Women and Addiction: Alcohol, Addiction, and the Future of Women’s Psychiatry with Dr. Stacy Cohen

On this episode of the SHE MD podcast, hosts Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney sit down with Dr. Stacy Cohen, M.D., a board-certified general and addiction psychiatrist based in Los Angeles. Dr. Cohen shares her insights on the stark differences in addiction between men and women, why alcohol poses unique dangers to women, and how cultural factors influence menopause. She also delves into the future of mental health, discussing cutting-edge treatments like EMDR, Ozempic, and pain reprocessing therapy while addressing the critical need for collaboration and advocacy in women’s mental health care.

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IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:41] What started Dr. Stacy's focus on addiction
• [9:19] Men differ from women in addiction. Medications for addiction
• [28:30] Alcohol is poison. Why people drink
• [34:50] Culture affects menopause
• [37:32] Dr. Stacy discusses the future of mental health
• [49:57] What is EMDR, and discussion about Ozmepic and chronic pain
• [01:05:05] Dr. Stacy discusses her practice and a sister clinic that is an insurance based in network practice

DR STACY’S TAKEAWAYS:

1. Evaluate Alcohol Consumption: Reflect on your relationship with alcohol. If you find it becoming a constant in your life, consider exploring sobriety or reducing intake. Remember, alcohol can have significant health impacts, especially for women.
2. Seek Specialized Help: If you're struggling with addiction, consult a doctor who specializes in addiction medicine. They can provide tailored advice and treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment.
3. Explore Support Groups: Attend support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or other relevant groups. These are available worldwide and can be a valuable resource for connecting with others who share similar experiences.
4. Consider Medication Options: If you're dealing with addiction, discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of using medications like Naltrexone, which can help manage cravings and support recovery.
5. Understand Hormonal Impacts: Recognize the role hormones play in mental health and addiction. If you're experiencing mood swings or other symptoms, especially around perimenopause or menopause, consult a healthcare provider to explore hormonal treatments.
6. Address Underlying Conditions: If you suspect underlying conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, seek a specialist's opinion. These conditions can contribute to pain and addiction issues.

RESOURCES:

The Moment Website

The Moment Instagram

7th Avenue Health and Wellness Website

7th Avenue Health and Wellness Instagram

Endometriosis App

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Stacy Cohen, M.D., is a board-certified general and addiction psychiatrist based in Los Angeles. A former University of Chicago-trained surgeon, Dr. Cohen pivoted in residency to psychiatry due to her growing interest in mind/body medicine and physician wellness. She completed her addiction psychiatry fellowship at UCLA Medical Center. She also served as Chief of Women’s Health in her residency program at Rush and specializes in maternal mental health. In addition to direct patient care, Dr. Cohen has served as the Medical Director of several treatment facilities, both in the large-scale community setting and upscale concierge settings, demonstrating her exceptional leadership and clinical expertise, as well as her versatility and priority of treating every human being.

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