Addiction Practice Pod

In this episode, journalist David P. Ball is joined by Dr. Marcus Greatheart, a family physician, registered social worker, and author. Together, they explore how clinicians can create safe and affirming spaces for trans and gender-diverse youth in substance use care by addressing systemic barriers, promoting trauma-informed approaches, and challenging fear-based narratives. They also speak with Toby and Alec, members of the Substa...

In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, journalist David Ball and addiction medicine physician, Dr. Nitasha Puri, discuss the importance of culturally tailored care, drawing on Dr. Puri’s research and experiences from working at Roshni Clinic, which provides care for South Asian adults in Surrey, BC. David and Dr. Puri also s...

In this episode, journalist David P. Ball and rural generalist physician and current addiction medicine fellow, Dr. Alison Hamilton, discuss the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working in rural and remote communities. They also speak with Charlene Burmeister, former guest from Season 1, about how the Coalition for Substance Users in the North (CSUN) and other peer-led organizations are meeting the needs of drug users with...

In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, journalist David P. Ball and perinatal addiction medicine specialist Dr. Eric Cattoni discuss the unique challenges facing people who are pregnant and use substances and the importance of building therapeutic rapport and trust. David and Dr. Cattoni then speak with three experts from th...

In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, journalist David P. Ball and occupational addiction medicine physician and supreme court expert Dr. Deborah Kason discuss how to navigate substance use care for people working in construction and other safety-sensitive jobs. This type of work involves risks of harm to the worker, others...

In this episode, award-winning journalist David P. Ball and First Nations Health Authority’s Medical Officer, Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Nolan Hop Wo discuss the impact of stereotypes related to Indigenous people and alcohol use. Together, they speak with Beryl Parke, a Traditional Wellness Worker at First Nations Health Authority. Beryl is from the Haida Nation and belongs to the Sangalth Stast...

In this episode, award-winning journalist David P. Ball and award-winning family physician Dr. Robert Fox speak with Kali Sedgemore, the president of the Coalition of Peers Dismantling the Drug War and a skilled harm reductionist with a focus on supporting youth. Kali is from 'Namgis First Nation, a small remote island off of Vancouver Island North, and Dr. Fox is a member of the Blood Tribe in what's colonially known as southern A...

In this episode, award-winning journalist David P. Ball and family physician Dr. Esther Tailfeathers speak with Maura Gowans, a counselling consultant for Indigenous people, about the role that connection to culture can play in healing and wellness. Together, they discuss the importance of bringing together traditional Indigenous approaches and Western approaches to substance use care in the context of the toxic drug crisis. Maura ...

Addressing the health needs of individuals in remote and rural Indigenous communities, as well as Indigenous people living in urban areas, requires a shift from Western-centric solutions. To emphasize the diversity of Indigenous Peoples, tailored and culturally-relevant approaches are crucial. This can include mobilizing peer and family support, recognizing the significance of culture, Elders, spirituality, and building community c...

Navigating abstinence-based perspectives in substance use care can be complex. Within Indigenous communities, these complexities also intersect with the impacts of colonialism. Abstinence-based perspectives may arise or align with Indigenous teachings, they may stem from imposed colonial values, or both may be true. It is important to recognize that there are a variety of explanations for why abstinence-based approaches may be prom...

The ongoing impacts of colonization continue to affect the health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples, evident in the disproportionate rates of toxic drug poisonings and deaths experienced by Indigenous people as compared to non-Indigenous people. Addressing the harms related to substance use in these communities involves acknowledging and reducing the harms of colonialism, while emphasizing and building upon the strengths and resil...

Families, including chosen families, can be an extremely important source of support in a person’s substances use care journey, but are often overlooked in substance use care planning. 

In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, co-hosts David Ball and Christina Chant discuss the complexities and strengths of involving families in substance use care. In a slight departure from usual programming, Christina is joined by her s...

Prescribed safer supply aims to provide access to a legal and regulated supply of drugs, in order to reduce the risk of harms and death associated with using the increasingly toxic unregulated drug supply. In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, Dr. Marcus Greatheart and journalist David Ball discuss prescribed safer supply with guests who have on-the-ground experience.

First, we hear from harm reduction nurse educator ...

Through providing small doses of alcohol to clients regularly, managed alcohol programs reduce the risks associated with heavy drinking and non-beverage alcohol consumption without requiring abstinence.  

In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, Dr. Marcus Greatheart and David Ball talk with public health researcher and executive director of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, Brittany Graham, about the purpose...

Urine drug testing (UDT) is an important part of providing care to individuals with substance use disorders, from confirming baseline substance use to evaluating treatment outcomes. However, many individuals have had negative experiences with UDT. When UDT procedures feel punitive, it can impact whether an individual will continue to access care.

In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, Dr. Marcus Greatheart and David Ball tal...

Individuals and communities in BC are facing an increased risk of stimulant-related harms. Stimulant use can cause significant harms on its own, including negative cardiac and mental health outcomes. In the context of the unregulated drug supply, toxic drug poisonings can occur due to contamination of stimulants with opioids and other substances.

In this episode of Addiction Practice Pod, Dr. Marcus Greatheart and David Ball talk wi...

Alcohol withdrawal management is an important part of the continuum of care for alcohol use disorder. While some individuals at low risk of complications can safely undergo alcohol withdrawal at home, others may require inpatient withdrawal management services to prevent life-threatening complications.  

In this episode of Addiction Practice Pod, Dr. Marcus Greatheart and David Ball talk with clinical nurse specialis...

In Canada and around the world, colonial histories continue to influence people's access to determinants of good health. Our society continues to advantage White people, and addiction medicine is no exception.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Fox, David Ball, and their guests discuss the intersections of race, ethnicity, and substance use. How can we make our clinics more accessible for people of different racial and ethnic identities? H...