We discuss in detail some of the psychiatric comorbidities associated with substance use disorders and what to screen for, be aware of and some management techniques.

We discuss how to manage some of the special circumstances in opioid substation therapy including OST in renal and hepatic impairment, managing polypharmacy complications with OST and managing acute pain whilst a patient is on OST.

We discuss how to manage some of the special circumstances in opioid substation therapy including vomiting of doses of OST, dealing with intoxicated patients, overdoses of OST and transitioning between Methadone and Suboxone and vice versa.

We discuss the harm reduction intervention of Naloxone and when to consider prescribing this medication, the benefits of take home naloxone and how it saves lives!

We discuss the harm reduction interventions that we can implement for people who inject drugs to decrease the risks of morbidity and mortality.

47% of Australians have had at least one chronic disease. We know very well that many of these diseases, including substance use disorders, are attributed to modifiable lifestyle factors.

We discuss the different opioid receptors buprenorphine acts upon and the nature of these effects, the difference between agonists and antagonists, how to start a patient on Suboxone and how to monitor patients on Suboxone and adjust doses.

In episode 29 of Cracking Addiction we discuss Suboxone and talk about the components of Suboxone as well as the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of Suboxone.

In episode 28 of Cracking Addiction we discuss our practical tips, advice and experience in managing patients on LAIB and share what we have learned.

Episode 27 of Cracking Addiction discusses the patient journey on LAIB and how to adequately deal with and manage adjusting doses of LAIB, commencing and ceasing LAIB and ensuring that patients are maintained on LAIB therapy

I spoke with Anita Fletcher of Stand Out medical careers on interview preparation We speak about the preparation phase, the night before, and understanding the unexpected question.

Social isolation is now increasingly recognised as a risk factor for premature death, like the time when obesity was recognised as a risk factor for premature death decades ago. This week Dr Ferghal and Dr Saveena explore some of the health implications of social isolation. 1 in 3 Australians have experienced loneliness at some stage in their lives and it is rather alarming to know that prolonged loneliness has detrimental effects on our health.

Episode 26 of Cracking Addiction discusses Sublocade one of the LAIB preparations available and how to commence, maintain and manage any dose changes or complications associated with Sublocade.

Episode 25 of Cracking Addiction discusses Buvidal one of the LAIB preparations available and how to commence, maintain and manage any dose changes or complications associated with Buvidal.

We are creatures of social beings, and we thrive on social connectivity. Despite social media’s ability to connect us all virtually, the pandemic of loneliness is booming. This lies in the effect that virtual connectivity is not the same as physical connectivity.

Episode 23 of Cracking Addiction discusses some of the special or difficult circumstances of prescribing LAIBs including intoxicated patients, pregnant patients, patients with chronic disease, patients with acute pain and our management strategies in these situations.

In this episode, we discuss a holistic approach to stress management. We will also discuss a simple an effective ‘ A +B = C’ approach.

Cracking Addiction explores long acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB), the different products available to utilise and different strategies and approaches to commence LAIBs

Cracking Addiction explores long acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB), the different products available to utilise and different strategies and approaches to commence LAIBs

This week Dr Ferghal and I discuss stress. Some regard it as the modern-day trash which needs to be regularly disposed of to prevent over piling.