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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode, journalist David P. Ball and outreach primary care physician Dr. Terri Aldred discuss the importance of culturally safe and trauma informed substance use care for Indigenous communities. Dr. Aldred shares how her lived experience informs her medical practice, caring for Indigenous Peoples experiencing challenges rooted in colonialism, systemic racism, and health inequities. David and Dr. Aldred also speak with Angela Thomson, Indigenous Wellness Liaison at St. Paul’s Hospital. Angela highlights how Indigenous Wellness Liaisons strengthen communication and build trust between patients and clinicians, which can promote positive health care experiences. Finally, Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer for Indigenous Health, explores how Indigenous-specific racism is woven into our health care system and how cultural humility and accountability influence clinical practice. Dr. Behn Smith also discusses systemic barriers to care for Indigenous Peoples and the need for culturally grounded, decolonizing approaches to care.

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In this episode, journalist David P. Ball is joined by Dr. Marcus Greatheart, a family physician, registered social worker, and author. Together, they explore how clinicians can create safe and affirming spaces for trans and gender-diverse youth in substance use care by addressing systemic barriers, promoting trauma-informed approaches, and challenging fear-based narratives. They also speak with Toby and Alec, members of the Substance Use Beyond the Binary Youth Action Committee at the BC Centre on Substance Use. Drawing from their lived experiences with substance use and barriers to gender-affirming care, Toby and Alec offer valuable insights into navigating the healthcare system. Finally, David and Dr. Greatheart hear from family physician Dr. Andrea Moir, who shares lessons from her work providing gender-affirming care for young people. Dr. Moir discusses the impact of stigma, the importance of nonjudgmental approaches, and practical steps clinicians can take to foster more inclusive healthcare environments.

We extend a special thank you to Christian Barborini for their dedication in supporting engagement with the Substance Use Beyond the Binary Youth Action Committee at the BC Centre on Substance Use. Their work was instrumental in facilitating the participation of Alec and Toby in this episode.

Access the show notes here.