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.

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In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, journalist David Ball and addiction medicine physician, Dr. Nitasha Puri, discuss the importance of culturally tailored care, drawing on Dr. Puri’s research and experiences from working at Roshni Clinic, which provides care for South Asian adults in Surrey, BC. David and Dr. Puri also speak with Anmol Swaich, a researcher and community organizer with the Surrey Union of Drug Users about the historical context of drug policy and drug criminalization in BC, and its impacts on South Asian communities. Additionally, they talk with Robin, a member of the South Asian Committee with the Surrey Union of Drug Users, about her experiences accessing substance use care as a South Asian woman and what care providers can learn from her journey.

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In this episode, journalist David P. Ball and rural generalist physician and current addiction medicine fellow, Dr. Alison Hamilton, discuss the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working in rural and remote communities. They also speak with Charlene Burmeister, former guest from Season 1, about how the Coalition for Substance Users in the North (CSUN) and other peer-led organizations are meeting the needs of drug users without stigma or judgement. Next, they speak with Juls Budau, former overdose prevention site (OPS) manager in Prince George, about an innovative approach to harm reduction. She also shares her story of opioid use and treatment. Finally, we hear from Jadyn Koldweihe, nursing practice consultant working with rural and remote First Nations communities in BC. Jadyn speaks to infrastructure and geographic barriers to effective substance use care, noting the importance of supports like Traditional Healers and Knowledge Keepers, outreach workers, and community champions. And she models person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally tailored harm reduction and care.

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In this episode of the Addiction Practice Pod, journalist David P. Ball and perinatal addiction medicine specialist Dr. Eric Cattoni discuss the unique challenges facing people who are pregnant and use substances and the importance of building therapeutic rapport and trust. David and Dr. Cattoni then speak with three experts from the Families in Recovery program at BC Women’s Hospital. They provide care for pregnant individuals who use substances and their newborns in a single unit. We’ll hear from health care administrator Darci Skiber, social worker Meenakshi Mannoe, and peer engagement lead Melissa Dreyer.

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