One on One with Coach Blu: How To Handle Anxiety
Coach Blu and Marissa talk about anxiety. They discuss what anxiety is, how to deal with it, and ways to work through this challenging emotion. They also talk about some of the benzodiazepine medications that are often prescribed for anxiety, issues with long-term use of benzos, and withdrawal from benzodiazepines. This is a helpful episode for everyone.
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Exercising Recovery with Nicole Golden
Today Coach Blu speaks to Nicole Golden who is a NASM Master Trainer, CES, BCS, FNS and AFAA certified group fitness instructor and Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science/Sports Nutrition. Nicole shares the research and the importance of using exercise in your recovery. We all know exercise is a powerful depression fighter for several reasons. Most importantly, it promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your spirits and make you feel good. Finally, exercise can also serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression and addiction.
Exercise can be a valuable medicine in the treatment of substance use disorders. Learn about the effectiveness of exercise as an adjunct therapy for drug/alcohol use disorders in this episode. Find out more about her business https://fwfwellness.com
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Brain Chemistry, Your Mood, and Recovery
In this week's episode, Coach Blu and our Athletic Director Marissa deeply dive into the human brain and the hormones that can make addiction recovery challenging. The brain is the most complex organ in the body. This three-pound mass of gray and white matter sits at the center of all human activity—you need it for everything. The brain regulates your body's essential functions, enables you to interpret and respond to everything you experience, and shapes your behavior. In short, your brain is you—everything you think and feel and who you are. Listen as they talk about D.O.S.E., the four chemicals we as humans strive for.
D is for doapmine. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter. Your body makes it, and your nervous system uses it to send messages between nerve cells. That's why it's sometimes called a chemical messenger.
Dopamine plays a role in how we feel pleasure. It's a big part of our uniquely human ability to think and plan. It helps us strive, focus, and find things interesting.
O is for oxytocin. In the brain, oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger and has an important role in many human behaviors including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, romantic attachment and mother–infant bonding. As a result, oxytocin has been called the 'love hormone' or 'cuddle chemical'.
S is for serotonin. In the brain, serotonin helps with mood regulation and memory, but it also has important jobs in other parts of the body. In fact, most of the serotonin in your body is found in your gut, not your brain. The intestines produce almost all of the body's serotonin supply, and serotonin is required to promote healthy digestion. In other places in the body, serotonin helps with sleep, sexual function, bone health, and blood clotting.
E is for endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body to relieve stress and pain. They work similarly to a class of drugs called opioids. Opioids relieve pain and can produce a feeling of euphoria. They are sometimes prescribed for short-term use after surgery or for pain-relief.
Blu and Marissa will share tips on how to increase these 4 vital chemicals in your daily life so that you can recover even more quickly from substance use disorders or mental health struggles.
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Medication Assisted Treatment: Solution or Substitution?
In this week's podcast, the Agents take a deep dive into the MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) method of addiction recovery. Blu offers his thoughts as Max and Brock take another look. Despite the viewpoints, they offer the listener a better path to understanding this path to recovery. The term medication-assisted treatment refers to the use of medication as part of the treatment plan for those with substance use disorders. This form of treatment is intended to be used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. For those in treatment for opiate use, MATs either work as opioid agonists or antagonists. In other words, they either produce the effect of an opioid in some capacity or block the effect of the opioid completely.
Those against the use of medication-assisted treatment generally make two arguments. The first argument is that certain MATs have the potential to be abused because they do, after all, produce the effect of opioids in some cases. The second is that abstinence should always be advocated first following along with the idea that if someone really wants to abstain from drugs they will seek forms of treatment that do not include taking more drugs. In many cases, physicians apply the “fail first” criteria when considering medication-assisted treatment, meaning they try other therapies and keep MAT as a last resort option.
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Recreational Cannabis Use?
In this week's episode Coach Blu takes a deep dive into recreational cannabis use. What do you think about medical marijuana? Is marijuana use dangerous?
Coach Blu discusses an interview conducted by David Letterman that touches on NBA's Kevin Durant's involvement with marijuana dispensaries and his personal use. Coach Blu touches on the harm reduction model. Harm reduction is an approach that emphasizes engaging directly with people who use drugs to prevent overdose and infectious disease transmission, improve the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of those served, and offer low-threshold options for accessing substance use disorder treatment and other health care services. Keep an open mind on both sides of this topic and see what your own thoughts will be. Help us create more podcasts by joining Addict II Athlete’s Patreon support page .
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The Verdict: Tyler Skaggs
This week's episode of the Agents of Recovery, they speak on the sad story of Tyler Skaggs, pitcher for the Anaheim Angels who passed away from a drug overdose. On Thursday, a jury in a federal courthouse in Fort Worth, Texas, found former Angels communications official Eric Kay, guilty of distributing the counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills that led to Skaggs’ death and of conspiracy to possess pills with intent to distribute.
Listen as the agents discuss the sad situation on both sides of this unfortunate situation.
Something Wicked This Way Comes; What is Fentanyl?
In this week's episode, the Agents take a deep dive into a problem we are not ready for, the Fentanyl epidemic. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. It is both a prescribed drug, as well as a drug that is at times made and used illegally.
Like morphine, prescription fentanyl is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. When prescribed by a doctor, fentanyl can be given as a shot, a patch that is put on a person’s skin, or as lozenges that are sucked like cough drops.
Fentanyl that is illegally manufactured is dangerous. It is made without the quality controls of pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl and is a major contributor to recent increases in synthetic opioid overdose deaths. This illegally manufactured fentanyl is sold illegally as a powder, dropped onto blotter paper, put in eye droppers and nasal sprays, or made into counterfeit pills that look like other prescription opioids.
Importantly, fentanyl is also being mixed with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. This is especially risky when people taking drugs don’t realize that the drugs they are using might contain fentanyl and significantly increase their risk for overdose death.
A person can easily overdose on fentanyl. An overdose occurs when a drug produces serious adverse effects and life-threatening symptoms. Death from an opioid overdose happens when the drug depresses the parts of the brain that control breathing.
Fentanyl is addictive because of its potency. A person taking prescription fentanyl as instructed by a doctor can still experience dependence, which is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. A person can be dependent on a substance without being addicted, but dependence can sometimes lead to addiction.
Making A Better Approach with Dr. James Thompson
In this week's episode Coach Blu discusses a better approach, with a pioneer in the addictive medicine industry Dr. James Thompson. Dr. Thompson is the founder and chief medical officer of Master Center for Addiction Medicine in Virginia. Dr. Thompson serves as the president of Virginia ASAM and advises public and private sector organizations on the current addiction crisis.
After experiencing his own issues in regards to addiction Dr. Thompson felt a deep desire to take a different approach in his medical career. Due to his personal understanding of addictive tendencies, and the recovery process that seemed to be stuck in old traditions, he made some innovative changes to utilize the medical model to assist those struggling with substance abuse disorders. His compassion, understanding, and principle-based efforts have made huge differences in people that he has worked with and, have bridged the gap between the therapeutic and medical models. There are physicians and doctors out there that understand and as you listen to the discussion, the goal is for you to see that you're not alone in this recovery process. This is a podcast that should be shared with anyone who has struggled with, loves someone, or is battling their own addiction. Please share it with those who could benefit from it.
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Dopesick: The Sackler Family Lie
On this week's podcast Coach Blu and Athletic Director, Marissa dive deep into the book turned two mini-series Dopesick. “Dopesick” examines how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Big Pharma to a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA.
If you or a loved one has ever struggled with opiate addiction, chances are, it was because of the Sackler family and their drug OxyContin. Listen as our government failed in many different ways to protect millions of people and kicked off the worst epidemic we have ever seen. Systematically the Sackler family has enriched their lives by killing generations of people who believed their lies. This podcast details some of the events, and will undoubtedly be only one podcast released as the story continues.
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Addiction in the Elderly Population
Today's podcast we invite back Dr. B, Faried Banimahd, M.D., CEO of American Addiction Institute of Mind and Medicine. They discuss the growing issue of substance use and misuse among the elderly (adults over the age of 60), particularly of alcohol and prescription drugs, as one of the fastest-growing health problems in the United States. Addiction in the elderly population can be extremely serious. Listen as they discuss prescription drug abuse and the misuse of prescribed medicines where they may abuse their own medicine in a way that is not instructed by the doctor, or more than is necessary. Listen to tips for conversations and ways you can raise a concern without hindering or hurting the relationship.
The aging of the American population has created a sense of urgency among long term care (LTC) providers as they begin to realize the scale of substance use and misuse among older adults. Between 2006 and 2020 rates of diagnosed substance use disorder (SUDs) among older adults was projected to more than double from 2.8 million to 5.8 million. This trend is likely to continue over the next 20 years inline with continued growth in the number of Americans 60 years or older.
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It's Your Call
In this week's show, the Agents of Recovery Max Hall, Brock Bevell, and Blu Robinson discuss personal views and understanding of the current situations our community face with the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis. The use of marijuana and medical marijuana is growing. Listen as they process the positive and negative side of this new method of medical intervention and in the end to remain true to yourself and to your recovery. Ultimately, it's your call, to know yourself, to know your addiction, to know your needs, and to know that balance is the key.
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Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
On this week's podcast, Max, Brock, and Blu offer some insights into Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and how it can be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in people who have been addicted to opioids. The guys have different opinions on the use and promotion of using MAT and this podcast will help you develop some personal insight as to why. MAT is one of many options for treating substance use disorders. No single option is appropriate for everyone. MAT is an adjunctive treatment or assistive therapy to the overall treatment of a person with a substance use disorder.
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What You Need To Know Before Going To Rehab
If you, a loved one, or friend needs help seeking assistance in recovery, you will want to listen in order to help them make educated decisions. In this week's podcast, we dive deep in conversation with Shelley Mangum VP of Illuminate Billing, and clinical therapist to discuss everything you need to know before you commit to a drug rehab.
Listen as they discuss important details such as, "Will my insurance cover addiction treatment?"
"Will Medicaid pay for my addiction treatment?"
"Do all health insurances cover addiction treatment?"
"What is outpatient and residential rehab?"
"Is addiction treatment effective?"
"Do rehab centers use Suboxone or MAT if I need it?"
Chances are, you will have someone in your life that needs additional help and this podcast will give you the answers to make the best decision, and understand the process it takes to find a program or facility that will help achieve the goal of sobriety and recovery. You can also check out our blog post What you need to know when you or a loved one need addiction help?
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Is Addiction A Disease Or Choice?
Today Coach Blu talks to Dr. Faried Banimahd the founder, CEO, and Clinical Director of American Addiction Institute of Mind and Medicine as well as the founder and clinical director of Zephyr Medical Group. He has years of experience as a Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at both UCLA and UC Irvine School of Medicine. Dr. B has a great history and understanding of addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), evidenced-based practices, individualized treatment, and research.
Listen to this fascinating conversation that answers the question of whether addiction is a disease or a choice. They also cover medical marijuana, harm reduction, and if the old adage of once an addict always an addict is really true.
Find more from Dr. B on YouTube and TikTok
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Problems With Rehab
Today Coach Blu and Athletic Director Marissa speak with Ryan Ward, an active patient advocate, passionate about changing the approach to addiction treatment. Having experienced first hand the issues and problems that are often found in addiction recovery treatment programs, Ryan has become an advocate for the revamping of rehabs and whistle-blowing the corrupt. Ryan's goal is to continue to grow in his profession, have a positive impact on society, and help make treatment a priority amongst our legislatures. He is a passionate speaker and is leading a charge to help you and your loved ones make educated choices for treatment and recovery. Listen today to find out some of the things you should watch out for when picking a rehab.
For more information:
Website
projectIHAB.com (Personal Website)
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One on One With Coach Blu: Accountability
On this weeks episode of One on One with Coach Blu, listen as we discussed the Purdue pharmaceutical lawsuit, speak about accountability on several different angles in recovery as well as introduce the program to a new artist. This weekly show has something new to talk about each week!
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What Is Addiction?
It’s important to know the cycle of addiction and its stages so medical professionals, therapists, friends, and family can support you. So many of us are vulnerable to addiction and addiction differs from person to person. Family systems and individuals are impacted by mental health, trauma, family history, and genetic factors of addiction so we sometimes place a lot of trust in the professionals to point us in the right direction. Many times, leaving us wandering around trying to understand the complexities and the simplistic ways sobriety can be achieved. Listen to today's podcast as therapist and addiction counselor, Coach Blu and Recreational Therapist, Marissa talk about the cycle of addiction, causality, and the possibility of a new system approach putting you in the captain seat.
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What Is Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
On today's podcast Coach Blu speaks to Dr. Mark Leeds and the work he is doing to assist the recovery community using Medication-Assisted Treatment. MAT is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some people to sustain recovery. Listen and learn about what is available and how it is used. This is a great podcast if you've had any questions in the past about what medicated assisted treatment can do, and what we can do to lessen the stigma around medication that's helping save lives.
Take a look at some additional resources. Read Overcoming Opioid Addiction. Why not start addiction treatment right in the ER? You can listen to more of Dr. Leeds.
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One on One With Coach Blu: Episode 6
On this week's live show, Coach Blu talks on maintaining friendships while in addiction, when it's time to end a friendship, and how to understand the complex feelings of trust vs. mistrust. He also touches on Medicated Assisted Treatment, Mental Health, and Dual Diagnosis.
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One on One With Coach Blu Episode 2
One on One with Coach Blu is a weekly call-in show where those who have questions related to addiction, recovery, mental health, health, wellness, athletics, and more can call in and speak to Coach Blu One on One. This week we talk about speaking up, real-time boundary holding, and Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT).
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