Addiction & Recovery
Addiction & Recovery podcast is part of the InterCoast Media Network, Focused on timely developments in addiction science, treatment innovations, and public policy, each episode delivers concise, research-informed updates that matter. From stories to emerging recovery approaches, we bring you the facts—no fluff, just informed insight. Whether you’re a professional in the field or simply passionate about making a difference, this series keeps you in the know.
Episodes
158 episodes
Drinks and Emotions: A Delicate Balance
Using alcohol to cope with emotional pain and stress is common, but it can lead to complex behavioral patterns that some may misunderstand as early signs of dependency. While not all coping mechanisms indicate an alcohol use disorder, reliance on ...
Understanding Substance Use Concerns
This podcast discusses the common concern surrounding substance use, emphasizing that initial worry does not necessarily imply serious addiction. It highlights the distinction between casual concern about substance use and the clinical definition ...
Navigating Worry: Drinking in Reflection
Many individuals often reflect on their drinking habits and worry about whether their alcohol consumption negatively affects their lives. It's essential to understand that such worries do not automatically indicate an alcohol use disorder (AUD), a...
Moderation in a Glass
Casual drinking refers to moderate, occasional alcohol consumption typically enjoyed in social situations or as a means of relaxation. While it is generally seen as harmless and does not imply addiction, it's crucial to recognize that it can still...
Sipping with Awareness
Daily consumption of beer as a means of unwinding after work may be comforting, but it is important to assess what this pattern signifies about one's relationship with alcohol. While nightly drinking does not automatically indicate addiction, it c...
Pouring Comfort: The Stress Drink Dilemma
Drinking for stress relief is a common behavior where individuals consume alcohol as a temporary escape from feelings of pressure, anxiety, or discomfort. While some may use it infrequently, for others it can develop into a more routine habit with...
Navigating Gray Area Drinking
Gray area drinking describes a pattern of alcohol consumption that is more than social drinking but not quite severe enough to qualify as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Individuals may drink regularly, face negative consequences, and use alcohol as a...
The Hidden Struggles of Functional Drinkers
A functional drinker is an individual who regularly consumes alcohol while fulfilling personal and professional responsibilities, often masking underlying alcohol dependence. Contrary to misconceptions, this behavior does not exempt them from pote...
Beyond Choice: Understanding Addiction
Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite negative consequences and neurologically altered brain functions that impact decision-making. It is often misunderstood as merely a moral failing;...
Understanding Helping Roles in Support
A 'helping role' encompasses a range of activities focused on assisting or supporting others, whether informally among friends or in formal professions like counseling. These roles do not necessarily require specific training or licensure, allowin...
Understanding Problem Drinking
Today's podcast segment addresses the complexities of problem drinking, emphasizing that it isn't limited to daily consumption but includes any adverse effects from alcohol use. This discussion raises awareness about the misconceptions surrounding...
The Hidden Signs of Dependency
This segment of the podcast discusses the complexities of physical dependency in relation to alcohol use and withdrawal symptoms. It highlights that visible symptoms like tremors are not the only indicators of dependency, as withdrawal experiences...
After-Hours: When Drinks Become a Problem
A problematic after-work drinking routine occurs when social drinking begins to negatively impact aspects of life such as work performance, personal relationships, or health. It's important to differentiate between casual social drinking and patte...
Hidden Spirits: The Secret of Drinking
Secret drinking refers to the act of consuming alcohol discreetly and often without the knowledge of others, driven by feelings of shame or a desire to avoid judgment. It does not necessarily indicate an alcohol use disorder but may suggest the re...
Understanding Substance Use Disorder
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition defined by a range of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating continued use of a substance despite facing significant problems. It is often misunderstood, with many believing...
Navigating the Risks of Drinking
Risky drinking refers to a pattern of alcohol consumption that increases the likelihood of harmful health or social impacts, distinguishing it from alcohol addiction. Many individuals may engage in risky drinking behaviors without fitting the crit...
Unpacking Weekly Drinking Habits
This podcast segment discusses the implications of weekly drinking, emphasizing that concerns about consumption patterns do not necessarily indicate an alcohol use disorder. It highlights the importance of reflecting on how drinking affects one's ...
Healing Through Integrated Care
Co-occurring disorder treatment refers to the integrated approach of addressing both substance use disorders and mental health conditions simultaneously. This treatment recognizes the complex interplay between the two types of conditions, emphasiz...
Shame and the Path to Recovery
This podcast segment explores the complex emotion of shame, which many individuals experience but may not fully comprehend, particularly in the context of addiction and behavioral health. It is emphasized that while shame can be linked to underlyi...
Understanding Progressive Drinking
Progressive drinking refers to a pattern where an individual's alcohol consumption gradually increases over time. This shift can stem from various factors including social influences or the pursuit of certain effects, but it does not inherently in...
Navigating Anxiety and Alcohol's Illusions
Alcohol can provide temporary relief from anxiety due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system, but this relief is fleeting and does not indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder. It's crucial to understand that while alcohol may...
Shame and Recovery: Unpacking Addiction
This podcast segment discusses the complex relationship between shame and addiction, emphasizing that feelings of embarrassment and guilt do not necessarily correlate with the severity of an addiction. It's highlighted that shame often leads to is...
Confronting Denial in Addiction
Denial is a common experience in the early stages of addiction, where individuals may minimize or rationalize their substance use rather than fully acknowledging its impact. This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as blaming external fact...