Breaking Stigma: Compassionate Care in Addiction Medicine
Episode Overview
Use person-first language to reduce stigma in healthcare. Early-career professionals are ideal for learning compassionate care techniques. Respect over blame is crucial in treating substance use disorders. Understanding patients' unique challenges can improve outcomes. Personal stories highlight the urgent need for empathetic, evidence-based care.
"When people use alcohol, they borrow happiness from tomorrow for today."
In this engaging episode of Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery, Dr. Cara Poland, an addiction medicine physician and educator, joins host Geoff Kane and co-host Aaron Wessel to discuss the nuances of treating substance use disorders with respect and empathy. Dr. Poland emphasises the importance of using person-first language in healthcare to reduce stigma and promote better outcomes for patients.
She shares her experiences working with early-career professionals and how their lack of preconceived biases makes them ideal candidates for learning compassionate care techniques. Dr. Poland's approach is refreshingly candid, advocating for respect over blame. She shares anecdotes about her interactions with medical students and the transformative power of anti-stigma education. Her passion for this work is deeply personal, stemming from her own family's experience with addiction. Dr.
Poland recounts a poignant story about her late brother, whose struggle with alcohol use disorder ended tragically, underscoring the urgent need for compassionate and evidence-based care. The episode also touches on the broader societal issues that complicate recovery, such as institutional and societal blame, especially for pregnant individuals using substances. Dr. Poland offers practical advice on how healthcare providers can better support these patients by understanding their unique challenges and avoiding judgmental language.
You'll find this episode both heartwarming and educational, as it provides concrete steps for healthcare professionals to improve their practice and offers hope for those affected by substance use disorders. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights into creating a more compassionate healthcare environment.