The Addiction Files: An Addiction Medicine Podcast

What if small rewards could make a meaningful difference in the journey to recovery? In this episode of The Addiction Files, we explore contingency management, an evidence-based approach to substance use disorder treatment that reinforces positive behaviors and helps patients build momentum toward recovery. We discuss the traditional contingency management model and how a small rural clinic adapted it to meet the unique needs of its community. By integrating recovery capital tools into the program, the clinic expanded its focus beyond rewarding short-term treatment goals to strengthening the resources, relationships, and supports that help people sustain long-term recovery. Join us as we explore practical strategies for improving patient engagement, building on individual strengths, and connecting patients with the tools they need to thrive. This episode highlights how innovative, community-based adaptations can make evidence-based treatment more meaningful, accessible, and supportive of lasting recovery. Because recovery is about more than not using substances—it's about building a life worth sustaining.    Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD FASAM and Darlene Petersen, MD FAAFP. Zoe Huston RN care manager joins us as our guest.  Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at [email protected] No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of legal and illegal drugs and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Disclaimer: Content of this website and podcast are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Hosts and guests are not responsible for any harm caused by information obtained from these sources. As each person is unique you are advised to seek the advice of your own healthcare professional to treat any medical conditions you may be having. Opinions expressed on this show are those of The Addiction Files and not of our respective employers.

In this episode of The Addiction Files, we break down a March 2025 Journal of Medicina study "Novel Insights into Addiction Management: A Meta-Analysis on Intervention for Relapse Prevention" on relapse prevention and translate the evidence into clinical practice. We cover high-yield interventions, risk stratification, and real-world “clinical pearls” for managing return to use across settings. Designed for clinicians, this episode offers concise, actionable strategies to stabilize patients and sustain recovery trajectories.  Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD FASAM and Darlene Petersen, MD FAAFP. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at [email protected] No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of legal and illegal drugs and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Disclaimer: Content of this website and podcast are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Hosts and guests are not responsible for any harm caused by information obtained from these sources. As each person is unique you are advised to seek the advice of your own healthcare professional to treat any medical conditions you may be having. Opinions expressed on this show are those of The Addiction Files and not of our respective employers.

This episode of The Addiction Files breaks down kratom’s pharmacology with a focus on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid-active compound driving many of its effects. It highlights the growing risks of high-potency products, including dependence and toxicity. A concise, clinically relevant overview for recognizing and managing kratom-related presentations. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD FAAFP and Paula Donnelly Cook, MD FASAM. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at [email protected] No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of legal and illegal drugs and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Disclaimer: Content of this website and podcast are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Hosts and guests are not responsible for any harm caused by information obtained from these sources. As each person is unique you are advised to seek the advice of your own healthcare professional to treat any medical conditions you may be having. Opinions expressed on this show are those of The Addiction Files and not of our respective employers.

As fentanyl reshapes opioid use disorder treatment, long-standing buprenorphine induction practices are being challenged. In this episode, we examine emerging evidence supporting rapid, same-day initiation of long-acting injectable buprenorphine, alongside the growing role of high-dose transmucosal buprenorphine for fentanyl use disorder. We discuss why traditional multi-day inductions may increase dropout without improving safety—and how rapid initiation can improve early retention, including among patients actively using fentanyl. We also explore when and why higher buprenorphine doses may be necessary to adequately suppress withdrawal and cravings in the fentanyl era. We cover common misconceptions about precipitated withdrawal, and key contraindications and protocol caveats. Designed for addiction fellows and frontline clinicians, this episode emphasizes a shift from withdrawal-centric rituals to retention-focused care—getting effective treatment started when it matters most. Hosted by Paula Donnelly Cook, MD and Darlene Petersen, MD. Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at [email protected] No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of legal and illegal drugs and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Disclaimer: Content of this website and podcast are for entertainment and educational purposes only. Hosts and guests are not responsible for any harm caused by information obtained from these sources. As each person is unique you are advised to seek the advice of your own healthcare professional to treat any medical conditions you may be having. Opinions expressed on this show are those of The Addiction Files and not of our respective employers.

Back by popular demand, Dr. Mason Turner will be presenting an insightful episode on the fundamentals of personality disorders, their prevalence in substance use disorders, and the available treatment options. We invite you to join us for this captivating discussion. Hosted by Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Donnelly Cook, MD.  Check us out on facebook @Theaddictionfiles or twitter @THEADDICTIONFI1 or Instagram Theaddictionfiles or email us at [email protected] No explicit language but this podcast discusses the abuse and treatment of legal and illegal drugs and may not be appropriate for all listeners.