Addiction Practice Pod

Managing benzodiazepines in primary care

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.

Connection and collaboration for substance use care

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.

Respectful engagement in substance use care

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.

Initiating and stabilizing clients on treatment for opioid use disorder

In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with Marjory Ditmars, a nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in low-barrier addiction care, and Dominik, who shares lived experience of initiating and stabilizing on opioid agonist treatment (OAT). The guests share insight into the clinical and relational work of initiating OAT, strategies for stabilization, barriers that patients face, and how trauma-informed, patient-centred approaches can support long-term engagement. The episode highlights real-world examples of OAT initiation, outreach, partnerships with other providers, and the importance of patience with care approaches.Access the show notes here.

Speaking to youth about cannabis use

In this episode, host David P. Ball speaks with guests Apollo Collin-Gray and Dr. Anees Bahji about how clinicians can engage youth in meaningful, non-judgmental conversations about cannabis in a post-legalization context. They explore why youth use cannabis, how stigma and barriers to health care shape youth choices, and what clinicians can do to create safer, more supportive environments to help youth achieve their health goals. Listeners will hear Apollo share personal experiences of navigating the health system and cannabis use as a young person, followed by Dr. Bahji offering clinical insight on how care providers can engage with young patients who use cannabis with curiosity and compassion. This episode highlights practical strategies for initiating conversations, discussing risks in age-appropriate and non-stigmatizing ways, and how to identify when additional services or treatment may be needed.Access the show notes here.