BC Centre on Substance Use

Addiction Practice Pod

A Medicine , Health & Fitness and Mental Health podcast

#93 in Medicine · 🇨🇦 #160 in Medicine · 🇿🇦

About the show

Addiction Practice Pod is a podcast series on addiction and substance use care for health care providers, offering practical tips and guidance to improve addiction care.

Newest episodes

Rewiring Reward: Contingency Management as Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder

Nov 10, 2026 42 min

In this episode, host David P. Ball dives into the topic of contingency management (CM), an evidence-based behavioural treatment model for stimulant use disorder. David begins with Mark Haggerty, a peer navigator with St. Paul’s Rapid Access Addiction Clinic’s Rewarding Change program. Mark offers a rundown of the work happening in CM groups and shares how his lived experience guides the support he provides to participants. David is then joined by Dr. Paxton Bach, BCCSU’s medical director and an addiction medicine specialist, to discuss the clinical aspects of CM groups. Finally, they welcome Amanda Chapman and Dr. Anne Crawford of Island Health’s Rewarding Recovery program, who speak to operational considerations and share clinical takeaways Access the show notes here.

Supporting Substance Use Care Away From Home

Oct 27, 2026 45 min

In this episode, In this episode, David P. Ball and Dr. Alison Hamilton are back to discuss the coordination and planning required when people with substance use disorders must leave their rural and/or remote communities to receive health care. They first speak with Dr. Pier-Maude Lanteigne, a primary care physician in Nunavut with expertise in addictions medicine. Dr. Lanteigne provides clinical insights and strategies to support patients receiving care away from home. David then hears from Dr. Mona Kwong, a Vancouver-based pharmacist who speaks to how health care providers can support transitions between rural and/or remote communities and urban settings. Finally, David is joined by returning guest from Season 2, Shawn Wood, an advocate for people who use substances and research associate, who shares unique perspectives about enhancing healing supports in rural and remote or Indigenous communities that could reduce the need for travel to urban areas. Access the show notes here.

Virtual Substance Use Care, Part 2: Considerations for Rural & Remote Virtual Care

Oct 13, 2026 25 min

In this episode, host David P. Ball and Dr. Alison Hamilton are back to talk to returning Season 2 guests, research scientist Dr. Geoff Bardwell, and nurse practitioner Kate Hodgson. Listeners may remember Geoff and Kate from Episode 1 - Substance use care in rural and remote contexts, of Season 2. Together, they discuss how OAT telehealth and other virtual services have changed in BC over the past 5 years. Geoff and Kate share unique perspectives about virtual substance use care in rural and remote areas of BC, including challenges and opportunities to meet the needs of local communities, how technology can be leveraged to advance this, and where it falls short. Access the show notes here.

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All episodes

Rewiring Reward: Contingency Management as Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder

Nov 10, 2026 42 min

Supporting Substance Use Care Away From Home

Oct 27, 2026 45 min

Virtual Substance Use Care, Part 2: Considerations for Rural & Remote Virtual Care

Oct 13, 2026 25 min

Virtual Substance Use Care, Part 1: OAT Telehealth & Virtual Substance Use Care Delivery

Sep 29, 2026 38 min

In the first episode of Season 7, host David P. Ball is joined by Dr. Alison Hamilton to highlight the work done by clinicians as part of the Provincial Opioid Treatment Access Line (POTAL) to increase access to opioid use disorder treatment across BC. Alison is family and addiction medicine physician with locum experience in 13 rural and remote communities across six provinces and territories in Canada. Alison previously joined as a co-host for an episode in Season 5 and has returned to co-host a 3-episode arc on rural and remote substance use care. David and Alison speak to Dr. Jessica Hann MD, a leader in virtual substance use care with Providence Health Care, to learn about how POTAL came to be, how it works and how it’s accessed, the impact it’s had so far, and important practice considerations when it comes to providing virtual substance use care. David then talks to “Darlene” (pseudonym), a person with lived/living experience of opioid use disorder who has been profoundly affected by having access to virtual substance use care. David and Alison continue the conversation in the next episode, “Virtual Substance Use Care, Part 2: Considerations for Rural & Remote Virtual Care” with two more guests, so make sure to tune in again to hear more about virtual care considerations for rural and remote communities. Access the show notes here.

Inquiring about alcohol use in clinical practice

Apr 20, 2026 37 min

In this episode, host David P. Ball explores how clinicians can more effectively identify and inquire about alcohol use in primary care. He’s joined by Tom Stere, a Tofino district councillor who shares how his lived experience of alcohol use disorder influences his advocacy work, and Dr. Olivia Brooks, a family physician specializing in addictions care in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside who shares helpful tips for both inquiring about and treating alcohol use disorder. This insightful conversation highlights the importance of recognizing when alcohol may be contributing to common clinical concerns, and how compassionate, evidence-informed inquiry can make a meaningful difference in someone’s care. Access the show notes here.

Managing benzodiazepines in primary care

Apr 7, 2026 33 min

In this episode, host David P. Ball dives into the topic of managing benzodiazepine use in primary care. He’s joined by Bill Nelles, a former AIDS nurse and counsellor with lived experience of benzodiazepine use, and Dr. Megan Hill, a family physician with over 10 years of experience in addiction medicine. Together, they offer practical insights for care providers supporting patients to manage or reduce benzodiazepine use. Through real-world examples and grounded clinical advice, the episode highlights how structured, compassionate care can make a meaningful difference. Access the show notes here.

Connection and collaboration for substance use care

Mar 23, 2026 24 min

In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with Peer Addictions Worker, Heather Edward, and Registered Social Worker, Chelsea Tetrault, who share insights about the role of interdisciplinary teams in a person’s substance use care journey. With a focus on harm reduction and creative problem-solving, Heather and Chelsea illustrate the importance of connection and collaboration across teams and clinics to help people have autonomy in their treatment and recovery care. Listeners will hear practical examples about appointment accompaniment, regular check-ins, and how coordinated, person-centred supports can reduce barriers to health care and sustain stability through treatment. Access the show notes here.

Respectful engagement in substance use care

Mar 9, 2026 33 min

In this episode, David P. Ball speaks with Peer Support Specialist Chad Ellsworth and primary care addictions physician Dr. Jacob Sussman about what respectful, person-centred engagement looks like in substance use care. Drawing from lived experience and clinical practice, the guests share how small gestures of kindness and curiosity about a client’s motivations can build trust and support long-term connection to care. This episode highlights real-world experiences of navigating the health care system, the importance of goal setting, and the role that peers play in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in clinical settings. Access the show notes here.

Initiating and stabilizing clients on treatment for opioid use disorder

Feb 23, 2026 29 min

In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with Marjory Ditmars, a nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in low-barrier addiction care, and Dominik, who shares lived experience of initiating and stabilizing on opioid agonist treatment (OAT). The guests share insight into the clinical and relational work of initiating OAT, strategies for stabilization, barriers that patients face, and how trauma-informed, patient-centred approaches can support long-term engagement. The episode highlights real-world examples of OAT initiation, outreach, partnerships with other providers, and the importance of patience with care approaches. Access the show notes here.

Speaking to youth about cannabis use

Feb 9, 2026 35 min

In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with guests Apollo Collin-Gray and Dr. Anees Bahji about how clinicians can engage youth in meaningful, non-judgmental conversations about cannabis in a post-legalization context. They explore why youth use cannabis, how stigma and barriers to health care shape youth choices, and what clinicians can do to create safer, more supportive environments to help youth achieve their health goals. Listeners will hear Apollo share personal experiences of navigating the health system and cannabis use as a young person, followed by Dr. Bahji offering clinical insight on how care providers can engage with young patients who use cannabis with curiosity and compassion. This episode highlights practical strategies for initiating conversations, discussing risks in age-appropriate and non-stigmatizing ways, and how to identify when additional services or treatment may be needed. Access the show notes here.

Indigenous cultural humility in substance use care

Mar 27, 2025 43 min

In this episode, journalist David P. Ball and outreach primary care physician Dr. Terri Aldred discuss the importance of culturally safe and trauma informed substance use care for Indigenous communities. Dr. Aldred shares how her lived experience informs her medical practice, caring for Indigenous Peoples experiencing challenges rooted in colonialism, systemic racism, and health inequities. David and Dr. Aldred also speak with Angela Thomson, Indigenous Wellness Liaison at St. Paul’s Hospital. Angela highlights how Indigenous Wellness Liaisons strengthen communication and build trust between patients and clinicians, which can promote positive health care experiences. Finally, Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer for Indigenous Health, explores how Indigenous-specific racism is woven into our health care system and how cultural humility and accountability influence clinical practice. Dr. Behn Smith also discusses systemic barriers to care for Indigenous Peoples and the need for culturally grounded, decolonizing approaches to care. Access the show notes here.

Gender affirming substance use care for trans and gender diverse youth

Mar 13, 2025 36 min

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 Substance Use Beyond the Binary Youth Action Committee at the BC Centre on Substance Use. Drawing from their lived experiences with substance use and barriers to gender-affirming care, Toby and Alec offer valuable insights into navigating the healthcare system. Finally, David and Dr. Greatheart hear from family physician Dr. Andrea Moir, who shares lessons from her work providing gender-affirming care for young people. Dr. Moir discusses the impact of stigma, the importance of nonjudgmental approaches, and practical steps clinicians can take to foster more inclusive healthcare environments. We extend a special thank you to Christian Barborini for their dedication in supporting engagement with the Substance Use Beyond the Binary Youth Action Committee at the BC Centre on Substance Use. Their work was instrumental in facilitating the participation of Alec and Toby in this episode. Access the show notes here.

Culturally tailored care for South Asian people who use substances

Feb 27, 2025 35 min

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 speak with Anmol Swaich, a researcher and community organizer with the Surrey Union of Drug Users about the historical context of drug policy and drug criminalization in BC, and its impacts on South Asian communities. Additionally, they talk with Robin, a member of the South Asian Committee with the Surrey Union of Drug Users, about her experiences accessing substance use care as a South Asian woman and what care providers can learn from her journey. Access the show notes here.

Rural and remote substance use care and innovation

Feb 13, 2025 36 min

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 without stigma or judgement. Next, they speak with Juls Budau, former overdose prevention site (OPS) manager in Prince George, about an innovative approach to harm reduction. She also shares her story of opioid use and treatment. Finally, we hear from Jadyn Koldweihe, nursing practice consultant working with rural and remote First Nations communities in BC. Jadyn speaks to infrastructure and geographic barriers to effective substance use care, noting the importance of supports like Traditional Healers and Knowledge Keepers, outreach workers, and community champions. And she models person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally tailored harm reduction and care. Access the show notes here.

Person-centred perinatal substance use care

Jan 30, 2025 41 min

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 the Families in Recovery program at BC Women’s Hospital. They provide care for pregnant individuals who use substances and their newborns in a single unit. We’ll hear from health care administrator Darci Skiber, social worker Meenakshi Mannoe, and peer engagement lead Melissa Dreyer. Access the show notes here.

Navigating substance use care for construction workers

Jan 16, 2025 38 min

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, or property if proper safety precautions are not taken. They also speak with Greg Hemminger, who coordinates a harm reduction education program for construction workers called the Tailgate Toolkit and brings his own lived experience of opioid addiction and recovery. For a clinical perspective, they speak with addiction and occupational medicine physician Dr. John Koehn on how he helps his clients re-enter the workplace safely and the power of relationship building in this area of medicine. Access the show notes here.

Understanding and challenging stigma related to alcohol use and Indigenous people

Apr 11, 2024 34 min

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 Stastas Eagle Clan and is currently working in the Kwakwaka’wakw Territory on the lands of the We Wai Kai people in Cambell River, BC. Drawing on her personal experiences and knowledge from practicing in remote First Nations communities, Beryl discusses the importance of alcohol harm reduction and compassionate substance use care. You can find additional resources and clinical pearls in the show notes: bit.ly/APP-S4E6 Art by Nevada Lynn

Indigenous perspectives on supporting young people who use substances

Mar 28, 2024 35 min

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 Alberta. Together, they discuss reasons for youth substance use and considerations for providers when meeting and caring for young people who use drugs. Kali also speaks to the intersection between Indigenous identity and safer access to substance use care, and about the strengths and resilience of youth. You can find additional resources and clinical pearls in the show notes, including the article on youth harm reduction calls to action mentioned in the episode: bit.ly/APP-S4E5 Art by Satsi Naziel

Indigenous culture as medicine

Mar 7, 2024 34 min

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 also describes how she creates safe spaces for clients and embeds cultural practices into her life and clinical practice. You can find additional resources and clinical pearls from the episode in the show notes: bit.ly/APP-S4E4 Artwork by Satsi Naziel

Strengths-based approaches to healing and wellness in rural and remote Indigenous communities

Feb 22, 2024 35 min

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 capacity through sustainable funding of Indigenous-led programs. In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, award-winning journalist David P. Ball and family physician Dr. Esther Tailfeathers discuss the realities of substance use care in Kainai Nation, a rural community where Dr. Tailfeathers works. We also hear from Helen Knott, award-winning author and founder of Indigenous wellness program Fierce With Heart, about her own healing journey and relationships to substance use, the land, and health care systems. You can find additional resources and clinical pearls from the episode in the show notes: bit.ly/APP-S4E3 Artwork by Nevada Lynn

Addressing the complexities of abstinence-based perspectives within Indigenous communities by emphasizing cultural strengths

Feb 8, 2024 35 min

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 promoted, and that these can offer a healing path for individuals when aligned with Indigenous worldviews. In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, award-winning journalist David P. Ball and First Nation Health Authority’s Medical Officer of Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Nolan Hop Wo, discuss potential benefits and harms from abstinence-based approaches to substance use care. We also hear from Keshia Cleaver, Harm Reduction and Program Advisor with The Four Directions Team at First Nations Health Authority, on why abstinence-based perspectives are common in some Indigenous communities, and how to meet communities where they are at with harm reduction. You can find additional resources and clinical pearls from the episode in the show notes: bit.ly/APP-S4E2 Artwork by Brianna Bear

Culture-centred Indigenous harm reduction: Mitigating the impacts of colonialism

Jan 25, 2024 36 min

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 resilience of Indigenous Peoples. In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, award-winning journalist David P. Ball speaks with the Medical Officer of Mental Health and Wellness at First Nations Health Authority, Dr. Nolan Hop Wo, on how colonialism and substance use are related. We also hear from Lacey Jones, Program Director of QomQem Coastal Connections, on strengths-based approaches to reducing the harms associated with colonialism. You can find additional resources and clinical pearls from the episode in the show notes: bit.ly/APP-S4E1 Artwork by Brianna Bear

The role of families in substance use care

Aug 3, 2023 30 min

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 sister, Lauren Chant, to provide their unique perspectives as both clinicians and family members with years of experience navigating the health care system. We'd love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes, here: bit.ly/APP-s3ep6

Prescribed safer supply

Jul 20, 2023 34 min

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 Corey Ranger, on the concept of a “safer supply”, and steps clinicians can take to make prescribed safer supply programs more effective. Corey also shares some lessons learned from participants at the Victoria SAFER Initiative, a prescribed safer supply program in Victoria, BC. From Safer Opioid Supply (SOS) in London, Ontario, Dr. Andrea Sereda discusses the importance of listening to your client’s needs when it comes to their substance use, including what they need to reduce their reliance on the unregulated supply, and shares some preliminary data from SOS. We also hear from the co-founder of the Coalition of Substance Users of the North (CSUN), Jenny McDougall, on the importance of providing lower-barrier care options for individuals who are experiencing harms from the unregulated drug supply. We'd love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes, here: bit.ly/APP-s3ep5

What's it all about?

Jul 11, 2023 1 min

Introducing the Addiction Practice Pod

Alcohol harm reduction and managed alcohol programs

Jul 6, 2023 30 min

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 of managed alcohol programs and how they fit into the continuum of care for alcohol use disorder. We also hear from harm reduction advocate and peer leader, George Sedore, about what led him to join a managed alcohol program and how this has impacted his life. We'd love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes, here: bit.ly/APP-s3ep4

Incorporating patient-centred care in urine drug testing

Jun 22, 2023 26 min

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 talk with family nurse practitioner Tracey Day about how to effectively communicate with a patient about UDT and build a care plan collaboratively. We also hear from peer navigator and clinical care advocate Reija Jean, on the impact of negative UDT experiences, and how care providers can build respectful and safe therapeutic relationships. We'd love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes, here: bit.ly/APP-s3ep3

Treatment and care for stimulant use disorder

Jun 8, 2023 30 min

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 with addiction psychiatrist Dr. Julius Elefante about harm reduction and treatment for stimulant use disorder. We also hear from the executive director of UNDU, Katt Cadieux, on the importance of trusting your patient and building a care plan based on their lived experience. We'd love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes, here: bit.ly/APP-s3ep2

Considerations for alcohol withdrawal management

May 25, 2023 27 min

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 specialist Avee Khela about alcohol withdrawal management pathways, and we hear from Sandra Stewart on the importance of compassionate, non-judgemental care. We'd love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes, here: bit.ly/APP-s3ep1

Improving care for racialized people who use drugs

Feb 11, 2022 31 min

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? How can we unlearn our own racial prejudice? In this episode, we use the term ‘racialized’ to indicate groups who are marginalized according to race as a part of their identity. We’d love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes here: https://bit.ly/3uJPAe2

Treatment considerations for co-occurring substance use disorders

Feb 4, 2022 26 min

Evidence-based treatments often focus on a specific type of substance, like opioids or stimulants. However, many people have more than one substance that they use frequently. In this episode, Dr. Lindsay Mackay, David Ball and their guests talk about co-occurring substance use and its implications in clinical care. In particular, they discuss co-occurring substance use as it relates to gender and to stigma in the clinic. We’d love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes here: https://bit.ly/3LciDfR

Psychosocial treatment approaches for substance use disorders

Jan 15, 2022 29 min

When it comes to treatment for substance use disorders, there’s no silver bullet. Medications can be important to support people with their recovery goals, but psychosocial treatments can provide a different kind of support and ensure medications provide the most benefit possible. In this episode, Christina Chant and David Ball talk with guests about psychosocial treatment approaches for substance-related harm. What do psychosocial treatments look like in practice, and how do they support people to improve their health in relation to substance use? We’d love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation survey, along with our show notes here: https://bit.ly/3FBxpsQ

Treatment considerations for co-occurring chronic pain and opioid use disorder

Nov 26, 2021 31 min

Co-occurring chronic pain is common among people with substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder (OUD). Studies suggest that between 36 and 68% of people on opioid agonist treatment for OUD also have chronic pain. In this episode, Dr. Rita McCracken and David Ball talk with guests about chronic pain and OUD. How can we respond to new or changing pain for people already on opioid agonist treatment? How can we navigate pain treatment for people with OUD in the context of the overdose crisis? We’d love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation survey, along with our show notes here: https://bit.ly/3rdOFRd

Treatment and care for alcohol use disorder

Nov 12, 2021 25 min

Alcohol use is highly prevalent, but there is still a lot of stigma associated with alcohol use disorder. In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, Dr. Roland Engelbrecht and David Ball talk with guests about alcohol harm reduction, treatment, and the impacts of alcohol use disorder on family and loved ones. We’d love to hear your feedback after the show. Find our evaluation, along with our show notes here: https://bit.ly/3wECCx5

Substance use care in rural and remote contexts

Oct 29, 2021 31 min

The overdose crisis is affecting all parts of the country, but the majority of research has focused on major cities, and the majority of services are located there too. In this episode of Addiction Practice Pod, Dr. Robert Fox talks with guests about substance use care in rural and remote contexts.

Addiction Practice Pod, Episode 6: Indigenous perspectives on health and wellness, substance use, and harm reduction

Dec 1, 2020 32 min

Nearly five British Columbians are dying every day of an overdose, but Indigneous peoples in our region face disproportionate harms: If you’re Indigenous, you are four times more likely to die of an overdose than the rest of the population In this episode, family physician and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Robert Fox and journalist David Ball discuss why clinicians should be mindful of the disproportionate impact of overdose crisis on Indigenous peoples, and best practices to address the disparity. Guests this episode include: Oh Po Kwa Nee (also known as Claudette Cardinal) Community investigator with Canadian Observational Cohort Collaboration (CANOC)Dr. Terri Aldred, Primary care physician, Carrier Sekani Family Services

Addiction Practice Pod, Episode 5: The Harms of Criminalizing Substance Use

Nov 24, 2020 29 min

The criminalization of substance use causes demonstrable harms: it isolates people who use drugs, pushes them to use in riskier ways, and deters them from seeking help when they need it. Even so, the possession of illicit street drugs for personal consumption is still criminalized in British Columbia and the rest of Canada. In this episode, addiction physician Dr. Christy Sutherland and journalist David Ball discuss the years-long overdose crisis in British Columbia, how the criminalization of substance use negatively impacts lives and health, and what role clinicians can play in reducing these harms in the absence of systemic change. Guests this episode include: Dr. Bonnie Henry – Provincial Health Officer, Province of British ColumbiaAmber Streukens – Peer Health Navigator with ANKORS and Rural Empowered Drug Users Network (REDUN)Scott Bernstein – Lawyer and Director of Policy at the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition

Addiction Practice Pod, Episode 4: Providing compassionate care to young people who use substances

Nov 5, 2020 28 min

Young people are the fastest-growing age demographic for hospitalizations due to opioid poisoning in Canada. In British Columbia, more than 1000 youth between the ages of 10 and 29 have died of overdose since a public health emergency was declared in 2016. This episode of Addiction Practice Pod focuses on caring for youth who use substances. Addiction physician Dr. Christy Sutherland, journalist David Ball and their guests discuss the unique needs of this population and best practice for providing compassionate, evidence-based care for opioid use in young people.

Addiction Practice Pod, Episode 3: Substance use disorders and trauma- and violence-informed care

Oct 21, 2020 29 min

Research shows that people with substance use disorders are more likely to have a history of trauma and violence than the general population. This can include negative experiences with police and with medical professionals. On this episode of Addiction Practice Pod, addiction physician Dr. Christy Sutherland and journalist David Ball take a deep dive into trauma and its links to substance use disorder, as well as the concept of trauma- and violence-informed care. As they discuss with their guests, using trauma- and violence-informed approaches with patients is the key to building strong relationships and supporting them to achieve their health goals.

Bringing substance use care into your primary care practice

Oct 7, 2020 22 min

Want to bring treatment for substance use disorder into your practice, but not sure where to start? In this episode of Addiction Practice Pod, addiction physician Dr. Christy Sutherland, journalist David P. Ball and their guests talk about the nuts and bolts of integrating treatment for opioid use disorder into a family practice. They also discuss the challenges that patients face in accessing medical care, and how health care providers can help bridge that gap by building a well thought-out, compassionate practice.

Supporting patients to achieve their recovery goals

Sep 22, 2020 32 min

What does it take for people struggling with opioid use disorder to achieve recovery? And what does “recovery” mean to each person? In this episode of Addiction Practice Pod, addiction physician Dr. Christy Sutherland, journalist David Ball and their guests talk about the different ways in which people who use drugs define recovery, and how clinicians can support patients in achieving their recovery goals.

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Rewiring Reward: Contingency Management as Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder

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🇨🇦 Medicine Best #93

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Podcast details

Created by: BC Centre on Substance Use
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 10, 2026
Episodes: 41
Release period: Every two weeks
Avg. episode length: 32 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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