Rethinking Addiction with Prof. Dan Lubman

Join us as we unpack the world of addiction psychiatry, right from the role of an addiction psychiatrist to just how and why substance abuse has such a consequential impact on the lives of people in our community. We'll be exploring some tips and tricks on entering the psychiatry training program here in Australia and also addressing the stigma that continues to perpetuate. Substance abuse, misuse and addiction can have a profoundly damaging impact on individuals, families and communities. It is still to this day one of the most stigmatised health conditions in the world and largely misunderstood in our society. TW: We will be discussing issues relating to mental health and addiction which may be confronting or alarming. We really encourage you to please reach out for support if you feel you need it and to only listen in if you feel comfortable and able to do so (see timestamps for descriptions of specific sections!) We’re joined by Prof. Dan Lubman, a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist whose bio is too long for the episode description, but see here for just a few of his notable accomplishments :)) Professor of Addiction Studies and Services at Monash University Executive Clinical Director of Turning Point, Australia's leading national addiction treatment, research and education centre Inaugural Director of the Monash Addiction Research Centre Professor of Addiction Studies and Services at Monash University. Recently appointed Member of the Order of Australia for his ‘significant service in medical education, research, treatment and policy in the field of addiction’ So today, let's start the conversation, let's break down the misconceptions and let's learn more about addiction and psychiatry! Key time stamps below (as per question asked): 4:45 - Introduction and background from Prof. Dan Lubman providing an insight into his career path 9:10 - Stigma within addiction psychiatry and experiences 12:20 - How to get involved and contribute to campaigns to deal with the stigma associated with addiction psychiatry 16:00 - Role of an addiction psychiatrist and the mental health impacts of substance abuse 20:45 - Concept of agency and choice within addiction 25:58 - Misconceptions within addiction 29:00 - Working with patients and how to provide support 33:24 - Establishing rapport with patients, listening 38:10 - Substance abuse and addiction during COVID 41:15 - Tips and advice to enter the psychiatry training program here in Australia, reflections as a psychiatrist 45:28 - How to manage own mental health as a psychiatrist and maintain empathy 48:05 - What we can do to tackle stigma (actionable steps), humanising stories 52:47 - Words of advice, reflections on career and the power of listening Also attached are a few links regarding addiction and psychiatry so if you're interested please do check them out! Turning Point: https://www.turningpoint.org.au/ Rethink Addiction Campaign: https://www.rethinkaddiction.org.au/ Addicted Australia Documentary (SBS): https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/addicted-australia Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation (COPE): https://idpc.net/profile/cdpe