stimulant use disorders, stimulant intoxication, and stimulant withdrawal. It also includes recommendations related to screening for risky stimulant use and secondary and tertiary prevention of...

In this episode, we examine the influence of alcohol culture and advertising—including non-alcoholic beverages (NABs)—on individuals in recovery and those who are sober-curious. We discuss how alcohol marketing shapes perceptions, triggers cravings, and blurs the boundaries between abstinence and consumption, with important implications for patients navigating sobriety. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Co...

  Christine Minhee, JD, founder of OpioidSettlementTracker.com, joins us for an insightful discussion on the distribution of opioid settlement funds. In this episode, Christine delves into the complexities of how these funds are allocated at the state and local levels, providing a clear explanation of key concepts such as "Exhibit E" and the issue of supplantation—where settlement funds may be use...

In this episode, Dr. Mason Turner returns to delve into the complexities of ADHD and substance use disorders. He shares valuable insights on obtaining an accurate diagnosis, exploring effective treatment options, and emphasizes the critical role of compliance monitoring in achieving positive outcomes. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictio...

Brett Heselpoth, RN and case manager joins us to discuss patient engagement. What does that initial encounter look for patients and how do we link them to care. Join us for this fascinating episode hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at theaddictionfiles@gmail....

Dr. Spencer Hansen joins us in an amazing episode. He teaches us essential listening skills that form the basis of life-saving safety planning—two critical therapeutic techniques we can all apply in bedside and clinic settings.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Donnelly Cook, MD.  Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or emai...

In the 1980s and 1990s, crack cocaine dominated the drug scene in the United States. It had devastating effects, destroying lives and communities while fueling mass incarceration. However, the story goes beyond mere addiction and criminality. In this episode we review the history of Crack, consequences of use and treatment. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Donnelly Cook, MD.  Check us out...

Today, we're tackling a growing concern: the misuse of caffeine and the booming popularity of energy drinks. Join us as we unpack the latest trends in caffeine consumption, from the skyrocketing sales of energy drinks to the ritualistic coffee culture that defines many societies. We’ll explore the fascinating science behind caffeine’s effects on the body and mind, from its role in boosting alertne...

Join us as Dr. Mason Turner returns to educate on the fundamentals of psychotic disorders, with a focus on distinguishing Substance or Medication Induced Psychotic Disorder from primary psychotic disorders. We also cover treatment considerations, including delusional disorder and postpartum psychosis. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD, and Paula Donnelly Cook, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddicti...

Ray Sweet, MS joins us to discuss the devasting epidemic of suicide that disproportionately affects those with substance use disorders. Ray teaches us about risk and protective factors and community based coping strategies and more. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.  Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or...

We review Delta 8 THC, mechanism of actions, legal issues surrounding this drug and current trends surrounding use. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at theaddictionfiles@gmail.com No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of leg...

Our very own Dr. Paula Cook and Lanette Denton join us to discuss their recent study on employing harm reduction in rural county jail. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at theaddictionfiles@gmail.com No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of legal and il...

April is alcohol awareness month. In this episode we review the stages of alcohol associated liver disease, signs and symptoms and laboratory abnormalities.  Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.  Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at theaddictionfiles@gmail.com No explicit language but this podca...

Anna Lembke, MD joins us to discuss the Dopamine reward system in our brains and how the pleasure/pain balance affects addiction and recovery. This is a fascinating discussion. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.  For more information on Dr. Lembke: www.annalembke.com Check out her New York Times best seller books "Dopamine Nation" and "Drugdealer, MD" Check us out on faceb...

Does varenicline reduce alcohol cravings? Tune in as we review the evidence, mechanism of action of varenicline.  Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.  Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles; X @THEADDICTIONFI1, TikTok, or Instagram @Theaddictionfiles or email us at theaddictionfiles@gmail.com No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of le...

Mason Turner, MD returns to discuss depression and substance use disorders as part of our mental health and substance use disorders series. Dr. Turner gives us a primer on the types of depression, epidemiology of depression in substance using populations, treatment considerations and lifestyle interventions.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Donnelly and Cook, MD.  Check us out on facebook...

Steve Sugden, MD joins us to discuss lifestyle medicine and neuroplasticity in the recovery process.  Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at theaddictionfiles@gmail.com No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of legal and illegal...

George Koob, PhD director of NIAAA teaches us about the addiction cycle, the origins of "Hyperkatefia", review of treatment options during the negative affect cycle and how NIAAA is monitoring current policies and trends regarding alcohol use. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.   www.niaaa.nih.gov https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/link-To-Us.aspx Check us out on facebook...

Lucinda Grande MD, FASAM joins us to discuss her research on low dose ketamine for buprenorphine inductions with emphasis on transitions from fentanyl to buprenorphine. She discusses patient selection, dosing considerations, and safety profile. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddicti...

 Dr. Javier Ballester joins us for our second episode on co-occurring mental health and substance use. We'll cover Bipolar, its prevalence with substance use disorders, diagnosis, and treatment considerations. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram  Theaddictionfiles or email us at  theaddicti...

Our year-end review in addiction medicine for 2023, covers key topics, including the 2022 NSDUH data, trends in xylazine and fentanyl, and the impact of social isolation on alcohol use. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram  Theaddictionfiles or email us at theaddictionfiles@gmail.com No expl...