This episode of the podcast covers common presentations of life threatening substance-use emergencies and how to effectively manage them outside of hospital. I break down the common classes of drugs used recreationally, what signs/symptoms to watch for that may indicate a life threatening emergency, and how to effectively respond to save their life. I come at this topic from the perspective of what to do as the average person without training, as well as tips for first responders and healthcare professionals to enhance their patient care and prognosis.  I bring together my experience as a paramedic, harm reduction/overdose prevention worker,  Basic Life Support instructor, and expertise in substance-use disorders to help you enhance your confidence saving a life.  This will be one you won’t want to miss!

Follow Flight Of Thoughts!

Instagram

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

YouTube

@flightofthoughts

This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered mature or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  The statements and opinions shared on this podcast are not meant to replace advice from a qualified medical professional.

I come back with a new episode to discuss processing grief and empathic strain.  We start by exploring a cool new story in neuroscience where researchers recreated music generated from the brain activity of epilepsy patients.  This leads us into how our brains process perception and project our perceptions of reality onto the outside world.  Grief is highly complex and each of us have unique needs and ways of processing loss.  There is no "correct" way or timeline to heal from grief.  I then  introduce the concept of "empathic strain" that affects those in high-stress helping professions and how to manage it when it shows up in yourself.  Empathy is like a muscle that can be injured when overused or we do not create space to express or process difficult emotions.   I share tips on how to arm yourself to prepare for entering difficult situations to support others, as well as how to disarm and transition back into a calm restful state.  

I use the CHIME framework to expand on how we can take care of ourselves and recover from crisis or burnout.  Once our basic needs are met (physical, psychological, social safety) we can direct our attention to enhancing our sense of connectedness, hope/optimism, identity, meaning, and empowerment.  This allows us to build a strong sense of purpose and meaning in your work and challenges you face.  Using this framework for your own self care and building rituals to switch from your helper/healer role back into your personal life, without bringing the energy and trauma you experienced with you.  

Follow Flight Of Thoughts!

Instagram

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

YouTube

@flightofthoughts

This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered mature or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  The statements and opinions shared on this podcast are not meant to replace advice from a qualified medical professional.

The war on drugs has caused a toxic street supply and increased the harms on those who struggle.  Toronto Public Health provides free and anonymous drug testing services through The Works and other harm reduction organizations, which tracks what chemicals and adulterants are ending up in various black-market substances.  I discuss the pathophysiology and impacts on those using the substance that is being adulterated.  Drug dealers add these adulterants to save money and increase potency/addictiveness.  Providing regulated safe drug supply alternatives is the best way to overcome this and help individuals struggling to move towards recovery.

Exploring the neuroscience and anatomy behind substance-use disorders is a powerful way to understand why we use substances and what factors make us susceptible to addiction.  Substance-use or behavioural addictions require: a drug/behaviour that stimulates the Nucleus Accumbens and Ventral Tagmental Apparatus (motivation-incentive-reward circuits), an organism made susceptible by bio-psycho-social factors and adverse childhood experiences, and stress.  After reading the current literature and working clinically in this field it is easy to understand why substance-use disorders and addictive behaviours can be so difficult to overcome without effective supports.

I go over recent updates in cannabis research regarding lung health and evidence-based harm reduction tips to avoid negative consequences.  Legalization and regulation have reduced many of the perceived harms of cannabis, which has improved our ability to navigate safe/effective use. 

I wrap up by discussing how community crisis intervention teams deter the need for police/paramedics responding to mental health crisis calls.  This includes how we greatly need to increase funding of social services and community resources to increase public safety, decrease the number of individuals struggling with homelessness, and empower our communities to overcome mental health and addiction challenges.

Follow Flight of Thoughts!

Instagram

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

YouTube

@flightofthoughts

This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered mature or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  The statements and opinions shared on this podcast are not meant to replace advice from a qualified medical professional.