In this episode, award-winning addiction scientist Dr. Suzette Glasner shares her expert opinion and commentary on Shaquille O’Neal’s candid reflections on opioid use, tolerance, and performance pressure. She explains subtle signs of addiction that are often missed—even by high performers—and why early recognition matters.

About Dr. Glasner: Dr. Suzette Glasner is an award-winning addiction scientist and clinical researcher, author, and educator focused on evidence-based approaches to substance use and recovery.

Contact the show: askdrglasner@gmail.com

Early access: Substack subscribers receive audio on Tuesdays.

Premiere: New episodes publish on YouTube every Thursday at 8:00 AM PT: https://youtu.be/PTIfi8sztAI

Thank you to Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard for fostering open, thoughtful conversations that help dismantle addiction stigma.

Disclaimer: This episode reflects Dr. Glasner’s professional opinion and commentary based on publicly available interviews. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.

Episode 25 | Sober October Tips: 3 Thoughts Holding You Back (and How to Move Forward)

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner explains how to overcome three common mental barriers that can keep you from reducing or quitting alcohol and other substances this month. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she guides listeners through simple, research-backed ways to rethink habits and gain momentum—even if you start late in the month.

🧠 Topics Include:

• Reframing “I can’t do this” thinking

• Experimenting with new ways to relax without substances

• Assessing your own motivation and progress

• When to seek professional help for dependence

📈 Key Takeaway: Even small reductions can improve mood, sleep, concentration, and liver function within 30 days.

⏱ Length: ~25 minutes

📅 Release: October 2025

The Addiction Recovery Skills Workbook https://amzn.to/3J1FTkA

Addiction: What Everyone Needs to Know https://amzn.to/4nIvWI1

📩 askdrglasner@gmail.com | drsuzetteglasner.com

Women are drinking more than ever — yet they remain far less likely than men to seek help, often waiting up to 10 years to get treatment. In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner explores why: from shame, stigma, and caregiving fears to cost concerns and workplace pressures. Learn how alcohol harms women faster, why health risks are rising, and what steps can help close the gap — whether you’re seeking support yourself or trying to help someone you love.

📊 Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome & why this topic matters

01:20 – The narrowing gender gap and rising drinking trends

03:05 – Shame, stigma, and caregiving fears: the top barriers women face

06:45 – The telescoping effect: why alcohol harms women faster

09:20 – Cancer, cardiovascular risk, and other health impacts

12:10 – Workplace stress, wine culture, and binge drinking trends

15:35 – Why women wait 10 years to seek treatment

18:10 – How support, sober-curious strategies, and digital care make a difference

22:00 – How to approach a loved one about alcohol use — without shame

💡 Key takeaway: Women face unique social, cultural, and biological barriers to getting help for alcohol use — but with better information, compassionate support, and accessible treatment options, we can close the gap and save lives.

📩 Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Dr. Glasner at askdrglasner@gmail.com.

⭐️ Your review saves lives. Follow, rate, and review the podcast — it helps us reach more people with evidence-based insights about addiction science and public health.

A powerful new opioid threat is emerging — and it’s being sold where you’d least expect it: on gas station and convenience store shelves. In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner exposes 7-OH (7-Hydroxymitragynine) — a highly addictive, kratom-derived compound that’s up to 13 times stronger than morphine and is being disguised as candy, gummies, and even ice cream cones that appeal to teens, shift workers, and unsuspecting adults.

⭐️ Help us reach more people.

Follow, rate, and review the podcast — your feedback expands our reach and helps us share life-saving information about addiction science and public health.

📩 Have a question or topic suggestion?

Email Dr. Glasner at askdrglasner@gmail.com

🔔 And don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome & how to stay informed

00:35 – What kratom is and how it’s traditionally used

03:24 – What 7-OH is and why it’s far more dangerous

06:45 – “Gas station opioids”: what parents and shift workers must know

10:12 – The real risks: overdose, withdrawal, respiratory depression

14:30 – FDA & DEA investigations: where regulation stands

17:15 – How to protect teens, adults, and yourself

👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Suzette Glasner

Dr. Suzette Glasner is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction scientist, and award-winning author. She is a faculty member at UCLA, nationally recognized for her pioneering work in evidence-based addiction treatment and behavioral science. She hosts The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast every Thursday and publishes her “One Fact, One Act” newsletter every Tuesday, bringing science-based insights on addiction, recovery, and mental health to the public.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains direct discussions of suicide and mental health crises. If you’re in danger or need support, dial or text 988.

What do you do when someone you love seems off—and you’re scared to ask what’s really going on?

In this Suicide Prevention Month episode of The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast, I share practical tools to help friends, family, and communities spot the signs, ask the right questions, and take action. You don’t need a clinical degree to be someone’s bridge to safety.

📨 Questions or guest ideas? Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com

🔑 Key Insights

* 70% of suicide survivors said they made the decision within an hour.

* Alcohol increases suicide risk by 94%

* Bipolar disorder has the highest suicide risk of any mood disorder

* Simply asking, “Are you thinking about suicide?” can save a life

💡 What You Can Do

* Be direct. Ask the question.

* Listen without judgment.

* Help limit access to lethal means.

* Call in the professionals—don’t go it alone.

* Follow up with consistent care and presence.

🧷 Share This If…

* You’ve ever worried about someone and didn’t know what to say

* You’ve seen mood swings or withdrawal and wondered if it was serious

* You want to be part of a braver, more informed mental health conversation

📣 Tell a Friend

Tag me if you’re posting on social: @drglasner

🧠 Remember: Connection is protection. And you’re not alone.

Bev Aikins tells her truth on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast: addiction, forgiveness & resilience beyond Hillbilly Elegy.

According to a recent study, the use of nicotine pouches among high schoolers has doubled in just one year. In today's episode, I discuss the reasons why this trend is concerning, what nicotine pouches are, and how to talk to your young person about them.

Have you ever wanted to express concern about your loved one's drinking or other substance use but were afraid of upsetting them or stirring up conflict? If so you're not alone - most people avoid these types of conversations for those very reasons. In this episode, I introduce 3 scientifically based tips to help you talk with your loved one in ways that position you as an ally with your loved ones and helps them open up to you. These tips are based on effective therapy techniques, but you don't need to be a therapist to use them