12.2 Safer Drug Use: What is Addiction?

Renegade Psych

In this series, Dr. Stephen Love, MD, and I discuss a vitally important aspect of substance use treatment that is not discussed enough as a society or in our medical training, educating users on how to reduce the harms associated with substance use. We delve into what addiction is in this episode and discuss whether the causes are biological or environmental in nature... and you guessed it, we settle on a nuanced combination of the two. We also discuss why the U.S. is particularly susceptible to addiction and has THE highest rates of addition in the developed world. Finally, we talk about the internal battle between the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous, now including Narcotics Anonymous, etc.) and MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment), and how, again, it is so important to take helpful components of both philosophies to help guide individualizing each treatment regimen to each patient. I hope you enjoy and tune in every Tuesday for a new release!

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Disclaimer, this podcast is for informational purposes only. The information provided in this podcast and related materials are meant only to educate. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. While I am a medical doctor and many of my guests have extensive medical training and experience, nothing stated in this podcast nor materials related to this podcast, including recommended websites, texts, graphics, images, or any other materials should be treated as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. All listeners should consult with a medical professional, licensed mental health provider or other healthcare provider if seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.