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Welcome to the latest instalment of the Cracking Addiction newsletter. In this episode, I dive deep into Step 10 of the twelve-step journey with Dr. Laura Petracek. We explore the ongoing process of personal inventory and prompt amends, shedding light on the critical role of self-reflection in addiction recovery.Why Listen:If you're looking to gain insights into maintaining sobriety and personal growth in addiction recovery, this episode is not to be missed. Step 10, addressed alongside Dr. Laura Petracek, delves into the ongoing commitment to self-reflection and the importance of making amends. It also offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to improve their personal growth journey.Key Points You Will Learn:1. The 10th step involves an ongoing self-reflection process where individuals take inventory of their daily behaviours and promptly make amends when necessary.2. Step 10 is not a formalised process like the previous steps. It represents a summary of the earlier steps, requiring individuals to take personal responsibility for their actions.3. Dr. Laura Petracek sheds light on the challenges individuals face in staying on their side of the street and not resorting to the blame game when making amends.4. The episode discusses how relapse is not an inevitable part of the recovery journey and explores the significance of mindset in preventing a potential relapse.5. We delve into the analogy of recovery being akin to cycling uphill, emphasising the need for ongoing effort and growth to prevent stagnation or relapse.Interesting Fact:The episode highlights the concept that relapse is a process, not just a single event. Dr. Laura Petracek explains that the cognitive distortions and behaviours leading up to the actual act of picking up a drink or a drug are equally crucial and warrant attention.Learning Outcomes and Actionable Takeaways:1. Develop an understanding of the ongoing self-reflection process involved in Step 10 and recognize the importance of making amends promptly.2. Gain insights into the challenges individuals face in maintaining personal accountability and learn strategies to overcome the tendency to indulge in the blame game.3. Understand the nuanced view of relapse as a process and explore the proactive efforts that can help prevent a potential relapse.4. Embrace the analogy of recovery being akin to cycling uphill, fostering a mindset of continuous effort and growth to sustain sobriety and personal development.5. Gain valuable insights from Dr. Laura Petracek's personal journey and expertise, reinforcing the idea of recovery as an ongoing and transformative process.As Dr. Laura Petracek aptly puts it, "I feel we could concentrate or bring that message. Like, that's not an option anymore. I feel there's so much permission, and that's okay. You could go out 50 million times, and I think that could be changed."

18 Jan 202422min

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the complexities of the 9th step of the addiction recovery journey, which involves making direct amends to those who have been hurt. Dr. Petracek shares insights from her personal experience, providing a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological struggles involved in this step. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the 9th step, the process of making amends, the intricate dynamics involved, and the impact on recovery.

10 Jan 202423min

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Fergal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek discuss the challenging 8th step in addiction recovery – making a list of persons who have been harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them. The conversation delves into the emotional and practical complexities of this step, offering invaluable insights into the process of self-reflection, making amends, and navigating the internal and external obstacles in the recovery journey. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the 8th step and its significance in the recovery process, as well as practical strategies for approaching this crucial aspect of addiction rehabilitation.

3 Jan 202416min

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Manu Bhatnagar delve into the complex issue of psychosis in the context of withdrawal treatment or when withdrawing from stimulants such as methamphetamine. They explore the challenges of distinguishing between drug-induced psychosis and primary psychotic disorders, and discuss the intricacies of treatment options, including the use of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. With valuable insights and clinical expertise, this episode provides a deep understanding of the management of psychosis in the context of substance withdrawal.Key Points:- Differentiating between drug-induced psychosis and primary psychotic disorders is a challenging yet crucial aspect of patient care in the context of substance withdrawal.- Understanding the neurochemical impact of stimulants on the brain and the implications for treatment is essential for managing psychotic symptoms effectively.- The role of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics in controlling agitation and psychotic symptoms during withdrawal and the potential transition to more long-term antipsychotic therapy in cases of persistent symptoms.- The importance of comprehensive and integrated psychosocial support alongside medication in ensuring long-term recovery and abstinence.Insightful Quote:"The best amount of medication is the least effective dose. My role is to say, how much support can we put around you? So I can bring this dose down to a level where it's causing the least amount of side effects, but it's just enough to prevent the next episode happening." - Dr. Manu BhatnagarLearning Outcomes:1. Gain insights into the complexities of distinguishing between drug-induced psychosis and primary psychotic disorders, and the implications for treatment decisions.2. Understand the neurochemical basis of stimulant-induced psychosis and the role of medications such as benzodiazepines and antipsychotics in managing psychotic symptoms during withdrawal.3. Appreciate the significance of longitudinal assessment and psychosocial support in the overall management of psychosis in the context of substance withdrawal.4. Explore the potential transition to long-term antipsychotic therapy and the importance of holistic approaches to supporting recovery and abstinence.Actionable Takeaways:1. When managing patients undergoing withdrawal from stimulants, establish a timeline of substance use and psychotic symptoms to differentiate between drug-induced psychosis and primary psychotic disorders.2. Consider the neurochemical impact of stimulants and the mechanisms of action of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics to tailor treatment for psychotic symptoms during withdrawal.3. Emphasize the role of comprehensive psychosocial support and longitudinal assessment in ensuring successful recovery and abstinence post-withdrawal.4. Strive for a balanced approach to medication, aiming for the least effective dose while providing adequate support to prevent future episodes of psychosis.

27 Dec 202315min

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and guest Dr. Manu Bhatnagar engage in a deep dive into the complex topic of psychosis, specifically in the context of substance use disorders. With a focus on understanding the nature of psychosis, the impetus behind psychotic experiences, and the differentiating factors between substance-induced psychotic disorders and primary schizophrenia disorders, this episode imparts valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and individuals affected by addiction and mental health issues.Focus Keyword: Psychosis in AddictionIn this episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Manu Bhatnagar and Dr. Ferghal Armstrong dissect the nature of psychosis, emphasizing its status as a symptom rather than a standalone illness. They highlight the potential influences of social and cultural contexts on the diagnosis of psychosis, shedding light on the impact of societal trends and media portrayals on the manifestation of psychotic experiences. The discussion delves into the potential causes of psychosis, including the interplay of genetic, environmental, and substance-related factors.Learning Outcomes:1. Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Psychosis: Dr. Bhatnagar provides a comprehensive overview of psychosis, defining it as a disruption of thought, perception, and cognition. This highlights the diversity of psychotic experiences and the importance of individual past experiences in shaping these manifestations. The discussion offers a nuanced understanding of psychosis as a complex interplay of factors, paving the way for more holistic approaches to addressing psychotic symptoms.2. Differentiating Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorders: The episode elucidates the distinction between substance-induced psychotic disorders, particularly those triggered by stimulants and cannabis, and primary schizophrenia disorders. The emphasis on psychomotor agitation as a hallmark of substance-induced psychosis provides a valuable framework for clinicians to differentiate these conditions, informing targeted interventions.3. Longitudinal Assessment and Treatment Implications: The speakers underscore the significance of longitudinal assessment in distinguishing substance-induced psychosis from primary schizophrenia disorders. This insight carries profound implications for treatment, as the potential resolution of symptoms with abstinence underscores the importance of addressing substance use in managing psychotic experiences.Actionable Takeaways:1. Embrace a Holistic Understanding: Recognize the multifactorial nature of psychosis, encompassing genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and substance-related triggers. This broader perspective can inform more comprehensive treatment strategies, taking into account the diverse factors contributing to psychotic experiences.2. Heightened Clinical Vigilance: Develop a heightened awareness of the hallmarks of substance-induced psychotic disorders, such as psychomotor agitation and acute onset in the context of substance use. This keen clinical vigilance can aid in accurate differential diagnosis and tailored interventions for individuals presenting with psychotic symptoms.3. Prioritize Longitudinal Assessment: Prioritize longitudinal assessment, particularly in cases of suspected substance-induced psychosis, to discern the potential impact of substance use on psychotic experiences. This approach underscores the importance of addressing substance use disorders in managing psychosis and promoting long-term recovery.

20 Dec 202327min

In today's episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek delve into the seventh step of the twelve-step program. They discuss the importance of humbly asking God to remove our character defects and how it is a continuous process rather than a one-time request. They explore the concept of progress, not perfection, and the active role we play in our personal growth. They also address the secular context of the seventh step, explaining that it can be reinterpreted to seek help from oneself, the community, therapists, or support groups. Discover how therapy can complement a twelve-step program and the importance of self-awareness in the journey of recovery

13 Dec 202314min

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong and Dr. Laura Petracek discuss the 6th step of the twelve-step process of addiction recovery. They explore the concept of God in this step and emphasize that it can be interpreted as a higher power or even nature. They also question the passive nature of this step, as it involves asking an external force to remove our character defects. The discussion delves into the Christian origins of the steps and how they may not resonate with everyone. Ultimately, Dr. Petracek suggests rewording the step to focus on being willing to acknowledge and actively work on our faults and shortcomings.Key Points:1. The 6th step originally had a Christian foundation but can be personalized to a higher power of choice.2. Asking God or a higher power to remove defects of character may absolve individuals of personal responsibility for change.3. Motivational interviewing can help individuals identify obstacles to change and improve readiness.4. Sponsors play a crucial role in guiding individuals through the steps, but may not have psychological training.5. The phrase "we are entirely ready" implies a commitment to change without holding back or making exceptions.6. Modern psychological tools like CBT and motivational interviewing can complement the twelve-step process.7. The reworded 6th step focuses on acknowledging and actively working on faults and shortcomings, providing a more accessible approach.8. Accountability and agency are emphasized in the reworded step, promoting personal responsibility for change.9. The process after the 5th step involves a simple prayer expressing readiness for defects to be removed.10. The 6th step is brief and vague, leaving room for interpretation and individualized implementation.Learning Outcomes:1. Understand the historical context of the 6th step and the potential limitations of its Christian origins.2. Recognize the potential pitfalls of passively relying on a higher power to remove character defects.3. Explore motivational interviewing techniques to assess readiness for change and identify obstacles.4. Appreciate the importance of sponsors who possess psychological insight in guiding individuals through the steps.5. Reflect on the significance of being entirely ready and the commitment it entails for personal growth.6. Integrate modern psychological tools, such as CBT and motivational interviewing, to enhance addiction recovery.7. Reevaluate the wording of the 6th step to focus on personal accountability and actively addressing faults and shortcomings.8. Empower individuals to take responsibility for their own growth and change in addiction recovery.9. Understand the simplicity of the 6th step process, involving a prayer expressing readiness for change.10. Recognize the individualized nature of implementing the 6th step and the room for interpretation.Actionable Takeaways:1. Assess your willingness to change and reflect on any attachments or payoffs that may hinder personal growth.2. Engage in motivational interviewing with yourself or seek help from a sponsor to identify obstacles to change.3. Seek sponsors or support networks knowledgeable about psychological tools like CBT and motivational interviewing.4. Embrace the concept of being entirely ready without making exceptions or holding back from personal growth.5. Adapt the 6th step to be more accessible and relatable by focusing on actively acknowledging and working on faults and shortcomings.6. Foster personal accountability and agency in the recovery process by taking responsibility for your own growth and change.7. Incorporate modern psychological tools, alongside the twelve-step process, to enhance addiction recovery outcomes.8. Practice the simple prayer expressing willingness and readiness for change in the 6th

6 Dec 202317min

In this episode of Cracking Addiction, we delve into the crucial fifth step of the twelve-step program. Join us as we explore the significance of admitting our wrongs to God, ourselves, and another human being. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways from this insightful conversation:Admitting our wrongs to another human being takes courage: Sharing our faults with someone else can be scary, as we fear their judgment and acceptance. However, it is essential for healing and growth.Accountability and introspection: The fifth step requires us to take accountability for our actions, acknowledging our wrongs and guilts. It involves recognizing cognitive distortions and working through defences like rationalization and blaming others.Balancing self-compassion and growth: While The Fifth Step may seem like a process of self-loathing, it is important to maintain a balanced view. Recognizing our positive qualities helps us build self-esteem and fosters the process of forgiveness and redemption.

29 Nov 202321min