Have you ever felt like you had to make excuses for NOT drinking when you were in a social situation?

If so, you're not alone. Studies show that people who are drinking socially often feel uncomfortable around people who make the choice to abstain. In this episode I explain the psychology behind this, and how a person who is working towards a goal of cutting back or quitting drinking can stay resilient and focused on their goals, even when others seem put off by it.

To learn more about this topic, which is covered in my new book, visit my website: www.drglasner.com

The lifesaving drug overdose antidote Narcan is now being carried on airlines. In this episode, I discuss the reasons for this, the way opioids affect the brain when a person overdoses, and how Narcan acts in the brain to reverse these lethal effects. I also cover some common reasons people are hesitant to carry or use Narcan, as well as some science based information about groups of people for whom having Narcan on hand might be especially important. Whether you know or love someone with addiction, are a parent, teacher, employer, or healthcare professional, or are simply curious to learn more about drug overdoses and how they can be reversed, this episode provides an informative overview of this topic. Subscribe to my free newsletter here for more information: https://www.drglasner.com/newsletter #opioids #opioidcrisis #podcast #soberpodcast #harmreduction #overdoseawareness #fentanyl

As we're in between Sober October and Dry January, many people are contemplating their health habits and relationship with alcohol. The concept of taking on a 30 day no alcohol challenge has grown in popularity, especially as evidence challenging the health benefits of drinking has recently accumulated. But quitting any habit, even temporarily, isn't easy for most. In this episode I discuss the health benefits of going alcohol-free for 30 days, offer tips to get you through the month, and review some of the studies that point to predictors of success for those who take on this challenge. Sign up for my newsletter to learn more: www.drglasner.com/newsletter

What is it really like to live with mental illness, addiction, or both at the same time? In his new book, "Profiles of Mental Health Courage," Patrick J. Kennedy delves deeply into the reality of 12 courageous individuals' lives who came forward to share their profoundly personal experiences, some of whom are public figures whose stories are now told for the first time. Join me to learn more about how Patrick J. Kennedy, former congressman and co-founder of The Kennedy Forum, is working to transform the accessibility of scientifically based mental health and addiction treatment, both in practice and public policy.

The rise in teen overdose fatalities is a concerning trend that is largely driven by counterfeit pills laid with highly potent and lethal doses of opioids such as fentanyl. These pills are accessible to young people via social media for as little as $15, and too often lead to a tragic outcome the very first time a teen takes one. In this episode, I explain how teens are accessing these pills on social media, who is at risk, and what parents can do to protect them.

Given the spread of potent and potentially deadly opioids such as fentanyl, the dangers of youth experimentation with drugs are more serious than ever before. Young people and parents alike are often unaware of the risks of substance use. In this episode, I review some of the risk factors for drug use among young people, as well as the "buffers," including things that parents can pay attention to and do to reduce the likelihood that their teen will start using substances at an early age. I also discuss the impact of teen substance use on the developing brain and why early initiation of substance use is especially harmful to young people.

Does alcohol have health benefits? This has been a topic of scientific debate and the answer may surprise you. In this episode, I discuss the accumulation of scientific studies that led many people to believe that moderate alcohol use could be protective against various chronic diseases, and some more recent, population based research that not only challenged this notion, but shed light on for whom (or which subgroups of the population) this could be the case. I also touch on what it means to drink moderately, and how to measure your alcohol consumption accurately.

Understandably, discussions about problematic alcohol use have taken a backseat as the opioid overdose crisis made headlines several years ago and continues to impact our country in profound ways. That said, many people don't realize just how common alcohol use disorders are, and considering the fact that there are 7 times more people affected by alcohol use disorders than opioid use disorders, drinking is the "unofficial" public health crisis that needs both attention and innovative solutions. In this episode I discuss our understanding of alcohol misuse and addiction, how much alcohol is "too much," and why women are especially vulnerable to developing problematic alcohol use and alcohol-related health problems.