Episode 016: Addiction
In this episode, we deep-dive into addiction and substance abuse with producer and mental health nurse, Jenny Ng-Turner! We’ll discuss warning signs, triggers, stigmas, the value of having the right support systems in place, and where you can go for help.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover the impact of addiction and substance abuse on mental health.
Explore how film influences mental health nursing practices.
Uncover the definition of addiction and its complexities.
Identify the triggers that fuel addiction behaviors.
Learn about the support systems available for overcoming addiction.
CW: Alcohol and substance use
Music: Deppisch
Design: Perpetualnotion.ca
Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao
Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast
MORE ON OUR GUEST
Jenny Ng-Turner is a mental health nurse and producer with an eclectic range of experience. Her creative knowledge spans the industry from film, web series, interactive education, and health promotion. She is dedicated to cultivating positive work with her team; focusing on creating and inspiring progressive innovative projects.
Jenny provided us with more information about Substance Use Disorder and what areas it might affect:
Substance use disorder (SUD) is…
Complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences.
Intense focus on using a certain substance(s) such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, gambling…
Debilitating where the person’s ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired.
People keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause problems.
Changes in the brain’s structure and function are what cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements, and other behaviors. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavioral control.
Many people use substances to find escape/relief or find a way to cope with their physical or emotional pain.
For many, it’s a way of Self-Medicating.
Mental Health Struggles and Diagnoses are not objective like a medical physical health diagnosis where it can be measurable with tests like blood pressure or broken bone to heal. It’s mostly subjective and hard for some to fully understand and emphasize.
4 Main areas that may be affected:
Impaired Control (using more and more, difficulty cutting down, and unable to do it themselves without professional help).
Social Problems (neglecting relationships and responsibilities)
Risky Behaviors (Using in risky settings, continue use despite problems)
Physical Dependence (Needing more and more, tolerance increasing, and having withdrawals when not using)
Common issues that come up when someone is dealing with Substance Use?
Stress (work, death, illness, instability with housing etc.
Relationship issues
Instability with work
Financial difficulties
Emotional dysregulation
Nutritional deficiencies
Sleep issues
Feel like you are in constant Flight/Fight mode
Boredom
Covid has been hard…Loneliness
What should you do if you think you have a Substance Use issue?
REACH OUT!
If you are in Crisis and don’t feel safe, Please call your local Crisis Line
Talk to someone you trust (friend, family, health care provider who can help you navigate getting help!
If appropriate have someone go or be with you when you access professional help. You’re not alone!
Access your EAP (employee assistance program)
Additional Resources
(no affiliation to Braaains or Jenny Ng-Turner)
SITE: Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addictions
APP: Smart Recovery App
BOOKS: The Body keeps the score – Bessel Van Der Kolk
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma is a 2014 book by Bessel van der Kolk about the effects of psychological trauma, also known as traumatic stress. The book describes van der Kolk’s research and experiences, on how individuals are affected by traumatic stress, and its effects on the mind and body.
FILMS: The Wisdom of Trauma – Gabor Mate
PODCASTS: Smart Recovery; Elevation Recovery (Matt Finch and Chris Scott)
Listen to recent episodes on Apple podcasts: