Addiction Practice Pod

In the first episode of Season 7, host David P. Ball is joined by Dr. Alison Hamilton to highlight the work done by clinicians as part of the Provincial Opioid Treatment Access Line (POTAL) to increase access to opioid use disorder treatment across BC. Alison is family and addiction medicine physician with locum experience in 13 rural and remote communities across six provinces and territories in Canada. Alison previously joined as a co-host for an episode in Season 5 and has returned to co-host a 3-episode arc on rural and remote substance use care. David and Alison speak to Dr. Jessica Hann MD, a leader in virtual substance use care with Providence Health Care, to learn about how POTAL came to be, how it works and how it’s accessed, the impact it’s had so far, and important practice considerations when it comes to providing virtual substance use care. David then talks to “Darlene” (pseudonym), a person with lived/living experience of opioid use disorder who has been profoundly affected by having access to virtual substance use care. David and Alison continue the conversation in the next episode, “Virtual Substance Use Care, Part 2: Considerations for Rural & Remote Virtual Care” with two more guests, so make sure to tune in again to hear more about virtual care considerations for rural and remote communities.Access the show notes here.

In this episode, host David P. Ball explores how clinicians can more effectively identify and inquire about alcohol use in primary care. He’s joined by Tom Stere, a Tofino district councillor who shares how his lived experience of alcohol use disorder influences his advocacy work, and Dr. Olivia Brooks, a family physician specializing in addictions care in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside who shares helpful tips for both inquiring about and treating alcohol use disorder. This insightful conversation highlights the importance of recognizing when alcohol may be contributing to common clinical concerns, and how compassionate, evidence-informed inquiry can make a meaningful difference in someone’s care. Access the show notes here.

In this episode, host David P. Ball dives into the topic of managing benzodiazepine use in primary care. He’s joined by Bill Nelles, a former AIDS nurse and counsellor with lived experience of benzodiazepine use, and Dr. Megan Hill, a family physician with over 10 years of experience in addiction medicine. Together, they offer practical insights for care providers supporting patients to manage or reduce benzodiazepine use. Through real-world examples and grounded clinical advice, the episode highlights how structured, compassionate care can make a meaningful difference. Access the show notes here.

In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with Peer Addictions Worker, Heather Edward, and Registered Social Worker, Chelsea Tetrault, who share insights about the role of interdisciplinary teams in a person’s substance use care journey. With a focus on harm reduction and creative problem-solving, Heather and Chelsea illustrate the importance of connection and collaboration across teams and clinics to help people have autonomy in their treatment and recovery care. Listeners will hear practical examples about appointment accompaniment, regular check-ins, and how coordinated, person-centred supports can reduce barriers to health care and sustain stability through treatment.Access the show notes here.

In this episode, David P. Ball speaks with Peer Support Specialist Chad Ellsworth and primary care addictions physician Dr. Jacob Sussman about what respectful, person-centred engagement looks like in substance use care. Drawing from lived experience and clinical practice, the guests share how small gestures of kindness and curiosity about a client’s motivations can build trust and support long-term connection to care. This episode highlights real-world experiences of navigating the health care system, the importance of goal setting, and the role that peers play in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in clinical settings.Access the show notes here.