Geoff Kane

Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery

Geoff Kane, MD, MPH

  • Episode 5: Treating Addiction with Compassion Always — and Medication Sometimes

Episode 5: Treating Addiction with Compassion Always — and Medication Sometimes

Wednesday 21st February 2024

Dr. Talia Singer-Clark discusses treating addiction with compassion and medication, offering practical advice and hope for recovery.
Explicit
40 minutes
Compassionate
Informative
Supportive
Inspiring
Non-judgmental

About this podcast

Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery
Author:
Geoff Kane
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Recovery Reimagined
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Episodes:
18 (View all)
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Compassionate Care in Addiction Treatment: Insights from Dr. Talia Singer-Clark

Episode Overview

  • Combining medication with practical support can enhance recovery.
  • Addressing social barriers is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Non-judgmental care helps patients open up and engage in their recovery.
  • Medications like methadone and Suboxone play a key role but come with challenges.
  • Compassionate, patient-centred approaches lead to better outcomes.
When people hear that you're willing to have those conversations with them, they open up a lot more.
In this episode of 'Beyond the Two Pillars of Recovery', Dr. Talia Singer-Clark, a dedicated physician at Boston Medical Center and Behavioral Health Network, shares her compassionate approach to treating severe substance use disorders. Dr. Singer-Clark, who has a rich background in human biology and addiction medicine, emphasises the importance of understanding the individual's entire life context when treating addiction.
She and host Geoff Kane dive into the challenges and rewards of her work, shedding light on the necessity of combining medication with empathy and practical support. Dr. Singer-Clark highlights how crucial it is to look beyond medication alone. She explains that often, the barriers to recovery are not just medical but also social and logistical. For example, patients may struggle due to lack of transportation or childcare, which can hinder their ability to attend treatment sessions.
By addressing these underlying issues, Dr. Singer-Clark believes that a more holistic and effective path to recovery can be forged. The episode also explores the use of medications like methadone and Suboxone in treating opioid addiction. Dr. Singer-Clark clarifies the role of these medications in stabilising patients and preventing overdoses, while also acknowledging the challenges they present, especially with substances like fentanyl complicating treatment protocols. Listeners will find Dr.
Singer-Clark's approach both inspiring and practical, as she advocates for a non-judgmental and patient-centred method of care. Her stories about patients opening up once they feel respected and understood are particularly moving. The episode underscores the significance of compassion in addiction treatment and the positive impact it can have on patients' lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted nature of addiction recovery. Dr.
Singer-Clark's insights offer hope and practical advice for those struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is. Tune in to hear how combining medication with genuine care can lead to transformative results.