Cracking Addiction
Episodes
Understanding Psychosis and Substance Use
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and guest Dr. Manu Bhatnagar engage in a deep dive into the complex topic of psychosis, s...
Exploring Step 7 : The Active Process of Humble Self-Reflection
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the seventh step of the twelve-step program. They discuss the importance o...
The 6th Step: Surrendering to Change and Seeking Transformation in Addiction Recovery
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek discuss the 6th step of the twelve-step process of addiction recovery. They explore the concept of God in...
Exploring the Fifth Step: Embracing Accountability in the Fifth Step of the Twelve Step Program
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction, we delve into the crucial fifth step of the twelve-step program. Join us as we explore the significance of admi...
Reflecting on the Fourth Step: Exploring the Importance of the Moral Inventory in Recovery
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek explore the fourth step of the twelve-step program - making a searching and fearless mor...
Surrendering to the Unknown: Exploring the Third Step in Addiction Recovery
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another episode of Cracking Addiction, where we delve into the world of addiction and recovery. In this episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and ...
Navigating Take Home Naloxone: An Antidote for Opioid Toxicity
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ferghal Armstrong discusses the importance and impact of take-home naloxone with experts Jeremy Szmerling and Dr. Suzanne Neilsen. They explain wh...
Beyond Belief: Discovering the Power that Restores Sanity in Addiction Recovery
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to "Cracking Addiction." In this episode, Dr. Fergal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek dive into the second step of the twelve-step program: "C...
Dr. Laura Petracek's Journey to Recovery
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we will dive deep into Dr Laura's personal journey of addiction, mental health struggles, and finding a sense of belonging. From b...
The Psychology Behind Addiction Denial
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another episode of Cracking Addiction! I'm your host, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, and the brilliant Dr. Laura Petracek is joining me today. In t...
Unmasking Cognitive Distortions: Examining the Illusion of Control in Addiction
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We delve into the fascinating realm of cognitive distortions and the powerlessness individuals with addiction often face. Dr. Petracek shares her expe...
Sober Mum Squad: How Peer Support is Cracking Addiction and Empowering Mothers
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we delve into the often isolating and lonely world of motherhood. Our host, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, is joined once again by the ins...
From Fear and Frustration to Freedom: Breaking Free from the Grip of Alcohol
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we have a special guest, Celeste Yvonne, sharing her personal experiences and insights on quitting alcohol and embracing a sober l...
Radical Acceptance: Finding Healing and Empowerment | Exploring the Path to Lessen Suffering
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek in this enlightening discussion about Radical Acceptance—a powerful concept that can lead us towar...
Understanding Chronic Pain: How DBT and Mindfulness Help | Expert Discussion
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, Dr. Laura Petracek, and Kate Butler in this insightful discussion about using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindf...
Positive Dialogue: Maintaining Respectful Conversations
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the significance of validating the invalid during conver...
Mastering the Art of Communication: Importance of Showing Interest & Validation
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the vital aspects of effective communication: showing interes...
The Power of GIVE in DBT for Building Healthy Relationships
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode of Cracking Addiction, joinDr Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek as they delve into the transformative concept of GIV...
Developing Self-Respect: The Power of Fairness, Boundaries, and Core Values
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek in this insightful discussion on self-respect as a fundamental aspect of how we relate to others. Di...
Master the Art of Negotiation: Learn the O-M-A-N Framework for Effective Communication
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek as they delve into the transformative O-M-A-N (Observation, Measuring, Asserting, and Not) framework...
Enhance Your Interpersonal Skills with the Dear Man Technique | DBT Tips
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Improve your relationships and enhance your interpersonal skills with the Dear Man technique, a powerful tool derived from dialectical behavioral ther...
Depression: Understanding Subtypes, Diagnosis, and Effective Treatments
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the diagnosis of depression and its subtypes. Depression is a powerful emotional state that affects work, relationships, a...
Understanding Dual Diagnosis & Triple Diagnosis in Addiction Medicine
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us on Cracking Addiction as we delve into the fascinating world of dual diagnosis and triple diagnosis in addiction medicine. Dual diagnosis refe...
Taking Control: Assessing & Managing Substance Dependency and Withdrawal
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the 100th episode of Cracking Addiction. In this milestone episode, we delve deep into the assessment of dependency, comparing home-based d...
Unmasking the Lethality of Family Violence
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Steve Herd delve into the grim reality of family violence, exposing its potential for lethality. They focus on key risk fact...
Understanding Lethality in Family Violence: Unveiling Risk Factors
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this serious and thought-provoking episode of "Cracking Addiction," Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Mr. Stephen Heard shed light on evidence-based risk f...
Unveiling the Hidden Lethality Factors in family violence
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this thought-provoking episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr Ferghal Armstrong and Steve Herd delve into the grim reality of family violence, focusing ...
10 Minutes a Day: The Importance of Daily Mindfulness Practice for Your Mental Health
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this informative episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura J. Petracek discuss the power of mindfulness and meditation in regulating our emotion...
Managing Emotional Distress: Reality Acceptance and Mindfulness Skills
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addition, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura J. Petracek discuss the important topic of managing emotional distress throu...
Beyond Stereotypes: Unmasking Family Violence by Women - Genuine Victims vs. Victim Stancing
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this thought-provoking Cracking Addiction episode, Dr Ferghal Armstrong and Steve Herd delve into the complex issue of how alcohol intersects with ...
Challenging Misconceptions: AOD Use ≠ Elimination of Family Violence
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this thought-provoking episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr Ferghal Armstrong and Steve Herd delve into the complex intersection between AOD (alcohol ...
The Sensory Awareness Rule of Five
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Sensory Awareness Rule of Five is a technique that involves shifting one's focus from distressing thoughts or emotions to neutral sensory input. B...
Distress Tolerance Techniques: TIPP
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TIPP is a simple and effective acronym that stands for Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Each compone...
Understanding DBT: Four Components and Three Pillars Explained
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Laura explains in more detail about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its four core components: distress tolerance, interpersonal effectivene...
Pain is inevitable: suffering is optional
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I chat with Dr Laura Petracek about unnecessary suffering. There is a famous saying: ”Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”.We all experience...
Power and Control - The Duluth Model
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Stephen Herd and I continue our discussion on the power and control wheel.The Power and Control Wheel was developed by a group of acti...
The Power and Control Wheel
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Stephen Herd and I discuss the Power and Control Wheel: a widely used tool to help understand the dynamics of family violence and iden...
Breaking the Silence: Understanding the Complexity of Family Violence
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Herd is an expert in the field of family violence. In our first of a series of conversations, he explains that family violence is not just physi...
Trauma Assessment and Management
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction, we are again joined by addiction psychiatrist Dr Dan Pham and discuss how to take a trauma history without furt...
Trauma, PTSD and Addiction
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the episode of Cracking Addiction, we are joined by Dr Daniel Pham an Addiction Psychiatrist working at Turning Point who discusses with us the dif...
Working with Colleagues in the Grip of Addiction
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this episode as we hear from Dr. Tony Weeks, a former Director of Anaesthesia at Alfred Health, as he shares his experiences in treating do...
The DBT Workbook for Alcohol and Drug Addiction
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Cracking Addiction we talk with Psycologist and Author Dr Laura Petracek.We explore the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) ...
Overcoming Patient Stigma in Urine Drug Testing
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this informative episode as we dive into the topic of urine drug tests in Addiction Medicine. We will discuss the purpose and importance of...
Patient Perspective and Concerns Regarding Take Away Doses
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the focus is on the complicated issue of "takeaway doses" in opioid substitution therapy. Opioid substitution therapy is a treatment ...
The Hidden Dangers of Nitrite Inhalants
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inhalant Abuse: Understanding the Dangers of Hydrocarbon and Nitrite Inhalation - Hydrocarbon inhalants are substances that are inhaled for their into...
Medicinal Cannabis Today : Indications and Evidence Pt2
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Medicinal Cannabis Part 2 – In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Jim Connel joins us again and we discuss the side effects of cannabis, in par...
Medicinal Cannabis Today : Indications and Evidence Pt1
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Medicinal Cannabis Part 1– In this episode of Cracking Addiction, we are joined by Dr. Jim Connell, a GP and medicinal cannabis prescriber and the f...
Navigating the Challenges of Opioid Withdrawal: Tips and Strategies
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The distress that individuals undergoing opioid withdrawal can experience can range from mild to severe, depending on the type and duration of opioid ...
Nitrous oxide or Nangs
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the 75th episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss nitrous oxide or nangs and their medical uses and indications and the use of nitrous oxide as a e...
Cocaine Toxicity: Symptoms,Treatment, and Prevention
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cocaine toxicity - In this episode of Cracking Addiction, we discuss the metabolites of cocaine, the different organ systems affected by cocaine, and ...
Cocaine, Crack and Freebase
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cocaine, Crack and Freebase -In this episode of Cracking Addiction we explore cocaine, it's origins, the difference between powder cocaine and crack a...
Writing an Effective Treatment Report
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Ferghal speaks with Dr Matthew Frei, an addiction medicine specialist who specialises in providing written reports in the field of addiction medici...
Tips for Managing Clinicians Who Struggle with Addiction
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Ferghal speaks with Dr Matthew Frei, an addiction medicine specialist who specialises in the care and management of clinicians who find themselves ...
Prescription opioid use disorder
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 US...
Addiction Medicine vs. General Practice
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 69 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the difference and similarities between general practice and Addiction Medicine. We discuss Addiction M...
Gabapentinoids
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
MDMA and stimulant withdrawal
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 67 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the management of acute intoxication of MDMA and discuss the principles of both MDMA and stimulant...
MDMA / Ecstasy
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 66 of Cracking Addiction we discuss MDMA or ecstacy and discuss its analogues PMA and PMMA and discuss the pharmacokinetics of these d...
GHB Withdrawal
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the timeframe of GHB withdrawal, the severe and significant symptoms of GHB withdrawal and the potent...
GHB
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 cl...
Higher and Friendly Powers
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Using drugs in hospital
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
What is Kamini?and is it safe?
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ma...
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the timeframe and symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, how to stabilise a patient on benzodiazepine...
Benzodiazepine use disorder
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the effects of chronic benzodiazepine usage and the mechanisms of which tolerance and depe...
Benzodiazepines
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 58 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the pharmacology of benzodiazepines and their interaction with the GABA-A receptor, the different types...
Lifestyle Medicine in Addiction
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Methamphetamine relapse prevention
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss relapse prevention strategies with regards to methamphetamine use and discuss harm reduction strategi...
Methamphetamine withdrawal
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this Episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the three phases of methamphetamine withdrawal, strategies to manage the methamphetamine withdrawal i...
Methamphetamine and amphetamines
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we mainly speak about methamphetamines but also amphetamines and discuss the amphetamine class of drugs and thei...
Living with Addiction
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we are privileged to have Steven McDonald who discusses his lived experience with addiction and his path towards...
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, the various theories surrounding the pathophysiology of cannabis hyper...
Synthetic cannabis
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the variety within the class of synthetic cannabinoids, symptoms of synthetic cannabis intoxications,...
Cannabis withdrawal management
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal syndrome and the duration that can be expected for these sy...
Cannabis use disorder
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the symptoms of cannabis use disorder and cannabis intoxication, the different preparations of cannab...
Cannabidiol (CBD)
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss cannabidiol (CBD) and discuss the clinical effects of CBD, how CBD acts on the cannabinoid receptors,...
THC
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and how it interacts with the cannabinoid receptors and how this i...
The Endocannabinoid system
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the endocannabinoid system, the different types of endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the locatio...
Chasing the scream
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Scot Aitken and Dr Ferghal Armstrong chat about Johan Hari’s book, Chasing The Scream. We explore some o...
The Evidence for vaping
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we are again joined by Dr Colin Mendelsohn to discuss the controversies around vaping including the risks around...
How to vape to aid smoking cessation
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In part 2 of 3 episodes. In this episode of Cracking Addiction we are again joined by Dr Colin Mendelsohn to discuss the different types of vaping pr...
The Benefits and Myths of Vaping
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this 1st of three episodes of Cracking Addiction we are joined by Dr Colin Mendelsohn to discuss the harms of tobacco usage, what vaping is and how...
Tobacco use in special populations
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss tobacco use in pregnancy and the those with mental health disorders and the evidence around smoking c...
Smoking cessation interventions
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss various smoking cessation interventions including behavioural interventions, nicotine replacement the...
Tobacco use disorder
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Cracking Addiction we discuss the harms associated with tobacco use, the health benefits of tobacco cessation, briefly discuss smok...
Opioid Use Disorder summary points
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 38 of Cracking Addiction we summarise the previous episodes regarding opioid use disorder and discuss a framework on the safe management of...
Social comorbidity in substance use disorder
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 37 of Cracking Addiction we discuss in detail some of the social comorbidities associated with substance use disorders and what to screen f...
Physical comorbidity in substance use disorder
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 36 of Cracking Addiction we discuss in detail some of the physical comorbidities associated with substance use disorders and what to screen...
Psychiatric comorbidity in substance use disorder
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 35 of Cracking Addiction we discuss in detail some of the psychiatric comorbidities associated with substance use disorders and what to scr...
Special circumstances in OST Part 2
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 34 of Cracking Addiction we discuss how to manage some of the special circumstances in opioid substation therapy including OST in renal and...
Special circumstances in OST Part 1
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 33 of Cracking Addiction we discuss how to manage some of the special circumstances in opioid substation therapy including vomiting of dose...
Naloxone
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 32 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the harm reduction intervention of Naloxone and when to consider prescribing this medication, the benef...
Harm Reduction
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 31 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the harm reduction interventions that we can implement for people who inject drugs to decrease the risk...
Suboxone Part 2
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 30 of Cracking Addiction we discuss the different opioid receptors buprenorphine acts upon and the nature of these effects, the difference ...
Suboxone Part 1
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 29 of Cracking Addiction we discuss Suboxone and talk about the components of Suboxone as well as the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of ...
LAIB - Top Tips
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 28 of Cracking Addiction we discuss our practical tips, advice and experience in managing patients on LAIB and share what we have learned.D...
LAIB The Patient Arc
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 27 of Cracking Addiction discusses the patient journey on LAIB and how to adequately deal with and manage adjusting doses of LAIB, commencing ...
LAIB - Sublocade
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cracking Addiction discusses Sublocade one of the LAIB preparations available and how to commence, maintain and manage any dose changes or complicatio...
LAIB - Buvidal
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cracking Addiction discusses Buvidal one of the LAIB preparations available and how to commence, maintain and manage any dose changes or complications...
LAIB Special Circumstances
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cracking Addiction discusses some of the special or difficult circumstances of prescribing LAIBs including intoxicated patients, pregnant patients, pa...