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
228 episodes
The Solitude of Sips
Solo drinking refers to the act of consuming alcohol in solitude, which can hold various meanings depending on the individual and their circumstances. While it is often misunderstood as an indicator of addiction, many people engage in solo drinkin...
Unwinding with Alcohol: A Delicate Balance
Many individuals find that alcohol can serve as a tool for relaxation, leading some to rely on drinking to unwind. This pattern does not automatically indicate alcoholism; rather, it reflects a habit that may develop over time. Understanding the n...
Navigating the Void: Understanding Blackouts
Early stage blackouts refer to moments of memory loss experienced by individuals during episodes of intoxication, typically due to alcohol consumption. During these blackouts, a person may appear conscious and interact with others, yet they cannot...
Unmasking Early Alcohol Concerns
Early alcohol concerns refer to drinking patterns that may indicate a risk of alcoholism, even if they don’t meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD). These patterns can include increasing frequency of drinking, higher amounts consumed, an...
Understanding Alcohol Cravings
Cravings for alcohol can arise even in individuals who do not have a diagnosed substance use disorder, indicating a shift in their relationship with drinking. These cravings differ from those for food, as they involve specific neurochemical change...
The Hidden Struggles of Secrecy
Secrecy regarding alcohol consumption often indicates a desire for privacy rather than automatic signs of alcoholism. It can arise for various reasons, including cultural norms or personal preferences, and does not necessarily reflect a person's r...
Visibility and Misunderstanding in Alcohol Use
This podcast episode explores the visibility of alcohol consumption and its implications, emphasizing that observations about someone's drinking habits do not inherently indicate an alcohol use disorder. Increased awareness of one's drinking can s...
Understanding Substance Use Dynamics
Substance use can lead to two distinct patterns: substance abuse and substance dependence. Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of a substance that results in negative consequences, while substance dependence indicates a physiolo...
Coping with Anxiety: The Alcohol Connection
Drinking to cope with anxiety refers to the use of alcohol as a means to alleviate feelings of stress and nervousness, rather than for social enjoyment. Although this behavior can often be misunderstood, it is important to note that it does not au...
Behind Closed Bottles
Hiding alcoholic beverages can be a behavior indicating a person's complex relationship with alcohol, often driven by a desire to avoid judgment or conflict in social situations. While this behavior does not necessarily mean someone has a substanc...
Visibility in Alcohol Use
This podcast discusses the implications of being observed while drinking alcohol, emphasizing that visibility does not equate to problematic behaviors. It clarifies common misconceptions about drinking and the importance of understanding that exte...
The Weight of Guilt
Guilt after drinking is a common emotional response experienced by many individuals, often arising from actions taken while intoxicated or the perceived impact of alcohol on their well-being. While it can indicate self-reflection regarding drinkin...
Community Concerns: Youth and Drinking
This podcast segment discusses community concerns regarding young drinkers, highlighting that observable behaviors can lead to discussions about public safety and health within communities. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between co...
Recognizing Early Signs of Addiction
Description: This podcast episode discusses the early indicators of addiction, emphasizing that subtle behavioral changes in loved ones can signal potential issues. It highlights common misconceptions about addiction and encourages listeners to ob...
Navigating Problematic Drinking
Problematic drinking refers to alcohol consumption that leads to negative consequences in various aspects of life, including physical, mental, and legal issues. It exists on a spectrum, indicating that even infrequent but excessive drinking can be...
Sipping to Settle: The Relaxation Dilemma
This episode explores the link between alcohol use and relaxation, highlighting how some individuals may rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress. While such reliance does not automatically indicate alcohol dependence, it can rais...
The Truth About Social Drinking
Problematic social drinking refers to alcohol consumption that begins to negatively affect a person's health, relationships, work, or daily responsibilities, distinguishing it from casual social drinking. Even infrequent drinking can lead to serio...
The True Cost of Social Drinking
Social drinking refers to the consumption of alcoholic beverages in social settings, typically characterized by moderation. It can enhance social interactions but carries inherent risks, as all alcohol use can potentially lead to problematic patte...
Recognizing Early Signs of Addiction
Description: This segment discusses early indicators of addiction, highlighting changes in substance use behaviors, such as increased frequency, cravings, and negative consequences. It emphasizes that these indicators signal evolving patterns rath...
Beyond the Glass: Understanding Heavy Drinking
Heavy drinking is defined as consuming more than seven drinks per week for women and more than fourteen for men, but the risks extend beyond just the frequency and amount of alcohol consumed. Contrary to popular belief, the absence of blackouts do...
Beyond Habits: Understanding Dependency
Description: This podcast episode discusses the important distinction between habits and dependencies, particularly in the context of addiction and behavioral health. It explains that while many people engage in comforting routines, true dependenc...
Navigating Substance Use Concerns
This podcast segment discusses the nuances of recognizing concerns related to substance use without necessarily aiming for permanent cessation. It emphasizes that individuals can express a desire for moderation or boundary setting, rather than a c...
Sleeping in a Glass: The Truth About Alcohol
Many individuals use alcohol as a way to unwind and fall asleep, mistakenly believing it aids their sleep. However, while it may induce drowsiness initially, alcohol actually disrupts the sleep cycle and reduces sleep quality, leading to dependenc...