Cracking Addiction – Details, episodes & analysis

🚨 Important Update on Paracetamol in Australia! 🚨

Are you aware of the recent changes in paracetamol regulations and its implications for pain management? Whether you're a healthcare professional, student, or someone who frequently uses paracetamol, this must-see episode of "Cracking Addiction" is packed with crucial insights!

Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong in our latest episode where he breaks down:

The various theories behind paracetamol's mechanism of action

A recent meta-analysis on paracetamol's effectiveness for different pain conditions

The liver toxicity risks associated with paracetamol and how to manage them effectively

Upcoming changes in paracetamol pack sizes and what they mean for you

Discover how the regulation changes, set to take effect on 1st February 2025, are aimed at reducing incidences of liver injury and death. Learn practical tips on safe paracetamol use and stay ahead of these regulatory updates.

Are you curious about what really causes addiction? In this eye-opening video, I dive deep into the complexities of addiction, examining the genetic vulnerability, environmental influences, and the significant role of trauma. You'll discover how substances like nicotine, heroin, and alcohol increase dopamine in the brain, making us crave them even when we don't necessarily enjoy them. Keyword alert: If you're fascinated by addiction, neuroscience, or mental health, this video is tailor-made for you!

Join me, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, as we explore the intricate pathways and factors leading to addiction. You'll learn how genetic factors account for about 50% of addiction risk and why some substances hold higher addictive potential than others. We’ll delve into the environmental or exposure risk factors, such as family dynamics, school policies, and community environments, all of which play crucial roles in addiction. Most importantly, we'll discuss the often-overlooked impact of childhood trauma and how these early experiences can lead to risky behaviours and substance use later in life. Keyword lovers: Addiction causes, addiction genetics, addiction trauma—you don't want to miss this!

This video arms you with a better understanding of addiction so that we can approach those affected with empathy and compassion. You'll gain insights that can help illuminate why addiction is not just a personal failing but a multifaceted condition influenced by a range of factors.

Welcome to another insightful episode of Cracking Addiction, where we delve into the intricate connections between substance use and sleep architecture. I'm your host, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, and joining me today is Dr. Richard Bradlow.

In this episode, we dive deep into understanding how various substances, particularly those that are misused, impact sleep quality and patterns. We will explore the challenging phenomenon of post-detox insomnia and its implications on relapse. Dr. Bradlow shares practical approaches to managing insomnia through lifestyle changes and short-term medication, highlighting the importance of addressing sleep issues in addiction recovery.

Additionally, we discuss the critical components of sleep architecture, including sleep latency, REM sleep, and slow wave sleep, and how different substances influence these parameters. From the negative impact of alcohol and cannabis on REM sleep to the importance of deep sleep in cognitive and physical restoration, this episode covers it all.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of sleep and addiction, and discover effective strategies to support those on the path to recovery.

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 and polypharmacy harms.

Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.

Latest Blogs

https://www.meducate.com.au/blog

About Meducate ®

Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.

See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

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 and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.

Latest Blogs

https://www.meducate.com.au/blog

About Meducate ®

Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.

See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

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 MDMA and its increased usage in medical practice. MDMA has many effects on the body and we discuss the effects of MDMA on the brain, heart and liver in particular as well as some of the side effects of MDMA.

Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.

Latest Blogs

https://www.meducate.com.au/blog

About Meducate ®

Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.

See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

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 deterioration.

Discussions and comments in our videos are for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.

Latest Blogs

https://www.meducate.com.au/blog

About Meducate ®

Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.

See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

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 should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.

Latest Blogs

https://www.meducate.com.au/blog

About Meducate ®

Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.

See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au

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 the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, was coined by William James, philosopher, psychologist, and intellectual giant of the early 20th century. 

In this book Professor O'Connor addresses concepts such as:

• Understanding the Concept of “Higher Power” at the Heart of the 12-Step Program 
• Why There Must Be Multiple Paths out of Addiction and No One is the Best or Right
• Why Needs in Recovery Change over Time
• Undertaking Spiritual Recovery in AA without a Religious Denomination

Professor O'Connor's book 'Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering' can be ordered from her website: https://pegoconnorauthor.com/ as well as Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wildhouse Publications.

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 only and should not replace the advice of your medical professional. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment or lifestyle.

Latest Blogs

https://www.meducate.com.au/blog

About Meducate ®

Meducate provides online education for doctors, clinicians, health professionals and the public.

See the website to browse the many different talks and courses available https://www.meducate.com.au