Cracking Addiction

What if quitting smoking is the fastest way to strengthen addiction recovery?That sounds backwards… but the science says otherwise.For decades, addiction treatment has repeated the same advice: deal with cigarettes later. But groundbreaking research reveals that this approach may be quietly sabotaging long-term recovery.In this episode, you uncover surprising new evidence showing that people who quit smoking during recovery had a 30% higher chance of sustained remission from other substance use disorders. That’s not a small improvement—it’s a game-changing shift in how recovery should be approached.In this video, you’ll discover:Why smoking is deeply wired into addiction ritualsHow nicotine affects the same brain systems as drugs and alcoholWhy quitting cigarettes can strengthen recovery instead of overwhelming itThe overlooked reason smoking causes more deaths than drugs in people with addictionHow stopping smoking builds confidence, momentum, and long-term successThis isn’t about willpower or guilt. It’s about using science to recover smarter.If you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working in healthcare, this episode will challenge what you think you know—and give you a powerful new tool to improve outcomes.

These drugs calm your brain—but what if they’re silently increasing your stroke risk?For decades, benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax were seen as safe, even neuroprotective. Doctors believed that by calming overexcited brain cells, these medications might actually help during a stroke. That assumption shaped years of prescribing habits.But the science has changed—and the new data is disturbing.In this episode, you’ll uncover emerging research that links benzodiazepines and Z-drugs to increased stroke risk, dangerous falls, pneumonia, and even higher death rates after stroke. Even more concerning? These risks don’t just affect the elderly—they show up in younger adults, too.⚠️ What you’ll learn in this video:Why the original “brain-protective” theory behind benzodiazepines may be wrongThe shocking stroke risk seen in long-term benzo usersWhy dose and duration matter more than most doctors realiseWhat happens when benzodiazepines are given after a strokeWhy falls, fractures, and pneumonia skyrocket in hospitalized patientsWhat to do without stopping suddenly or putting yourself at riskThis isn’t fear-mongering. Benzodiazepines have legitimate medical uses. But they are not the harmless medications we once believed, especially when it comes to stroke and recovery.If you—or someone you care for—uses anxiety medications, sleep aids, or sedatives, this is information you can’t afford to ignore.

For decades, alcohol has enjoyed a surprising reputation as a health booster—especially red wine. You’ve heard the claims: stronger hearts, longer life, protection against dementia. But when you dig into the actual science, the story falls apart fast.In this episode, you’ll discover why many of the studies praising moderate drinking were built on a critical flaw—they compared drinkers to the wrong people. So-called “non-drinkers” often included sick quitters: people who had already stopped drinking because their health was declining. That single mistake distorted decades of public health advice. Using modern methods like Mendelian randomisation, newer research strips away the illusion. Instead of a protective effect, the data show a clear, linear relationship:👉 more alcohol = higher dementia risk👉 more alcohol = higher cancer risk👉 more alcohol = measurable brain shrinkageYou’ll learn:Why the famous J-shaped curve was misleadingWhat alcohol actually does to your brain and hippocampusHow even “low-risk” drinking increases long-term harmThe updated Canadian alcohol guidelines—and why they shocked expertsWhat to do if you drink now (and why less really is better)If you care about brain health, longevity, or evidence-based medicine, this episode will completely change how you think about alcohol.

In this episode, we explore "kava kava," a traditional Pacific plant with anxiolytic effects similar to low-dose benzodiazepines. We discuss its active compounds, kavalactones, and how they contribute to "anxiety relief" and muscle relaxation without significant dependence risks. Understanding how this plant works offers important insights into natural "stress relief" and self-management techniques for "mental health," touching on broader implications for "addiction."

Can a brain scan predict addiction risk BEFORE first use? 🚨Most people think substances change the brain after experimentation.But this episode flips the script.In Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong breaks down new MRI research suggesting some kids show brain-based vulnerability years before alcohol, cannabis, or cigarettes enter the picture.✅ What you’ll learn:• Why “bigger brain” doesn’t automatically mean “better”• The impulse-control regions that may signal higher risk• What this means for parents (hint: hope + early skills, not fear)• Why addiction is a brain-based condition, not a character flaw👉 Watch the episode now, then comment: Do you think prevention should start BEFORE the teen years?🔔 Subscribe for more neuroscience-backed addiction insights.

Kava is everywhere… but is it silently damaging your patients’ livers?Kava is now turning up in Australian pharmacies, health food stores and online — marketed as a “natural” fix for anxiety, stress and insomnia. But behind the glossy labels lies a messy reality: wild dosing, limited clinical trials, and real-world reports of hepatotoxicity, drug interactions and impaired driving.In this episode of Cracking Addiction, addiction medicine specialist Dr Ferghal Armstrong breaks down what most clinicians don’t know about kava — and what you need to start asking your patients today.You’ll discover how a traditional Pacific Island ceremonial drink became a CNS depressant supplement with:Huge dose discrepancies between traditional use (up to 8000 mg kavalactones) and commercial capsulesUnclear safety margins and a weak evidence base dominated by descriptive and traditional-use reportsShort- and long-term effects: muscle relaxation, drowsiness, dermatopathy, weight loss, GI disturbance, impotence and poor overall healthSerious drug interactions with benzodiazepines, alcohol, barbiturates, levodopa, anticonvulsants, MAOIs, antipsychotics and anticoagulantsDriving impairment data from real motor vehicle collisions in kava-using populationsRed-flag groups: young people, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with harmful use patternsIf you’re a GP, pharmacist, nurse, psychiatrist or allied health professional, this episode will help you:Ask targeted questions about kava use in your consultationsScreen for concurrent CNS depressants and liver diseaseGive clear, practical advice on driving, alcohol and daily functioningCounsel patients with nuance instead of either fear or blind reassuranceYou’ll walk away with a sharper lens on “natural” supplements, a better grasp of kava safety, and a framework to protect your patients from avoidable harm.👉 Watch now to learn why kava is not a benign supplement — and what to do about it.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with colleagues who are seeing more kava in their clinics.

How to Cut Sugar by 78% in 30 Days.Sugar is hijacking your brain — but you can take control back faster than you think.Most people want to quit sugar… but at 3 p.m., stressed and tired, the biscuits in the break room somehow win.In this episode, addiction specialist and lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr. Fergal Armstrong reveals why your willpower isn’t the problem — and how a simple, research-backed strategy can help you cut sugar by up to 78% in just 30 days.You’ll discover:Why the average person is unknowingly consuming around 400 teaspoons of sugar per weekThe massive gap between intention and action when trying to quit sugarHow implementation planning (a powerful psychology tool) rewires your brain for better choicesThe three-step system: clear daily sugar goals, if-then action plans, and relapse-proof coping strategiesReal-world examples you can copy today to reduce sugar cravings, emotional eating, and mindless snackingThis isn’t another “just use willpower” video. You’ll learn a science-based approach used in clinical research to:Bring your intake in line with World Health Organisation sugar guidelinesImprove your confidence in managing cravings, stress, and social pressureBuild sustainable healthy habits around food, energy, and moodIf you’ve tried to reduce sugar before and felt like you failed, this episode will show you what was missing — and how to finally create a realistic, compassionate plan that works with your brain, not against it.👉 Watch now to learn the 3-step formula to break free from sugar — for good.And if you find this helpful, subscribe for more evidence-based insights on addiction, nutrition, and metabolic health.Chapters00:00 – The shocking truth: 400 teaspoons of sugar a week00:19 – The 78% reduction study and why willpower isn’t enough00:47 – Step 1: Setting clear sugar goals using WHO guidelines01:15 – Hidden sugars in “healthy” foods you eat every day01:19 – Step 2: Implementation plans – the power of if-then thinking01:55 – Real-life if-then examples for cravings and supermarket traps02:00 – Step 3: Coping plans and why relapse is part of the cycle02:20 – Identifying your personal triggers: stress, boredom, social pressure02:34 – How this method cut cravings by 60% and doubled confidence02:57 – Sugar, the brain, and rewiring your neural pathways03:21 – Your 3-day action challenge to break free from sugar

What Happens to Teen Brains After Cannabis?What if one long-term study could completely reshape how we view teenage cannabis use? This jaw-dropping video unpacks a landmark 38-year study from Dunedin, New Zealand, where scientists tracked over 1,000 children from birth into adulthood—and what they discovered could change everything. Spoiler: it's not your typical “just say no” narrative. It’s raw, data-driven neuroscience.Through extensive IQ testing and life tracking, researchers found that those who started using cannabis regularly before age 18 lost up to eight IQ points—a decline that never fully recovered, even if they quit. Meanwhile, adult users showed almost no cognitive impact. Why? It’s all about neuroplasticity. During adolescence, the brain is undergoing massive rewiring. THC from cannabis disrupts this critical developmental phase, leading to lasting damage in memory, focus, and decision-making skills.This isn’t anti-drug propaganda—it’s real science that exposes how early cannabis use hijacks your brain's natural cannabinoid system. If you’re under 18 or care about someone who is, this video is a must-watch. Discover why protecting the teen brain could be the key to unlocking lifelong success. Perfect for educators, parents, and curious minds alike, this is a wake-up call we can't afford to ignore.

Millions unknowingly store a lethal cocktail in their medicine cabinets—and it’s not from illicit drugs. In this gripping episode, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong reveals a hidden danger in modern medicine: the deadly combination of opioids, benzodiazepines, and gabapentinoids. Backed by alarming research from North Carolina and Australia, he highlights how these commonly prescribed medications, meant to relieve pain, anxiety, and nerve discomfort, can create a perfect storm of respiratory depression and overdose—even when taken as directed.You’ll learn how taking opioids with benzos increases overdose risk tenfold, and how adding drugs like pregabalin can raise it even higher. Shockingly, 80% of opioid patients are also prescribed benzodiazepines—making this a widespread issue, not an anomaly. Dr. Armstrong dives into the science behind these drug interactions, explains why naloxone isn’t always enough, and shares crucial steps for patients and caregivers to stay safe.This is a must-watch for anyone prescribed these medications or caring for someone who is. Discover life-saving insights, actionable tips, and the importance of medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence. If you thought your prescribed meds were safe, think again.

In a stunning breakthrough, Stanford researchers have unveiled a potential game-changer in the fight against PTSD and traumatic brain injury. This episode dives deep into the science and promise behind Ibogaine therapy, a powerful plant-based treatment showing an astonishing 86% remission rate for PTSD after just one session. The study focused on 30 special forces veterans, exploring a groundbreaking approach known as the MISTIC protocol—Magnesium Ibogaine Therapy for Traumatic Injury to the Central Nervous System.Ibogaine, derived from the African Tabernanthe iboga shrub, interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems and boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, helping the brain to repair itself. What’s even more compelling? These veterans didn’t just feel better emotionally—they demonstrated significant cognitive improvements, including sharper memory, problem-solving, and focus.The treatment also showed remarkable safety when paired with magnesium, alleviating concerns about past cardiac risks. While the trial wasn’t placebo-controlled, the neuropsychological improvements were objective and hard to dismiss.With additional holistic care like breathwork and coaching, this integrative method represents a promising frontier for treating PTSD, depression, and anxiety. It's not yet available in the U.S., but this research could ignite the change.

Addiction isn't just about choices—it's also in your genes.New research reveals that your risk for alcohol, opioid, and cannabis addiction might be genetically linked—even if you've never touched a substance in your life. In this episode, we break down a study of over 1 million people that uncovered a powerful genetic factor tied to addiction, impulse control, ADHD, and even emotional regulation.🎯 Why does this matter?Because understanding your genetic makeup could change how we screen, prescribe, and prevent addiction—before it even starts.Whether you're in healthcare, recovery, or just curious about how your brain works—this one's a game-changer.Watch now to learn how your DNA might be shaping your relationship with risk, substances, and self-control.#AddictionScience #GeneticsExplained #MedHeads

Cannabis and Psychosis: What 66,000 People RevealedCannabis and Psychosis: What Science REALLY Says Is cannabis as harmless as many believe? A groundbreaking study of over 66,000 people says… not quite. In our latest video, we break down the science linking cannabis use—especially daily and high-potency strains—to a significantly increased risk of developing psychosis. This isn’t just paranoia or temporary effects. We're talking diagnosable psychotic disorders.Key highlights:4x risk with daily useRisk increases with frequencyNo “safe” usage thresholdImplications for those with a family history of mental illnessWhether you’re a casual smoker, regular user, or just curious about cannabis and mental health, this video gives you the facts—straight from peer-reviewed science.Watch now and let’s talk about what this means for the future of cannabis use.#CannabisPsychosis #MentalHealthAwareness #CannabisTruth

Does Cannabis Really Help with Anxiety? | The Science ExplainedFor years, many have turned to weed for anxiety relief, but new research suggests the truth might be more complex. In this video, we uncover what 20 years of scientific studies reveal about how THC and CBD actually affect your mental health and anxiety levels.You’ll learn:The real science behind cannabis and anxietyHow THC vs. CBD impacts your brain differentlyWhy some people feel calmer while others get more anxiousThe truth about short-term relief vs. long-term effectsWhat recent studies say about cannabis and depression riskWhether you’re a regular user, medical patient, or just curious, this video will help you understand what’s really happening in your brain when you use cannabis for stress or anxiety.Don’t trust influencer hype — get evidence-based facts backed by real science.Watch till the end to discover how different cannabis strains may affect your anxiety in unpredictable ways.#CannabisAndAnxiety #CannabisScience #THCandCBD #WeedForAnxiety #MentalHealthMatters #AnxietyRelief #CBDResearch #THCEffects #MarijuanaFacts #BrainHealth

The Drug Landscape Has Changed—Are You Ready? Australia is now facing one of the deadliest evolutions in synthetic opioids—nitazenes. With potency levels up to 20 times higher than fentanyl, these hidden killers are showing up in fake pills, club drugs, and even "safe" prescriptions. Most users don’t even know they’ve taken them… until it’s too late.In this week’s Cracking Addiction episode, Dr. Fergal Armstrong dives deep into the pharmacology, clinical signs, and harm reduction strategies practitioners need to know—plus, why current toxicology screens are leaving clinicians in the dark.

This episode of Cracking Addiction delivers a powerful, evidence-packed message on how smoking profoundly impacts reproductive health, pregnancy, and the lifelong wellbeing of children. Dr. Ferghal Armstrong takes viewers beyond the commonly known risks of cancer and lung disease, diving deep into the lesser-discussed but critically important topic of tobacco’s effects on fertility, fetal development, and transgenerational health.Through compelling research and clinical insight, the video outlines how smoking reduces fertility in both men and women, accelerates ovarian aging, and increases the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and birth defects. Listeners will learn about the dangerous chemicals—like nicotine and carbon monoxide—that cross the placenta, causing fetal hypoxia, impaired growth, and even structural abnormalities like cleft palate or limb defects.The episode doesn’t stop at birth. It highlights how prenatal tobacco exposure can alter brain development, leading to ADHD, behavioural issues, and poor academic outcomes. It even shows how smoking can reprogram genes epigenetically, raising the risk for diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in adulthood.Importantly, this video is a call to action for healthcare providers and families alike. It emphasises that quitting smoking—especially early in pregnancy—can dramatically reduce these risks. You’ll also get key clinical strategies for effective smoking cessation, secondhand smoke management, and partner involvement.If you’re a parent, healthcare provider, or planning a family, this video is a must-watch. Share it with anyone who needs to hear the truth about smoking and pregnancy.Chapters:00:00 – Smoking harms babies even before pregnancy begins00:37 – Smoking’s impact on female fertility and conception01:05 – Effects of smoking on male reproductive health01:30 – The dangers of smoking during pregnancy02:10 – How smoking leads to low birth weight and placenta damage02:34 – Birth defects linked to maternal smoking02:49 – Nicotine’s effects on fetal brain development03:14 – Smoking and risk of SIDS03:37 – Secondhand smoke and infant health04:00 – Long-term epigenetic consequences of smoking04:22 – Smoking cessation during pregnancy: why it works04:48 – Key clinical tips for healthcare providers05:17 – Don’t forget the partner and postnatal phase05:33 – Counseling even before pregnancy is crucial05:50 – Final takeaway: smoking is a transgenerational risk

Every puff of cigarette smoke delivers toxic chemicals deep into your lungs—triggering a cascade of damage that most people don’t realise until it’s too late. Dr. Ferghal Armstrong dives into the devastating effects of smoking on lung health, from early symptoms like chronic cough to advanced stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.You'll learn how cigarette smoke impacts the respiratory system, destroying protective cilia, paralysing the mucociliary escalator, and overwhelming the lungs' ability to repair themselves. Discover the difference between chronic bronchitis and emphysema, how they contribute to irreversible lung damage, and why many patients don’t get diagnosed until their breathlessness is severe.This video also explains the clinical side: how spirometry detects obstructive patterns, how CT scans reveal emphysematous changes, and why smoking cessation is the only proven way to slow disease progression. We cover genetic risk factors like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, the dangers of secondhand and thirdhand smoke, and how smoking during pregnancy affects fetal lung development.Whether you're a healthcare student, medical professional, or someone affected by smoking, this is your complete guide to understanding the long-term respiratory complications of smoking—and how to protect yourself and others.Chapters00:00 – How Cigarette Smoke First Damages the Lungs00:28 – Lungs: The Organ Most Exposed to Smoking00:51 – The Respiratory Defense System and Cilia Destruction01:10 – Chronic Bronchitis: A Structural Disease01:33 – COPD Explained: Chronic Bronchitis + Emphysema01:52 – Emphysema: Alveolar Breakdown from Smoke02:24 – Symptoms and Clinical Progression of COPD02:47 – Asthma and the Smoking Connection03:04 – Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS)03:14 – Smoking and Respiratory Infections03:32 – Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Smoking03:44 – Cellular and Inflammatory Pathways of Damage04:15 – Genetic Susceptibility and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency04:38 – A Typical COPD Patient Case05:02 – Diagnostic Tools: Spirometry, Imaging, and Blood Gases05:15 – Why Smoking Cessation Matters Most05:26 – Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke Effects05:58 – Impact of Smoking During Pregnancy06:15 – Clinical Advice for Early Detection and Prevention06:59 – Patient Awareness: Link Smoking with Breathlessness07:09 – Teaser for the Next Episode: Smoking and Reproduction

Smoking’s Secret Weapon: Vascular Poison in Every PuffIn this high-voltage episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr  Ferghal Armstrong delivers a powerful reminder: cardiovascular disease is the most immediate risk of smoking—not just lung cancer years down the line. Even minimal exposure—whether a couple of cigarettes a day or inhaling secondhand smoke—is enough to trigger endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, thrombosis, and lipid imbalances that accelerate life-threatening atherosclerosis.Dr  Armstrong breaks down the mechanisms: smoking impairs your artery lining, stiffens your vessels, raises blood pressure, and encourages plaque buildup and rupture. It triggers systemic inflammation via cytokines like IL‑6 and TNF‑α, elevates CRP, activates platelets, and creates a hypercoagulable state—making clots cling and resist dissolution. Oxidized LDL fuels foam cell formation, and carbon monoxide starves tissues of oxygen, forcing your heart to work harder against all odds.He then lays out the devastating cardiovascular outcomes: from coronary heart disease and stroke to aortic aneurysm, peripheral artery disease, sudden cardiac death, and accelerated heart failure. Secondhand smoke is nearly as lethal, impairing coronary flow and increasing event risk by up to 30% after just half an hour of exposure.But here’s the saving grace: cardiovascular harm reverses fast when you stop. Your heart attack risk begins dropping within 24 hours, halved by one year, and can approach that of a non‑smoker over time—which Dr Armstrong calls a “powerful motivator.”He ties it all together with clinical guidance: view smoking as a vascular poison, assess second‑hand smoke when evaluating cardiovascular risk, monitor key markers (lipids, CRP, ECGs), and deliver birch‑clear cessation messages like, "quitting today cuts your heart attack risk in half within a year."If you're looking for a video that’s evidence-packed, urgent, and deeply motivating to help you or your loved ones quit smoking—this episode is a tailored wake‑up call.

The Shocking Truth About Smoking and Cancer!Part 3This video dives deep into the molecular chaos caused by tobacco smoke, revealing how it doesn’t just increase cancer risk—it drives it. Every puff delivers over 7,000 chemicals, including 69 known carcinogens like benzo-A-pyrene and formaldehyde. These toxins bind to DNA, creating harmful adducts that trigger mutations, particularly in critical genes like TP53, which regulate cell growth. The damage isn’t limited to the lungs—smoking wreaks havoc on the bladder, pancreas, cervix, and more. From oxidative stress to epigenetic changes, tobacco smoke is a silent saboteur of your body’s defenses.But the danger doesn’t stop there. Secondhand smoke and third-hand smoke (residual chemicals on surfaces) also pose risks, especially for children. The video unpacks how even light smoking carries significant cancer risks, debunking the myth that “social smoking” is safe. This episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about how smoking rewires your biology. Whether you’re a smoker, a healthcare professional, or a curious viewer, this video will leave you thinking:

Cigarettes Today Are Engineered for Addiction — Here's How.PART 1 of 6 "Unfiltered: Inside the Smoke"Today’s cigarettes are a far cry from the simple tobacco rolls of the past. In this explosive episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong pulls back the curtain on how modern cigarette design has been weaponised to supercharge nicotine addiction, deepen smoke inhalation, and manipulate public perception.Learn how the tobacco industry has transformed cigarettes into highly engineered nicotine delivery systems. Discover the shocking role of ammonia additives, menthol flavoring, and filter ventilation in increasing the speed and intensity of nicotine absorption. Understand why "light" and "low-tar" cigarettes aren’t safer—they’re just deceptive.Dr. Armstrong explores the impact of over 600 legal cigarette additives, from burn rate enhancers to flavor-masking agents, and how these innovations have been marketed to specific populations, especially through menthol cigarettes. You’ll also find out how cigarette filters, once thought to reduce harm, may actually contribute to microplastic inhalation.This episode is essential for anyone interested in smoking cessation, lung cancer prevention, and the evolving tactics of the vaping industry. Don’t miss this deep dive into tobacco product manipulation, nicotine dependence, and the public health crisis engineered by design.

Shocking Facts About Cigarette Chemicals!Cigarettes are more than just dried tobacco—they’re chemical weapons in disguise. In this eye-opening episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong dives deep into the real science behind cigarette smoke and its devastating impact on the human body. With over 7,000 chemicals per puff—and 69 known carcinogens—smoking unleashes a toxic storm on your cells, your DNA, and every organ system.Forget nicotine being the main villain; it’s the harmful byproducts of combustion—like benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, and heavy metals—that cause the real destruction. This episode breaks down the concept of bioavailability, showing how smoke chemicals rapidly enter the bloodstream and brain, triggering inflammation, cellular damage, and cancer risk. The discussion also explores cutting-edge biomarkers like cotinine and NNAL that reveal hidden exposure—even in non-smokers affected by second-hand and third-hand smoke.Is there such a thing as a “safer” cigarette? Spoiler: No. The chemical complexity of smoke means that changing one toxin can amplify another. From oxidative stress to DNA adducts, the biological havoc is unstoppable.If you’re a healthcare professional, smoker, or just health-curious, this is a must-watch. Empower your knowledge with hard-hitting science and understand why smoking cessation is not just an option—it’s urgent.Chapters00:00 – The Chemical Truth About Cigarette Smoke00:16 – What’s Inside a Cigarette and Its Smoke01:00 – Toxic Substances and Their Effects on the Body01:45 – Nicotine’s Role in Addiction vs. Disease02:00 – How Chemicals Enter and Damage the Body02:30 – Understanding Biomarkers of Exposure (Cotinine, NNAL)03:10 – Biomarkers of Effect: DNA Damage and Inflammation03:45 – Why Biomarkers Matter in Healthcare04:20 – The Danger of Passive and Third-Hand Smoke04:55 – Chemical Interactions and Smoking Addiction05:30 – Clinical Relevance and Smoking Cessation Advocacy06:00 – Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode