Season 1

Episode 1 "Hey Doc Your Patient Might Be Drinking Too Much"   Identifying Alcohol Use Disorders by Drs. Paula Cook and Darlene Petersen

Episode 2 "To Admit or Not to Admit" Management of Alcohol Withdrawal with Drs. Paula Cook and Darlene Petersen 

Episode 3   "Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram Oh My!" Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder by Drs. Paula Cook and Darlene Petersen 

Episode 4  "Time to Address the Big Purple Gorilla in the Room"  Managing Opioid Use Disorder In the Middle of  Pandemic by Drs. Paula Cook and Darlene Petersen

Episode 5 "We Need to Talk About Meth"   Diagnosis and Treatment of Methamphetamine Use Disorder by Drs. Paula Cook and Darlene Petersen

Episode 6 "The Other Pandemic"  First in our four part series.  Opioid Use disorder, how to diagnosis it, how to talk to your patients about it, how you do you begin an initial outpatient intake for Opioid Use Disorder.  

Episode 7 "Opioid Induction"  Navigating outpatient and inpatient induction onto buprenorphine/naloxone.  

Episode 8  "Monitoring Opioid Use Disorder"  Maintenance, preventing diversion, and coping with difficult behaviors.  

Episode 9  "To Taper or Not To Taper"   and lots more answers.  Tune in for a great discussion on when and how to taper buprenorphine/naloxone.  

Episode 10 "Benzophobia"  Recognize and Treat Benzodiazepine Dependence. Recognize and treat benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal.   Tune in to learn the mechanism of action, withdrawal symptoms and treatment options.  

Episode 11  "Kratom"  You can buy what... at your local smoke shop?   Tune in for a fascinating discussion about origins of Kratom, use and abuse and current policy.   

Episode 12  "Updates in Addiction Medicine #1"  Review of  John Kelly's paper "AA and 12 Step Facilitation Treatments for AUD: A Distillation of a 2020 Cochrane Review for Clinicians and Policy Makers."  In this episode we discuss the history of AA and basic principles and science supporting use of AA and 12 step facilitation.  

Episode 13 "Cannabis" Not Your Mother's Marijuana.   Dr. Elizabeth Howell, Addiction Psychiatrist, from the University of Utah.  Joins us to discuss the phytobiology of cannabis, epidemiology of cannabis use in the US, effects of cannabis in the brain and benefits and risks of use.   Part 1 of 2 episodes on Cannabis.   

Episode 14 "Yes, Virginia, Cannabis Use Disorder is Real" Dr. Elizabeth Howell returns for another insightful discussion on recognizing cannabis withdrawal, cannabis use disorder, and treatment options.   Hosted by Dr. Paula Cook and Dr. Darlene Petersen. 

Episode 15  "Updates in Addiction Medicine #2"  Naltrexone and Bupropion for Meth Use Disorder.  Join us as we discuss "Bupropion and Naltrexone in Methamphetamine Use Disorder"  by Madhukar H. Trivedi, M.D. et al from the January 2021 NEJM.   Hosted by Dr. Paula Cook and Dr. Darlene Petersen.    

Episode 16  "Nicotine"  No smoke screens here, just the facts.  Why we need to help our patients with addiction quit smoking and best practices on how to quit. Hosted by Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook.

Episode 17 "Harm Reduction"  Building the Bridge.  Meet your patients where they are but don't leave them there.  Time to start the conversation on how do we apply harm reduction strategies in addiction medicine.  This episode discusses syringe exchange programs, naloxone, safe injection sites and more hosted by Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook. 

 Episode 18 "Oh Baby! SUD in Pregnancy"  Keep On Keeping On.  Join us as Dr. Paula Cook and Dr. Darlene Petersen interview Dr. Marcela Smid on management of substance use disorders during pregnancy.   We dispel many of the common myths surrounding treatment of SUD (Substance Use Disorder) during pregnancy, review the current evidence informed treatments of SUD during pregnancy and postpartum care of women with SUD. 

Season 2

Episode 19  "Cracking the Code on Cocaine and Bath Salts" Season 2 is here and we are back with a fantastic episode about a re-emerging and serious epidemic.    Dr. Paula Cook and Dr. Darlene Petersen discuss the history of crack/cocaine and emergence of bath salts, neurobiology of cocaine and treatment options and more.  

Episode 20 "Primary Care for People with Substance Use Disorders" Our patients who suffer from addiction disorders can have unique medical challenges.  Join us for a fascinating discussion on recognizing and treating co-occurring medical disorders, preventing disease and reducing risks of substance use.    

Episode 21"It's no Party" Join us for an in depth discussion of "Club Drugs."   We discuss history, epidemiology, abuse and treatment of LSD, Ketamine, Ectasy/Molly, Rohypnol, and GHB.  

Episode 22 ”When White is the New Black: Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Revealed.”  In this episode we delve into the world of synthetic opioids, where do they come from, effects,  and overdose considerations.   Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.   

 Episode 23 ”To Admit or Not to Admit” Part 2 Outpatient Management of Alcohol Withdrawal. This episode discusses managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the outpatient setting. We review  appropriate patient selection with a  targeted history and stratification tools like the PAWSS scale. We discuss when patients should be admitted for medically managed withdrawal vs treatment options and evidence-based guidelines for  outpatient management. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD. 

Episode 24 "5 Things You Need to Know About 5 Drugs" Tune in to our top five for 2021 on Alcohol, Opioids, Methamphetamines, Nicotine and Cannabis.  We review the basic facts, treatment pointers and pharmacology on some of the most commonly abused substances.  This is a can't miss episode hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.   

Episode 25 "Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Substance Use Disorders"  Dr. Amy  De La Garza joins us to give an in depth discuss on lifestyle modifications, diet, and complementary therapies for sleep when treating patients with substance use disorders.   Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD. 

Episode 26 ”End the Silence” What Physicians Need to Know About Human Trafficking and Addiction.  January Riggin, founder of Soap2Hoap, a non profit organization providing resources, harm reduction and advocacy to victims of human trafficking, substance use disorders, victims of sexual exploitation joins us to share her personal story of surviving human trafficking, life on the streets, childhood abuse and trauma and overcoming addiction.  In this emotional interview we learn what human trafficking is, how addiction is used to control and cope with the trauma, signs that a patient is being trafficked and what health care workers can do when they suspect a patient is being trafficked.   Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.  Find out more at:    https://soap2hopeut.com

Episode 27      Microdosing, ultrarapid induction, Bernese Method.  What is it, when do you use it and how does this method provide an alternative for starting buprenorphine without a traditional withdrawal period?    Tune in for a refresher on buprenorphine induction and how to microdose.    Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. 

Episode 28 Phenibut or Fenibut by any other name it's just another it is just another addictive drug. With addictive like properties similar to anxiolytics, Phenibut, is increasing in is popularity with dire consequences.   In this episode we discuss the history, pharmacology, dependence and withdrawal syndrome associated with this emerging drug of abuse.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD. 

Episode 29 "When Things Fall Apart" Coping with Difficult Patients. "When all the wheels fall off the bus" as Dr. Cook says, what do you do with angry, disruptive and noncompliant patients?  In this episode we review three interesting cases with published solutions on how we can respond while maintaining the doctor patient therapeutic relationship while preserving staff morale.   Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD 

Episode 30 Substance Use in the Workplace. In this episode we interview occupational medicine and addiction medicine board certified Melissa Cheng, MD. It is a fascinating look at substance use in the workplace- identifying the data on the 9.5% of U.S. full time (12% part time) employed people with a substance use disorder and where they are working. How the pandemic has changed substance use in the explosive ways and what employers and medical systems can do better to provide a safer and de-stigmatized work culture.  

Episode 31 Ayahausca, Mescaline, and Ibogaine "Buttons and Brews"  In an depth discussion on the history, neurobiology and hidden dangers of Ayahausca, Mescaline and Ibogaine.  Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.  

Episode 35 Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders: Women, Wine and the Woozy Physician. April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. In this episode we discuss the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders in our population.   We discuss the trends among women, teens, binge drinking among college students and yes even physicians.   We also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use disorders and what we can do about it.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD. 

Episode 36 Abuse of Anabolic Steroids "No Gym Candy For You" In this episode we delve into the often overlooked abuse of anabolic steroids. We discuss the types of steroids abused, epidemiology, mental and physical effects of abuse and treatment.  Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. 

Episode 37 Hepatitis C Treatment in Patients With Addiction Disorders.  Dr. Richard Andrews joins us for an informative episode on recognizing , testing and treating Hepatitis C.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.   Check out these fantastic resources recommended by Dr. Andrews:

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1001/afp20181001p413.pdf 

https://nccc.ucsf.edu/clinician-consultation/hepatitis-c-management/ 

https://hsc.unm.edu/echo/ 


Episode 38 Emotional Overeating "It's not what you're eating, it's why you're eating." Best selling author, host of the podcast "Overcoming Emotional Overeating" and food psychology expert Wendi Francis, RD, MS, CPC joins us on this episode to discuss emotional overeating, food addiction, cross addiction and everything in between.  In this episode Wendi teaches us to beware of putting labels on patients and how healing starts by addressing trauma.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula CooK, MD.  

Check out Wendi's Podcast: Overcoming Emotional Eating and her books and courses at Wendifrancis.com

Resources listed in episode: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel A Van der Kolk 

Episode 39 Buprenorphine Monotherapy” The Great Debate” Is there a difference between buprenorphine/naloxone vs buprenorphine monotherapy when treating opioid use disorder. Join us as we discuss this controversial topic, review the latest evidence, and prescribing guidelines. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.

Episode 40 Managing Patients in Early and Long-Term Recovery Elizabeth Howell, MD is back for an extraordinary episode on managing patients in long term recovery. Dr. Howell guides us through the many pitfalls where physicians can contribute to a patient's relapse and leaves us with practice changing wisdom to help our patients today and in the future.  This is a can't miss episode.   Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. 

Episode 41 Addiction in Rural America Dr. Kyle Moore joins us for a fascinating look at the practice of addiction medicine in rural United States. He discusses the many joys of small-town living along with the challenges including limited referral resources, lack of inpatient options, and delayed EMS response.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.   

Episode 42 Managing Infections in Patients who Use Drugs We are back with another fascinating episode, joined by Dr. David Serota board certified infectious disease and addiction medicine specialist. We discuss the management of infections in people who use drugs. Dr. Serota walks us through types and sources of infection, prevention and management.  In this episode we review the data surrounding oral antibiotic therapy when IV antibiotics are just not possible.  Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. 

Episode 43 Methadone Primer “Everything You Need to Know About Methadone” In this episode we cover the history of methadone, regulations, metabolism, dosing, side effects and so much more! This is a great introduction if you are not familiar with Opioid Treatment Programs.  Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.   

Episode 44 Drug Testing: What, When and How to Test Ana Holtey, D.O. board certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician and MRO joins us to discuss the basics of drug testing.  Learn about why we test, interpreting results, and cross containments. Understand how drug screening is a tool but not a decision and how we can use this to help our patients in recovery. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.   

ASAM Appropriate Use of Drug Testing in Clinical Addiction Medicine Consensus Statement

Urine Drug Screening: Practical Guide for Clinicians

https://doi.org/10.4065/83.1.66

Season 3

Episode 45 The Methamphetamine/Fentanyl Epidemic Javier Ballester, MD board certified addiction psychiatrist, president of Utah chapter of ASAM, joins us to discuss this most dangerous epidemic.  Dr. Ballester gives us a primer on the neurobiology of methamphetamine, discussion on the devasting effects of this disturbing trend of methamphetamine laced with fentanyl. Treatment of methamphetamine psychosis, harm reduction strategies for methamphetamine/fentanyl use.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD. 

Episode 46 Food...” The Most Addictive Substance in Your Home?” Catherine Van Tassell PA-C, LCSW, joins us on this episode to discuss Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), how to determine when a patient has disordered eating, food triggers in our food industry and treatment options. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. 

Episode 47 Addiction Update #3 “Weed Fever: Effects of Cannabis on IQ and Youth” In this episode we review the monitoring future study (released 8/22/22) and the trends in alcohol use, cannabis and nicotine particularly vaping.  We discuss a fascinating longitudinal study on long term cannabis and the cognitive effects.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD. 

“What is long-term cannabis use doing to our brains?”American Journal of psychiatry. 8 Mar 22.  Meier et Al

Episode 48 Bupe and Benzos: What is a doctor to do? We are back with listener questions. What do you do with patients on benzodiazepines and MOUD? Tune in for a fantastic discussion on the latest recommendations on co-use of benzodiazepines and buprenorphine (and methadone), practice pearls and tips for engagement of patients in benzodiazepine taper. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.  

Episode 49 AA common myths dispelled Peg O’Connor PhD, joins us to discuss the history of AA and the roots of the “higher power”. In this very poignant episode we learn how to approach patients who might be put off by the 12-step dogma plus Dr. O’Connor gives us so much more wisdom in how to reach our patients with alcohol use disorders. This is a can’t miss episode. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.

Find out more about Dr. O’Connor at: http://pegoconnorauthor.com/ and check out her book Higher and Friendly Powers: Transforming Addiction and Suffering. 

Episode 50 PREP/PEP Dr. David Crabtree joins us to discuss managing PREP/PEP in patients with substance use disorders. In this episode we discuss patient selection, initial evaluation, medication options and follow up testing. Bonus Dr. Crabtree discuss medication coverage options. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. 

Dr. David Crabtree 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcrabtreemdmph/

https://davidcrabtreemd.com/

Episode 51 ”How to Unglue from Your Phone” Gaming, Gambling and Internet Addiction The fantastic Dr. Mitika Kanabar teaches us all about Process Addictions. We discuss gambling, compulsive internet use and gaming addiction. Dr. Kanabar guides us through diagnosis, treatment options and even harm reduction strategies. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. 

For more information on Dr. Kanabar: www.mitikakanabar.com

Intstagram kanabarmd or twitter @KanabarMd

Episode 52 Hot Topics in Addiction Medicine for 2022 It's a wrap, in this episode we discuss the hot topics in addiction medicine including fentanyl, cannabis, harm reduction, health inequities and bonus how psychedelic use has increased. In this episode we review the latest trends in the monitoring the future study.   

Episode 53 Sex Addiction ”A Syndrome What it is and What it is Not”  Alexandra Katehakis, Ph.D. is the Founder/Clinical Director of Center for Healthy Sex in Los Angeles.  This is a can't miss episode where Dr. Katehakis teaches us origins of sex addiction, screening and co-occurring disorders and treatment options. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD. 

Dr. Katehakis is the author of several books including Sex Addiction As Affect Dysregulation: A Neurobiologically Informed Holistic Treatment, the multiple award-winning Mirror of Intimacy: Daily Reflections on Emotional and Erotic Intelligence, Sexual Reflections, and Erotic Intelligence.

You can find Dr. Katehakis at: 

http://www.centerforhealthysex.com/

Instagram: @alexkatehakis 

Twitter: @alexkatehakis

Facebook: Alex Katehakis https://www.facebook.com/katehakis/


Episode 54 Psilocybin. In this episode we discuss the history of Psilocybin, effects, and mechanism of action. We review the latests studies showing the effects of Psilocybin on alcohol and tobacco use disorders and the research on depression. This is a fascinating episode hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.  


Episode 55 Xylazine ”Tranq Dope”  Xylazine what is it, where is it and what is a Physician to do? In this episode we discuss this emerging epidemic, trends, treatment considerations and precautions. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.  


Episode 56 Neurobiology of Addiction.  Dr. Ballester is back! In this episode Javier Ballester, MD talks us through the reward pathway and neurochemical and biological changes that take place in the addiction cycle. This is a great primer for students and residents and refresher for seasoned practitioners. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.   


Episode 57 Addiction Updates ”Adolescents and Elderly with OUD In this episode we discuss the removal of the X-waiver and its implications, the latest statistics in adolescent and geriatric OUD treatment. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.

  

Episode 58 ”Cannabis Confessions” Eric Collins, PhD assistant professor in the school of health studies at Western University in Ontario, Canada. Joins us to discuss his lived experience through addiction and recovery.  Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD. 


Episode 59 DBT for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders. Laura Petracek, PhD teaches us all about Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and how we can best support our patients in their recovery. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD. 

Find out more about Dr. Petracek at: laurapetracekphd.com or @laurapetracekphd

Episode 60 Binge Drinking in College and Adolescent Students. We are back for a thoughtful discussion on the risks of binge drinking, epidemiology, and what measures colleges and institutions can take to reduce this disturbing trend.

Resources:

CollegeAIM NIAAA's Alcohol Intervention Matrix

Episode 61 Prescription Stimulant Misuse. Prescription stimulant misuse is on the rise and in this episode we explore the epidemiology, common groups diverting and prevention. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.  

Episode 62  Methadone Policy Updates: Get with the (OT) Program Everything you need to know about methadone OTP policy changes including a discussion on what is coming down the pipeline. Bonus we discuss listener questions on methadone use with benzodiazepines/gabapentin, management of patients on methadone with stimulant use disorder and answer the question is therapy a federal requirement for treatment in an OTP? Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD.  

Episode 63 Harm Reduction ”Creating Connection Through Compassion”Mindy Vincent MSW, LCSW, MPA joins us for an insightful conversation on harm reduction, how to build a program, meet patients where they are and goals for future legislation to assist patients in their recovery. Hosted by Paula Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. 

You can learn more about Mindy at: utahharmreduction.org

Episode 64 Butalbital and Promethazine Misuse ”Do not fall into the Daily Fiorcet and Phenergan Trap” We discuss two commonly prescribed medications, who is at risk of misuse. Mechanism of action withdrawal symptoms and treatment. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.

Information cited in this episode: Rodulfo A, Augsten A, Wainwright E, Abramovici G. A Case of Severe Fioricet Withdrawal Presenting During Admission to an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. Case Rep Psychiatry. 2021 Nov 8;2021:6371953. doi: 10.1155/2021/6371953

Episode 65 A Tale of Two Pills and a Shot: Emerging Meds for SUD 

In this episode we review weekly injectable buprenorphine, and several studies on novel treatments for alcohol use disorders. Will GLP 1's and spironolactone be helpful to reduce drinking days and can naltrexone be used PRN for alcohol use disorder? Tune in to find out. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD.

Season 4


Extra special thanks to Ricky Valadez for use of his song "Awake" check him out at Rickyvaladez.com