A few months back we went through Matthew Perry autobiography. https://youtu.be/xBFxfMvihLY?si=qwaDkhgwvQTyv5PX It was quite a shock to hear he had passed away. In this episode, we discuss the nuances around addiction, medical treatment and the self-medication. We begin by examining the public perception of sobriety, using Matthew Perry's tragic story to illustrate the struggles of addiction under the public eye and the pressure accompanying it. The conversation then shifts to ketamine, a drug gaining attention for its potential in treating depression, while also posing risks for misuse and abuse. Table of Contents 00:00:00 - 4 clips from episode 00:00:50 - Start - Why are we taking about ketamine? 00:01:25 - Pro/cons ketamine as medicine 00:06:32 - Celebrities and addiction 00:08:26 - JP personal experience with ketamine - tolerance, heightened enjoyment 00:13:37 - Why do some people use ketamine? 00:16:41 - Can we self medicate//shame and recovery 00:22:35 - Can celebrities get good medical care? 00:25:21 - Unscheduled pause (1 of 6) - due to Premiere Pro upgrade 00:26:07 - What to do in a world with unlimited access to drugs of abuse. 00:28:10 - Public health inverted U curve on prohibition vs government regulation of drugs. A historical perspective on the use and abuse of various substances in medicine sets the context for current addiction treatment challenges. The experts caution against overlooking ketamine's abuse potential, emphasizing careful consideration in its therapeutic use. They also discuss the burgeoning interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment, stressing the need for caution and awareness. A significant part of the discussion centers on the dangers of self-titration and microdosing, especially with drugs like ketamine. Personal experiences are shared, providing insights into the use of various substances and their impact. The unpredictability of drug-induced thought patterns and the ethical dilemmas in using drugs for depression treatment are explored. Socioeconomic factors in drug accessibility and effects, along with celebrity cases like Michael Jackson and Matthew Perry, are analyzed to understand addiction treatment complexities in different social contexts. The emotional challenges of relapse, stigma, and the importance of supportive recovery environments are discussed. The podcast also delves into tolerance development in drug use, particularly with ketamine, and the cultural and recreational aspects of its use. The complex relationship between drugs and emotions is highlighted, underscoring the importance of considering these effects in treatment. This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of addiction treatment, the balance between medication and self-medication, and the ethical considerations in mental health treatment with substances like ketamine. It's a deep dive into the delicate intricacies of addiction and recovery. Featuring addiction psychiatrist Dr. Wiplove (Wip) Lamba, addictions case manager and former addict Jean-Paul (JP) Michael, along with their guests discuss all things related to substance use, addiction, addiction medicine, psychotherapy, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Wip and JP share their motivation, curiosity, and passion for their craft. JP works on a daily basis in a renown inner city hospital in Canada's largest city. This work is separate from Wiplove’s clinical and academic work.