đ§ Your diet isnât about weightâitâs about your mind.Ultra-processed food is everywhereâŚAnd it may be quietly damaging mental health, focus, and resilience.In this episode of Substance Stories, we break down:â Why modern food is differentâ How diet affects mental wellbeingâ Simple, realistic ways to eat betterâ No guilt. No obsession. Just clarity.If you care about your brain, this is a must-watch.đ Watch nowđ Like & commentđ Subscribe for more mental health truthsYour mind deserves better fuel.
Christmas in recovery can hit like a trapâhereâs how you get through it sober.If youâre in early recovery, Christmas isnât âjust a holiday.â Itâs a trigger season: family dynamics, old memories, alcohol everywhere, loneliness, and the pressure to pretend youâre fine. This episode breaks down the myth that you can simply âpush throughâ with will power. Instead, youâll hear why Christmas is a waypointâa predictable danger zone you can see comingâand how planning ahead can protect your sobriety.The surprising revealThe biggest risk isnât Christmas itselfâitâs walking into it without a plan. And the most powerful tool isnât motivation⌠itâs strategy.What youâll learn (and actually use)How to set boundaries when family will be drinking (and what to say)How to build an âexit planâ so you can leave before cravings spikeHow meetings, sponsors, sober friends, and even clinical support can be part of relapse preventionWhy âabstinence is a winâ â and why Christmas night is a huge sobriety milestoneYouâll walk away with a practical relapse prevention plan, real sobriety tips, and a clear mindset for handling holiday triggers, alcohol cravings, and family stressâplus a reminder that youâre allowed to put recovery first.Watch now, share it with someone whoâs struggling, and subscribe for more Substance Stories.
Purpose is the recovery âvitaminâ you didnât know you were deficient in. If youâve ever hit early sobriety and suddenly felt flat, unmotivated, or stuck in bedâthis explains why, and what to do next.Youâll hear a powerful truth: addiction can feel like purposeâbut itâs a hollow, treadmill purpose. You wake up to chase, score, use⌠and repeat. Then sobriety removes that routine, and the silence can feel terrifying. Thatâs the gap this episode tackles head-on.Hereâs the surprising reveal: you donât âwait until you feel betterâ to act. You act to feel better. And you rebuild mental health through purpose, small goals, and masteryâthe slow-burn kind of happiness that lasts.What youâll learn in this episodeWhy motivation disappears in early recovery (and why thatâs normal)The difference between hedonic pleasure vs eudaimonia (life satisfaction)How to create purpose with a values â goals â daily actions blueprintWhy mastery and self-efficacy can reverse learned helplessnessPractical ideas: work, volunteering, art projects, fitness goals, learning, language studyIf you care about mental health, addiction recovery, sobriety motivation, self-improvement, dopamine balance, and building a life you actually wantâthis one will hit.Watch now, then pick ONE small goal today and prove to yourself you can build momentum again. Like, subscribe, and share this with someone whoâs rebuilding.đ Comment below with what gives your life purpose, and share this with someone who needs a mental health boost. đ Subscribe to Substance Stories for more insights on building a healthier mind.
Why Meaningful Social Connections Matter More Than EverPart 2 of our powerful three-part series on mental health and recovery. In this episode of Substance Stories, we explore the life-changing power of meaningful social connections and how they play a critical role in preventing and managing mental illnessâespecially in addiction recovery.The conversation goes beyond just avoiding relapse. It's about creating authentic, emotional bonds that give life richness and purpose. Discover the truth behind the statement: "The opposite of addiction isn't sobrietyâit's connection."You'll learnWhy social media canât replace real emotional intimacyHow to find or create your âthird placeâ for sober social supportSimple ways to reframe friendships and build new, healthy relationshipsHow community activities, like MMA gyms, Toastmasters, or choir groups, can offer surprising healing powerWhether youâre on a recovery journey or just want stronger mental health habits, Part 2 of this series brings you practical tools, deep insight, and real hope.
Self-Care for Mental Health: The Secret Habit That Changes EverythingIn this powerful first episode of the Substance Stories series, Dr. Richard Bradlow breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in mental wellnessâreal self-care. This isnât the social-media version of SelfCare. No bubble baths. No spa days.Instead, Dr. Bradlow reveals practical, science-backed habits that actually strengthen your mental health and emotional resilience.With compassion and clarity, he explains the crucial difference between mental health and mental illness, showing how you can maintain strong mental health even while managing conditions like depression, anxiety, or addictionâand how the opposite can also be true.Using relatable metaphors (like the way we maintain a car), Dr. Bradlow shows how simple daily actionsâshowering, making your bed, cleaning your space, staying organizedâare not small chores, but powerful reminders of self-worth, dignity, and stability.This episode offers more than encouragementâitâs a step-by-step blueprint for rebuilding your confidence, regaining control, and creating a life grounded in routine, recovery, and genuine self-respect.Whether youâre on a recovery journey or simply trying to stay mentally strong, this conversation will shift the way you understand self-care.Perfect for anyone searching for:mental health tips, real self-care routines, addiction recovery tools, emotional resilience, daily wellness habits, and how to build mental strength.
Why Cravings Aren't KittensâThey're TigersJoin us and the brilliant Angelika von Sanden as we unpack the hidden world of cravingsâfrom subtle cues like familiar places or people to the emotional rollercoaster triggered by stress. We explore: ⢠Why avoiding triggers isn't always possible ⢠How cravings turn from kittens to tigers ⢠Practical tools like breathing, cold exposure & craving journals ⢠Why compassion and curiosity matter in recoveryIf you're in recovery, support someone who is, or just want to understand the science of cravings, this one's a MUST.
How Drama Triangles Trap Us in Bad Habits.Drama Triangles: The Hidden Trap Holding Back Your RecoveryIn our latest Substance Stories episode, Annie returns to expose how family roles and emotional systemsâlike being the âblack sheepâ or always needing a ârescuerââcan quietly sabotage your recovery journey.Learn how to spot when you're caught in the classic drama triangle and how to escape it by shifting into the empowerment triangle. We dive into Bowen family systems theory, real-life rehab strategies, and even drop some Superman vs. Batman wisdom Whether you're on the path to sobriety or helping someone who is, this episode is a must-watch. Take back control of your story.Chapters:00:00 - What are drama triangles and how do they affect recovery?00:42 - Family systems and emotional roles in addiction01:36 - The black sheep dynamic and conditional love02:40 - Introducing the victim, rescuer, and persecutor triangle04:03 - Why recovery disrupts dysfunctional systems05:00 - Social circles and why growth feels uncomfortable06:00 - Addiction in relationships: the cop vs. robber dynamic07:00 - Should you move away to heal?07:45 - From drama triangle to empowerment triangle08:45 - Coaching vs. rescuing: finding real support09:40 - Donald Trump, narratives, and recovery identity10:30 - Superman vs. Batman: owning your recovery story11:30 - Inherited narratives and rewriting your own12:30 - Final thoughts on setting your recovery environment#RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #Empowerment
Are You Really Winning at Sports Betting?Most gamblers think theyâre in control. But hereâs the truthâ99% lose money over time. In our latest Substance Stories episode, we dive into the hard-hitting realities of sports gambling in Australia and around the world.From the psychology of competition and ego to the predatory tactics of betting companies, we uncover why so many fall into the trapâand how you can break free.Whether you gamble for fun, think youâve âcracked the system,â or know someone caught in the cycleâthis is a MUST-WATCH. đĽđ§ Insightful, raw, and eye-opening.đ Watch now and join the conversation.
From Party Person to Purpose: Reclaiming Your Identity in Sobriety.What if your recovery journey started not with willpowerâbut with identity?In this deeply insightful episode of Substance Stories, hosts Dr Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka dive into the transformative power of identity in addiction recovery. From Kierkegaard to coffee, they explore how our self-conceptâfluid, multifaceted, and socially shapedâcan either hold us back or propel us forward in healing. Whether it's tying self-worth to substance-fueled confidence, or reclaiming strength through statements like "I don't drink," identity is at the heart of sustainable sobriety.They unpack powerful concepts like learned helplessness vs. mastery, and why building self-efficacy (even through something as simple as running or studying stats) can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe we're capable of. The discussion also challenges cultural norms around drinking and masculinity, showing how redefining what it means to be confident, successful, or âfunâ is crucial in recovery.Perfect for those in recovery, clinicians, or anyone fascinated by psychology, this episode is a must-listen. It doesnât just tell you to changeâit shows you how. Whether youâre new to recovery or supporting someone who is, this conversation will make you rethink what identity truly meansâand why owning yours could be the ultimate act of healing.Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Why Identity Matters in Recovery00:34 - What is Identity? A Philosophical and Practical Look02:30 - Identity as a Jigsaw: The Puzzle of the Self04:30 - When Substances Become Part of Who You Are06:30 - Youth, Substances, and Idolized Selves08:00 - Alcohol, Coffee, and Everyday Identity Attachments10:00 - Non-Drinking and Masculine Norms12:00 - Internalizing Failure vs. Building Self-Efficacy15:00 - Mastery: The Key to Identity Growth18:00 - Claiming Identity to Support Behavior Change20:00 - Making Sobriety Part of Your Identity22:00 - Owning Recovery as Confidence, Not Weakness
What are novel psychoactive agents, and why are they sparking alarm across public health circles?In this episode of Substance Stories, we dive deep into the murky, rapidly evolving world of synthetic drugs â also known as novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Youâve probably seen them: âspice,â âbath salts,â âincenseâ â legal-sounding products with terrifying consequences. Marketed in convenience stores and tobacconists, these substances are not just risky â theyâre often completely untested and wildly potent.From synthetic cannabinoids that hijack your brainâs receptors to cathinone-based stimulants that mimic cocaine or meth, NPS are the result of a dangerous legal loophole: tweak a molecule slightly, and suddenly itâs legal â for now. But the consequences can include psychosis, extreme addiction, and long-term health damage.This episode explores how prohibitionist drug policies are backfiring, unintentionally driving users toward more harmful, unpredictable substances. Learn why experts believe NPS represent one of the biggest failures of modern drug policy â and why education, regulation, and harm reduction are urgently needed.If you care about public health, drug policy reform, or just want to understand the real risks behind these so-called âlegal highs,â this is the video you need to watch.Chapters:00:00 â Introduction to Novel Psychoactive Agents00:12 â What Are Novel Psychoactive Substances?00:24 â Real-World Examples: Spice and Bath Salts00:43 â Legal Loopholes and Synthetic Drug Creation01:01 â Why These Drugs Are So Dangerous01:15 â Synthetic Cannabis and Psychosis Risks01:36 â Bath Salts: Synthetic Cathinones Explained02:00 â The Challenge of Regulating New Substances02:18 â Mainstream Examples: Methadone and TCB02:30 â Rapid Emergence of Novel Benzodiazepines02:40 â The Broken System Behind Synthetic Drug Use03:14 â A Case for Legalising Safer, Known Substances03:26 â Misconceptions About âLegalâ Drugs03:45 â Final Warning and Closing Thoughts
The Surprising Truth About Negative Reinforcement!Why do we really use substancesâand what does it say about our mental health? This eye-opening episode of Substance Stories with Dr Richard Bradlow takes a deep dive into the hidden psychological force known as negative reinforcement. Often mistaken for punishment, negative reinforcement is when we use a behavior (like substance use) to avoid discomfort or emotional pain. That post-work drink? It might not be as harmless as it seems.Dr Richard Bradlow explains a powerful distinction between using to feel good and using to not feel bad, this episode explores the slippery slope many fall intoâespecially when coping with stress, sadness, or racing thoughts. With relatable examples, like the habit of âdrowning your sorrowsâ after a bad day, the speaker makes it clear: these moments are when we're most vulnerable to unhealthy patterns.Gain valuable insight into addiction psychology, the importance of recognising emotional states, and the urgent need for healthier coping mechanismsâlike movement, connection, and emotional acceptance. A brilliant analogy likens emotional tolerance to yoga: uncomfortable at first, but with practice, we get stronger.Whether you're concerned about your own habits or just curious about why we do what we do, this episode is packed with mental health wisdom, addiction awareness, and personal growth tools. Itâs a must-watch for anyone navigating the pressures of daily life.
Are Prescription Drugs Really Safe?Are you unknowingly addicted to your prescription medication?In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow exposes the hidden dangers of prescription drug dependence and how it can quietly take control of your life.From painkillers, sleep aids, ADHD medication, and anti-anxiety pills to everyday stimulants like coffee, discover how these substances can hijack your brainâs dopamine system and create dependency without you even realizing it.What youâll learn in this episode:The warning signs of prescription drug addictionWhy prescribed by a doctor not always safeHow to separate medication facts from mythsThe truth about over-the-counter drugs and their risksPractical tips for making informed, safe health choicesWhether youâre curious about the side effects of prescription medication, worried about addiction in disguise, or simply want to use your meds responsibly, this video gives you the science-based answers you need.Watch now to protect your health and learn the real facts about prescription drugs, medication safety, and hidden addictions.#PrescriptionDrugs #AddictionAwareness #SubstanceStories #MedicationSafety
Ever wondered if your weekend drinks or occasional substance use are harmlessâor hiding something deeper? In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories, the host breaks down the murky territory between casual use and full-blown addiction, a space known as hazardous use. With a focus on alcohol but applicable to all substances, this episode explores the red flags that signal your relationship with substances may not be as healthy as you think.Youâll learn the five key signs of an unhealthy substance relationshipâfrom needing it to socialise, to using alone, getting defensive when questioned, noticing work and health consequences, and the ultimate test: can you stop if you want to? This isn't about shameâit's about clarity and empowerment.The episode digs into the hard truth that once addiction starts, returning to âmoderationâ is usually a myth. Like diabetes, addiction requires lifestyle changesânot wishful thinking. Whether you're questioning your habits or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a must-listen.Learn to spot the warning signs of alcoholism or drug addiction, and discover if your alcohol consumption has become a problem. It's crucial to assess your substance abuse and begin the journey to recovery if needed.
Think Youâre Not Addicted? These 5 Warning Signs Might Say Otherwise.Is your relationship with alcohol or other substances as healthy as you think? In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories, Dr Richard dives deep into the often-overlooked space between casual use and full-blown addictionâwhat he calls "hazardous use." It's a grey zone that many people live in without realizing it, and Rich lays out the crucial signs that your substance use might be more dangerous than you assume.With current research showing that 21% of Australians fall into hazardous drinking habitsâand most donât even know itâthis episode is packed with relatable insights and practical tools to self-evaluate. Youâll learn five major red flags: from needing substances to socialize, to defensive reactions when confronted, to solo use, functional disruptions, and impacts on physical or mental health.Dr Richsrd shares a powerful truth: once addiction takes hold, returning to ânormal useâ isnât an option. He emphasises the importance of aiming for complete abstinence, not as a punishmentâbut as a path to real joy and fulfilment.This video is essential for anyone questioning their habits or supporting someone on the brink of addiction. Itâs raw, honest, and incredibly empowering.00:00 Understanding Your Relationship With Substances00:27 What Is Hazardous Use?00:54 Warning Sign #1: Needing It to Socialize01:23 Warning Sign #2: Defensiveness01:53 Warning Sign #3: Using Alone02:22 Warning Sign #4: Impact on Work, Study, or Relationships02:50 Warning Sign #5: Physical or Mental Health Effects03:20 If You Canât Stop, Thatâs Your Answer03:45 Can You Return to Normal Use After Addiction?04:14 Why Abstinence Is the Only Safe Option04:37 Addiction as a Chronic Illness05:06 Sobriety Isnât the GoalâJoy Is05:36 Try Abstinence and Ask for Help
The Hidden Dangers of GHB Explained SimplyDr Richard Bradlow dives deep into the sedative world of GHBâgamma hydroxybutyrateâa drug with a dark dual identity. Once used medically as an anesthetic, GHB has since carved a dangerous niche in party scenes, bodybuilding circles, and chemsex culture. But what makes GHB so alarmingly hazardous?Youâll discover how GHB, often mistaken for harmless due to its clear liquid form, acts powerfully on the brainâs GABA receptorsâthe same targets as alcohol and benzodiazepines. With a steep dose-response curve, even a slight miscalculation in dosage can quickly escalate from sedation to fatal overdose, especially when mixed with other depressants.This episode breaks down GHB's history, its current abuse in nightlife and sexual assault contexts, and why its withdrawal symptoms are among the deadliest in the worldâoften requiring ICU-level treatment. Listeners will learn critical harm reduction strategies, how to recognize overdose risks, and why this drug demands serious caution.Perfect for those curious about drug safety, harm reduction, or working in healthcare, this video offers real insights into the high-stakes dangers of GHB addiction. Share it, save it, and stay informed.
Why Does DBT Work When Other Therapies Fail?How DBT Helps When Traditional Therapies Donât WorkWhat makes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) so powerful â and why is it helping people succeed where other treatments fall short? In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the secrets behind DBT, a groundbreaking psychotherapy thatâs changing the game in addiction recovery, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and emotional control.Created by Marsha Linehan in the early â90s, DBT goes far beyond âjust learning skills.â How does it actually help people stay calm in the storm of overwhelming emotions? What is the mysterious âwise mindâ everyone talks about, and how can it transform your thinking? Youâll hear surprising metaphors and real-life stories that bring DBTâs core principles to life.But hereâs the catch â proper DBT requires more than one-on-one therapy. Why are group sessions and even real-time phone coaching so essential? And how does DBT mirror the crucial role of a sponsor in addiction recovery? Discover the hidden elements that make DBT so rare â yet incredibly effective.If youâre dealing with emotional chaos, addiction, or BPD â or if you simply want to understand why this therapy works when others donât â you donât want to miss this deep dive into DBTâs true power.
What Really Happens When You Use Inhalants?Inhalants Unpacked: Dangers, Effects & the Truth They Donât Tell You.What are inhalants, and why are they so dangerous? In this gripping episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow unpacks the full spectrumâfrom volatile solvents like paint, petrol, and fridge coolants, to inhaled anesthetics like ether, chloroform, and isoflurane, and the ever-popular nitrites known as poppers (like isobutyl nitrite and amyl nitrate).Discover how inhalants impact the GABA neurotransmitter, mimicking alcohol and triggering severe effectsâfrom organ damage to Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome.Learn the truth about drugs inhalants and why combining nitrites with ED meds can be fatal.Understand the health risks of hydrocarbon inhalants, including brain injury and asphyxiation.Dr. Bradlow breaks it down with expert clarity, offering real-life insights, harm reduction tips, and myth-busting facts about intervention, usage, and recovery. Whether youâre here to learn about inhalants, support someone whoâs struggling, or just want the science, this video has you covered.Learn about volatile Keywords explored: inhalants, nitrous oxide, volatile solvents, effects of inhalants, nitrite inhalants dangers, inhalants medheads, what are inhalantsâand more!This isnât just information. Itâs potentially life-saving knowledge. Watch now and shareâbecause the more we know, the safer we become.#Inhalants #Poppers #SubstanceStories #AddictionAwareness
When Fun Turns Fatal : Is Nitrous Oxide Really That Dangerous?Is laughing gas really just harmless fun? đ In this powerful episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow exposes the hidden risks of nitrous oxideâaka nangs, NOS, or whipped cream chargersâand the devastating consequences of chronic use.đ§ Discover how nitrous oxide affects the brain and nervous system𩺠Learn the signs of B12 deficiency, nerve injury, and neurological damage𧪠Why a standard test may miss the dangers: homocysteine testing explainedâ ď¸ Understand nitrous oxide symptoms, addiction risks, and mental health impactsđĄ Must-know harm minimisation and vitamin B12 replacement strategiesFrom dissociative effects to permanent trauma, Dr. Bradlow dives into the science of how nitrous oxide disrupts the myelin sheath, leading to severe and sometimes irreversible damage. Whether you're experimenting, concerned about a friend, or just want to know what do nangs do, this video delivers the factsâminus the stigma.â Harm reduction tipsâ Real patient storiesâ Medical insights that could save a lifeđ What are nangs? Why is overdosing on nangs so dangerous? How can harm be reduced?Get the answersâwatch now.đ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more drug education & safety content.#nitrousoxide #laughinggas #nangs #harmreduction #mentalhealth
How To Love Your Tech Without Stress!Can wearable tech boost your mental health or secretly add stress? In this Substance Stories episode, How To Love Your Tech Without Stress!, Dr. Richard Bradlow explores wearable devices in healthcare and its impact on digital health. From wearable tech examples like fitness trackers and smartwatches to wearable tech in sports and wearables for mental health, learn how devices shape your addiction recovery and daily lifeâwithout tipping into obsession.Dr. Bradlow dives into the hawthorne effect, a phenomenon from the hawthorne study showing how tracking health with mental health apps or sleep monitors alters behavior, sometimes sparking anxiety. Through relatable stories, he reveals how wearable tech like calorie counters or blood pressure monitors can worsen stress if misused, especially for those navigating mental health challenges. Are you over-relying on digital health tools?Fear notâthis episode offers a digital wellness roadmap! Dr. Bradlow shares the â70 Percent Ruleâ to find balance, using wearable tech examples for empowerment, not fixation. Learn to audit habits, set boundaries, and leverage wearables for mental health to enhance self-care and technology balance. Whether youâre a wearable tech in sports enthusiast or in addiction recovery, these tips ensure wearable technology in healthcare works for you.Subscribe for more mental health apps insights! Share your wearable tech story below! #WearableTech #WearablesForMentalHealth #DigitalHealth #TheHawthorneEffect
Is There a Pill for Alcohol Addiction? Breaking Down Medication Options:Join Dr. Richard Bradlow, renowned addiction specialist, as he explores the real-world effectiveness of medications for alcohol addiction. If you've ever wondered âis there a pill for alcohol addiction?â, this video breaks it all downâfocusing on what works, what doesnât, and the science behind it all.â In this video, youâll discover:How medications like naltrexone, acamprosate (Campral), disulfiram (Antabuse), topiramate, baclofen, and cutting-edge semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) help curb cravings and prevent relapseThe truth about common mythsâdoes naltrexone actually make you sick if you drink?Why a holistic approach (â10% from everywhereâ) is crucialâmeds alone arenât enoughHow lifestyle tools like therapy, 12âstep programs, exercise, and GLPâ1 receptor agonists tie into a complete recovery planđŻ Who this video is for:Anyone asking âwhat is alcohol addiction?â and seeking evidenceâbased treatment optionsViewers wanting to know âhow to overcome addiction of alcoholâ or âhow to beat food and alcohol addictionâPeople curious about âhow i overcame alcohol addictionâ through medication-assisted recoveryLoved ones looking for help on âhow to come out of alcohol addictionâđ Trending Topics Covered:Alcohol dependence treatmentAddiction recovery medicationNew treatments for alcoholismHow to stop drinking using medsđ Learn more and take action:This episode breaks down the benefits, drawbacks, and cravingâcrushing power of each treatment. Plus, discover why adding therapy, fitness, and support groups to your regimen leads to real results.If you're seeking hope, clarity, and science-backed strategies for alcohol recovery, hit play to unlock the latest on pills that actually make a difference.Chapters:00:00 Naltrexone Reduces Alcohol's Pleasurable Effects05:47 Disulfiram Ineffective; Semaglutide Promising06:20 Semaglutide's Impact on Eating and Drinking