Are You Really Winning at Sports Betting?Most gamblers think they’re in control. But here’s the truth—99% lose money over time. In our latest Substance Stories episode, we dive into the hard-hitting realities of sports gambling in Australia and around the world.From the psychology of competition and ego to the predatory tactics of betting companies, we uncover why so many fall into the trap—and how you can break free.Whether you gamble for fun, think you’ve “cracked the system,” or know someone caught in the cycle—this is a MUST-WATCH. 💥🧠 Insightful, raw, and eye-opening.🔗 Watch now and join the conversation.

From Party Person to Purpose: Reclaiming Your Identity in Sobriety.

What if your recovery journey started not with willpower—but with identity?In this deeply insightful episode of Substance Stories, hosts Dr Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka dive into the transformative power of identity in addiction recovery.

From Kierkegaard to coffee, they explore how our self-concept—fluid, multifaceted, and socially shaped—can either hold us back or propel us forward in healing.

Whether it's tying self-worth to substance-fueled confidence, or reclaiming strength through statements like "I don't drink," identity is at the heart of sustainable sobriety.

They unpack powerful concepts like learned helplessness vs. mastery, and why building self-efficacy (even through something as simple as running or studying stats) can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe we're capable of.

The discussion also challenges cultural norms around drinking and masculinity, showing how redefining what it means to be confident, successful, or “fun” is crucial in recovery.

Perfect for those in recovery, clinicians, or anyone fascinated by psychology, this episode is a must-listen. It doesn’t just tell you to change—it shows you how.

Whether you’re new to recovery or supporting someone who is, this conversation will make you rethink what identity truly means—and why owning yours could be the ultimate act of healing.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: Why Identity Matters in Recovery

00:34 - What is Identity? A Philosophical and Practical Look

02:30 - Identity as a Jigsaw: The Puzzle of the Self

04:30 - When Substances Become Part of Who You Are

06:30 - Youth, Substances, and Idolized Selves

08:00 - Alcohol, Coffee, and Everyday Identity Attachments

10:00 - Non-Drinking and Masculine Norms

12:00 - Internalizing Failure vs. Building Self-Efficacy

15:00 - Mastery: The Key to Identity Growth

18:00 - Claiming Identity to Support Behavior Change

20:00 - Making Sobriety Part of Your Identity

22:00 - Owning Recovery as Confidence, Not Weakness

What are novel psychoactive agents, and why are they sparking alarm across public health circles?

In this episode of Substance Stories, we dive deep into the murky, rapidly evolving world of synthetic drugs — also known as novel psychoactive substances (NPS).

You’ve probably seen them: “spice,” “bath salts,” “incense” — legal-sounding products with terrifying consequences.

Marketed in convenience stores and tobacconists, these substances are not just risky — they’re often completely untested and wildly potent.

From synthetic cannabinoids that hijack your brain’s receptors to cathinone-based stimulants that mimic cocaine or meth, NPS are the result of a dangerous legal loophole: tweak a molecule slightly, and suddenly it’s legal — for now.

But the consequences can include psychosis, extreme addiction, and long-term health damage.

This episode explores how prohibitionist drug policies are backfiring, unintentionally driving users toward more harmful, unpredictable substances.

Learn why experts believe NPS represent one of the biggest failures of modern drug policy — and why education, regulation, and harm reduction are urgently needed.

If you care about public health, drug policy reform, or just want to understand the real risks behind these so-called “legal highs,” this is the video you need to watch.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Novel Psychoactive Agents

00:12 – What Are Novel Psychoactive Substances?

00:24 – Real-World Examples: Spice and Bath Salts

00:43 – Legal Loopholes and Synthetic Drug Creation

01:01 – Why These Drugs Are So Dangerous

01:15 – Synthetic Cannabis and Psychosis Risks

01:36 – Bath Salts: Synthetic Cathinones Explained

02:00 – The Challenge of Regulating New Substances02:18 – Mainstream Examples: Methadone and TCB

02:30 – Rapid Emergence of Novel Benzodiazepines

02:40 – The Broken System Behind Synthetic Drug Use

03:14 – A Case for Legalising Safer, Known Substances

03:26 – Misconceptions About “Legal” Drugs

03:45 – Final Warning and Closing Thoughts

The Surprising Truth About Negative Reinforcement!

Why do we really use substances—and what does it say about our mental health?

This eye-opening episode of Substance Stories with Dr Richard Bradlow takes a deep dive into the hidden psychological force known as negative reinforcement. Often mistaken for punishment, negative reinforcement is when we use a behavior (like substance use) to avoid discomfort or emotional pain.

That post-work drink? It might not be as harmless as it seems.Dr Richard Bradlow explains a powerful distinction between using to feel good and using to not feel bad, this episode explores the slippery slope many fall into—especially when coping with stress, sadness, or racing thoughts.

With relatable examples, like the habit of “drowning your sorrows” after a bad day, the speaker makes it clear: these moments are when we're most vulnerable to unhealthy patterns.

Gain valuable insight into addiction psychology, the importance of recognising emotional states, and the urgent need for healthier coping mechanisms—like movement, connection, and emotional acceptance.

A brilliant analogy likens emotional tolerance to yoga: uncomfortable at first, but with practice, we get stronger.

Whether you're concerned about your own habits or just curious about why we do what we do, this episode is packed with mental health wisdom, addiction awareness, and personal growth tools.

It’s a must-watch for anyone navigating the pressures of daily life.

Are Prescription Drugs Really Safe?Are you unknowingly addicted to your prescription medication?

In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow exposes the hidden dangers of prescription drug dependence and how it can quietly take control of your life.

From painkillers, sleep aids, ADHD medication, and anti-anxiety pills to everyday stimulants like coffee, discover how these substances can hijack your brain’s dopamine system and create dependency without you even realizing it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:The warning signs of prescription drug addiction

Why prescribed by a doctor not always safeHow to separate medication facts from myths

The truth about over-the-counter drugs and their risks

Practical tips for making informed, safe health choices

Whether you’re curious about the side effects of prescription medication, worried about addiction in disguise, or simply want to use your meds responsibly, this video gives you the science-based answers you need.

Watch now to protect your health and learn the real facts about prescription drugs, medication safety, and hidden addictions.

#PrescriptionDrugs #AddictionAwareness #SubstanceStories #MedicationSafety

Ever wondered if your weekend drinks or occasional substance use are harmless—or hiding something deeper? In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories, the host breaks down the murky territory between casual use and full-blown addiction, a space known as hazardous use. With a focus on alcohol but applicable to all substances, this episode explores the red flags that signal your relationship with substances may not be as healthy as you think.You’ll learn the five key signs of an unhealthy substance relationship—from needing it to socialise, to using alone, getting defensive when questioned, noticing work and health consequences, and the ultimate test: can you stop if you want to? This isn't about shame—it's about clarity and empowerment.The episode digs into the hard truth that once addiction starts, returning to “moderation” is usually a myth. Like diabetes, addiction requires lifestyle changes—not wishful thinking. Whether you're questioning your habits or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a must-listen.Learn to spot the warning signs of alcoholism or drug addiction, and discover if your alcohol consumption has become a problem. It's crucial to assess your substance abuse and begin the journey to recovery if needed.

Think You’re Not Addicted? These 5 Warning Signs Might Say Otherwise.

Is your relationship with alcohol or other substances as healthy as you think? In this eye-opening episode of Substance Stories,

Dr Richard dives deep into the often-overlooked space between casual use and full-blown addiction—what he calls "hazardous use." It's a grey zone that many people live in without realizing it, and Rich lays out the crucial signs that your substance use might be more dangerous than you assume.

With current research showing that 21% of Australians fall into hazardous drinking habits—and most don’t even know it—this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical tools to self-evaluate.

You’ll learn five major red flags: from needing substances to socialize, to defensive reactions when confronted, to solo use, functional disruptions, and impacts on physical or mental health.

Dr Richsrd shares a powerful truth: once addiction takes hold, returning to “normal use” isn’t an option. He emphasises the importance of aiming for complete abstinence, not as a punishment—but as a path to real joy and fulfilment.

This video is essential for anyone questioning their habits or supporting someone on the brink of addiction. It’s raw, honest, and incredibly empowering.

00:00 Understanding Your Relationship With Substances

00:27 What Is Hazardous Use?

00:54 Warning Sign #1: Needing It to Socialize

01:23 Warning Sign #2: Defensiveness01:53 Warning Sign #3: Using Alone

02:22 Warning Sign #4: Impact on Work, Study, or Relationships

02:50 Warning Sign #5: Physical or Mental Health Effects

03:20 If You Can’t Stop, That’s Your Answer

03:45 Can You Return to Normal Use After Addiction?

04:14 Why Abstinence Is the Only Safe Option

04:37 Addiction as a Chronic Illness

05:06 Sobriety Isn’t the Goal—Joy Is

05:36 Try Abstinence and Ask for Help

The Hidden Dangers of GHB Explained Simply

Dr Richard Bradlow dives deep into the sedative world of GHB—gamma hydroxybutyrate—a drug with a dark dual identity.

Once used medically as an anesthetic, GHB has since carved a dangerous niche in party scenes, bodybuilding circles, and chemsex culture.

But what makes GHB so alarmingly hazardous?You’ll discover how GHB, often mistaken for harmless due to its clear liquid form, acts powerfully on the brain’s GABA receptors—the same targets as alcohol and benzodiazepines.

With a steep dose-response curve, even a slight miscalculation in dosage can quickly escalate from sedation to fatal overdose, especially when mixed with other depressants.

This episode breaks down GHB's history, its current abuse in nightlife and sexual assault contexts, and why its withdrawal symptoms are among the deadliest in the world—often requiring ICU-level treatment.

Listeners will learn critical harm reduction strategies, how to recognize overdose risks, and why this drug demands serious caution.

Perfect for those curious about drug safety, harm reduction, or working in healthcare, this video offers real insights into the high-stakes dangers of GHB addiction.

Share it, save it, and stay informed.

Why Does DBT Work When Other Therapies Fail?

How DBT Helps When Traditional Therapies Don’t Work

What makes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) so powerful — and why is it helping people succeed where other treatments fall short? In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the secrets behind DBT, a groundbreaking psychotherapy that’s changing the game in addiction recovery, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and emotional control.

Created by Marsha Linehan in the early ’90s, DBT goes far beyond “just learning skills.”

How does it actually help people stay calm in the storm of overwhelming emotions? What is the mysterious “wise mind” everyone talks about, and how can it transform your thinking?

You’ll hear surprising metaphors and real-life stories that bring DBT’s core principles to life.But here’s the catch — proper DBT requires more than one-on-one therapy. Why are group sessions and even real-time phone coaching so essential? And how does DBT mirror the crucial role of a sponsor in addiction recovery?

Discover the hidden elements that make DBT so rare — yet incredibly effective.If you’re dealing with emotional chaos, addiction, or BPD — or if you simply want to understand why this therapy works when others don’t — you don’t want to miss this deep dive into DBT’s true power.

What Really Happens When You Use Inhalants?Inhalants Unpacked:

Dangers, Effects & the Truth They Don’t Tell You.What are inhalants, and why are they so dangerous?

In this gripping episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow unpacks the full spectrum—from volatile solvents like paint, petrol, and fridge coolants, to inhaled anesthetics like ether, chloroform, and isoflurane, and the ever-popular nitrites known as poppers (like isobutyl nitrite and amyl nitrate).

Discover how inhalants impact the GABA neurotransmitter, mimicking alcohol and triggering severe effects—from organ damage to Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome.

Learn the truth about drugs inhalants and why combining nitrites with ED meds can be fatal.

Understand the health risks of hydrocarbon inhalants, including brain injury and asphyxiation.

Dr. Bradlow breaks it down with expert clarity, offering real-life insights, harm reduction tips, and myth-busting facts about intervention, usage, and recovery.

Whether you’re here to learn about inhalants, support someone who’s struggling, or just want the science, this video has you covered.Learn about volatile

Keywords explored: inhalants, nitrous oxide, volatile solvents, effects of inhalants, nitrite inhalants dangers, inhalants medheads, what are inhalants—and more!

This isn’t just information. It’s potentially life-saving knowledge. Watch now and share—because the more we know, the safer we become

.#Inhalants #Poppers #SubstanceStories #AddictionAwareness

When Fun Turns Fatal :

Is Nitrous Oxide Really That Dangerous?Is laughing gas really just harmless fun? 🎈

In this powerful episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow exposes the hidden risks of nitrous oxide—aka nangs, NOS, or whipped cream chargers—and the devastating consequences of chronic use.

🧠 Discover how nitrous oxide affects the brain and nervous system

🩺 Learn the signs of B12 deficiency, nerve injury, and neurological damage

🧪 Why a standard test may miss the dangers: homocysteine testing explained

⚠️ Understand nitrous oxide symptoms, addiction risks, and mental health impacts

💡 Must-know harm minimisation and vitamin B12 replacement strategiesFrom dissociative effects to permanent trauma,

Dr. Bradlow dives into the science of how nitrous oxide disrupts the myelin sheath, leading to severe and sometimes irreversible damage.

Whether you're experimenting, concerned about a friend, or just want to know what do nangs do, this video delivers the facts—minus the stigma

.✅ Harm reduction tips

✅ Real patient stories

✅ Medical insights that could save a life

📌 What are nangs? Why is overdosing on nangs so dangerous? How can harm be reduced?Get the answers—watch now.

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more drug education & safety content.#nitrousoxide #laughinggas #nangs #harmreduction #mentalhealth

How To Love Your Tech Without Stress!Can wearable tech boost your mental health or secretly add stress? In this Substance Stories episode, How To Love Your Tech Without Stress!, Dr. Richard Bradlow explores wearable devices in healthcare and its impact on digital health. From wearable tech examples like fitness trackers and smartwatches to wearable tech in sports and wearables for mental health, learn how devices shape your addiction recovery and daily life—without tipping into obsession.Dr. Bradlow dives into the hawthorne effect, a phenomenon from the hawthorne study showing how tracking health with mental health apps or sleep monitors alters behavior, sometimes sparking anxiety. Through relatable stories, he reveals how wearable tech like calorie counters or blood pressure monitors can worsen stress if misused, especially for those navigating mental health challenges. Are you over-relying on digital health tools?Fear not—this episode offers a digital wellness roadmap! Dr. Bradlow shares the “70 Percent Rule” to find balance, using wearable tech examples for empowerment, not fixation. Learn to audit habits, set boundaries, and leverage wearables for mental health to enhance self-care and technology balance. Whether you’re a wearable tech in sports enthusiast or in addiction recovery, these tips ensure wearable technology in healthcare works for you.Subscribe for more mental health apps insights! Share your wearable tech story below! #WearableTech #WearablesForMentalHealth #DigitalHealth #TheHawthorneEffect

Is There a Pill for Alcohol Addiction? Breaking Down Medication Options:

Join Dr. Richard Bradlow, renowned addiction specialist, as he explores the real-world effectiveness of medications for alcohol addiction.

If you've ever wondered “is there a pill for alcohol addiction?”, this video breaks it all down—focusing on what works, what doesn’t, and the science behind it all.

✅ In this video, you’ll discover:How medications like naltrexone, acamprosate (Campral), disulfiram (Antabuse), topiramate, baclofen, and cutting-edge semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) help curb cravings and prevent relapse

The truth about common myths—does naltrexone actually make you sick if you drink?

Why a holistic approach (“10% from everywhere”) is crucial—meds alone aren’t enough

How lifestyle tools like therapy, 12‑step programs, exercise, and GLP‑1 receptor agonists tie into a complete recovery plan

🎯 Who this video is for:

Anyone asking “what is alcohol addiction?” and seeking evidence‑based treatment options

Viewers wanting to know “how to overcome addiction of alcohol” or “how to beat food and alcohol addiction”

People curious about “how i overcame alcohol addiction” through medication-assisted recovery

Loved ones looking for help on “how to come out of alcohol addiction”

📌 Trending Topics Covered:Alcohol dependence treatment

Addiction recovery medicationNew treatments for alcoholismHow to stop drinking using meds

🔗 Learn more and take action:

This episode breaks down the benefits, drawbacks, and craving‑crushing power of each treatment.

Plus, discover why adding therapy, fitness, and support groups to your regimen leads to real results.

If you're seeking hope, clarity, and science-backed strategies for alcohol recovery, hit play to unlock the latest on pills that actually make a difference.

Chapters:

00:00 Naltrexone Reduces Alcohol's Pleasurable Effects

05:47 Disulfiram Ineffective; Semaglutide Promising

06:20 Semaglutide's Impact on Eating and Drinking

Why did prohibition flop? In Substance Stories:

Drug Wars and Double Standards, Dr. Richard Bradlow delivers a crash course prohibition to unravel why prohibition failed.

This prohibition oversimplified dive into the prohibition era exposes the history of prohibition—from why was prohibition started to the rise and fall of prohibition.

Perfect for fans of drunk history, this episode challenges myths about national prohibition and its global impact.Dr. Bradlow reveals how prohibition explained connects to today’s drug wars, tracing prohibition era roots from the Treaty of Versailles to Nixon’s policies.

Why are alcohol and caffeine legal, but other drugs banned? Oversimplified prohibition shows how politics, economics, and treaties shaped prohibition laws, driving black markets and gang power while harming communities—a public health crisis still felt in 2025.

Australia’s alcohol regulation offers lessons for drug policy reform.This history of prohibition isn’t just history—it’s a call to rethink drug legalisation and harm reduction.

Dr. Bradlow’s prohibition explained analysis, backed by real-world data, highlights why why prohibition failed fuels dangerous markets.

He examines the history of prohibition economics and questions the reasons certain controlled substances remain illegal,

Share your thoughts on why prohibition failed below!

#Prohibition #WhyProhibitionFailed #HistoryOfProhibition #DrugPolicyReform

Ready to discover how your values influence your personal life?

In this transformative Substance Stories episode, Finding Your Compass:

The Power of Values in Recovery, Dr. Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka reveal how personal values as your compass in life can revolutionise addiction recovery. Dive into the personal values meaning and learn how your personal core values fuel motivation, purpose, and lasting change.

Dr. Bradlow and Nathan share practical personal life values exercises to identify personal life values and harness personal core values and willpower for a fulfilling life. Feeling disconnected in addiction recovery?

Discover why personal core values to mega charge your life can shift you from “not using” to thriving. They explore do personal values change and how personal values evolve to guide mental health and sobriety.

Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), learn to avoid “dead man goals” and embrace personal values for meaningful action.This episode offers hands-on coping strategies, like a personal life values exercise, to rebuild purpose and direction.

Whether you’re navigating substance abuse recovery, seeking mental health support, or aiming to live intentionally, personal values as your compass in life provide clarity.

Packed with insights on personal core values, ACT therapy, and building meaningful relationships, this video is your blueprint for personal growth.

Subscribe for more addiction recovery tips!

Share your your personal core values story below!

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Values and Recovery

00:00:59 Values as a Compass: Metaphor and Meaning

00:02:11 Disconnection from Values During Addiction

00:03:53 Realigning Values in Recovery and the "Dry Drunk" Phenomenon

00:04:26 Moving Toward Positive Goals—No "Dead Man Goals"

00:05:12 Defining Personal Values and Bradlow’s Recipe for Recovery

00:06:32 Discussion: Health vs. Exercise as a Core Value

00:07:25 The Importance of Relationships, Learning, and Honesty

00:08:43 How to Discover Your Own Values

00:09:55 Exercises for Identifying and Connecting to Core Values

00:12:56 The "Head Hits the Pillow" Test for Values

00:13:35 Striving for Values Without Perfection

00:14:57 From Values to Goals to Daily Tasks

00:16:12 Using Values to Drive Recovery Actions

00:16:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#PersonalValues #YourPersonalCoreValues #PersonalLifeValuesExercise #AddictionRecovery

What is the most addictive drug in the world? In this eye-opening Substance Stories episode,

Dr. Richard Bradlow, an expert in addiction treatment, tackles what is the most addictive drug and flips the script on drug addiction myths.

Forget claims about the most addictive drug or most addictive drug schedule 1—this video debunks decades-old misconceptions about addictive drugs like heroin, nicotine, or alcohol, revealing the truth behind substance abuse.

Dr. Bradlow challenges the idea of a world’s most addictive drug, showing that addictive substances don’t hook everyone. Eye-opening stats reveal only 30% of IV heroin users or cigarette smokers develop drug addiction, and most users avoid dependency.

Addictive drugs aren’t just about chemical hooks—substance abuse stems from a complex web of psychological pain, trauma, loneliness, and societal context. Learn why most addictive substances like heroin cross the blood-brain barrier faster than morphine, why smoking outpaces injecting, and how gender influences drug addiction speed.

This episode dives into the worlds most addictive drug debate, unpacking addiction treatment through cutting-edge psychology.

Dr. Bradlow explores why people use addictive substances—from seeking relief to battling sobriety’s challenges—and offers hope for recovery.

Whether you’re curious about the most addictive drug or seeking addiction treatment insights, this video reframes substance abuse as more than a drug’s power.

Subscribe for more drug addiction insights!

Share your thoughts on most addictive substances below!

Schema Therapy 101: Practical Tools for Emotional Healing and Recovery.

Feeling trapped by life traps schema therapy or struggling with addiction? Substance Stories brings you Schema Therapy 101: Practical Tools for Emotional Healing and Recovery! Dr. Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka unpack schema therapy, a game-changer for mental health and addiction and schemas.

Wondering why you repeat unhealthy patterns? Maladaptive schemas—like abandonment schema or angry child schema therapy—stem from unmet core emotional needs like secure attachment, autonomy, competence, identity, emotional validation, attunement, spontaneity, and limit setting.

Nathan, inspired by Jeff Young’s schema therapy education, explains how subconscious beliefs shape self-concept and interpersonal relationships. Discover schema therapy all schemas, including schema therapy BPD, and how moods schema therapy reveals child modes (vulnerable child), coping modes (detached protector, detached self-soother), and critical voices (punitive critic, demanding critic).

Learn schema coping styles—avoidance, surrendering, overcompensation—and how they fuel addiction and schemas.This episode dives into schema therapy exercises like chair work to create corrective emotional experiences, offering practical mental health tools for emotional healing.

Dr. Bradlow and Nathan highlight schema mode techniques to address vulnerable child struggles and rewire maladaptive schemas for secure attachment.

With a strong evidence base for addiction and schemas, depression, and personality disorders, schema therapy empowers you to break free from subconscious beliefs.Whether you’re navigating interpersonal relationships or seeking schema therapy education, this schema therapy guide is your roadmap.

Packed with insights on the schema therapy exercise and coping modes, it’s a must-watch for mental health recovery. Download our FREE schema therapy resource—link in the show notes! Subscribe for more emotional healing tips!

Share your schema therapy BPD story below!

Chapters:

00:00 Childhood Impact on Abandonment Beliefs

03:43 Coping Styles in Abandonment Issues

08:44 Self-Perception and Addiction Struggles

11:39 Understanding Psychological Modes

16:20 "Schema Therapy: Emotional Interventions"

17:15 Therapy: Engaging Inner Critics

21:19 "Reacquainting with Our Sober Minds

#SchemaTherapy #LifeTrapsSchemaTherapy #MentalHealth #AddictionAndSchemas #EmotionalHealing

Choosing the right therapist - a step-by-step guide to mental health! Learn how to choose the right therapist with Dr. Richard Bradlow and Annie Neville on Substance Stories. Find a therapist and master how to find a therapist! In this game-changing episode, they tackle:

What is psychotherapy? What you need to know before choosing a therapist? And which—CBT, ACT, Schema, or Psychodynamic—suits YOU?This video dives deep, going beyond generic tips to help you find a therapist with confidence.

Dr. Bradlow and psychotherapist Annie Neville unpack the common factors model and why the connection with your therapist trumps credentials alone—a secret even pros miss! They debunk myths about choosing a therapist, exploring buzzwords like “active listening,” “CBT vs. psychodynamic,” and “addiction therapy” to guide your mental health path.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, addiction, or everyday challenges, this episode of Substance Stories reveals how to choose the right therapist for lasting impact. Learn the power of therapeutic alliance, shared goals, and the courage to speak up when therapy isn’t clicking.

Choosing the right therapist - a step-by-step guide means understanding manualized vs. non-manualized therapies and tailoring support to your unique needs.If you’re ready to find a therapist and make empowered mental health choices, this is your must-watch roadmap.

Dr. Bradlow and Annie deliver insider insights and practical steps for how to find a therapist who truly gets you. Don’t let confusion hold you back—unlock the tools to thrive!

Subscribe for more mental health guidance!

Chapters

00:00 Therapist Compatibility Over Therapy Type

04:45 Finding the Right Therapist

09:43 Therapy Conversations and Boundaries

11:06 "Effective Therapy: Directness and Case Formulation"

15:43 Integrating Therapy Approaches17:36 Eclectic Therapeutic Approach

#ChoosingTheRightTherapist #HowToFindATherapist #MentalHealth #FindATherapist

In this powerful episode of Substance Stories, Dr. Richard Bradlow and Nathan Akoka tackle the heart of addiction recovery: therapeutic boundaries. If you’ve ever wondered why a firm but compassionate “no” can transform lives or what it’s like for professionals to make the tough call to discharge a client, this conversation is a must-listen.Dr. Bradlow and Nathan dive deep into the realities of substance use disorder, going beyond clichés to reveal how setting boundaries creates safety, fosters honesty in recovery, and builds healthy relationships. Drawing on their extensive experience in addiction treatment and therapy, they share how consistent boundaries aren’t just rules—they’re a cornerstone of care that supports relapse prevention, models life skills, and promotes personal growth. Nathan brings raw, real-world insights from working with young people and those experiencing homelessness, shedding light on the emotional and ethical challenges of detox and recovery support.From practical strategies for empathetic limit-setting to the dangers of inconsistent rules, this episode unpacks the psychology of boundaries and their role in breaking cycles of violation. You’ll gain tools to navigate mental health, understand addiction, and foster resilience—whether you’re in addiction recovery, supporting a loved one, or working in therapy. Packed with wisdom, compassion, and hope, this is an essential listen for anyone passionate about mental health, relapse prevention, and building healthy relationships.Chapters00:00 Honesty in Recovery Conversations

04:32 "Importance of Consistent Boundaries"

07:16 Balancing Compassion and Boundaries

10:40 Private Sector Independence in Substance Recovery

13:46 "Maintaining Boundaries in Relationships

From Dog Parks to Personal Growth: Angelica von Sanden on ACT Therapy.

Are you searching for real and relatable strategies to break free from addiction or overwhelming habits? In this powerful episode of Substance Stories, I sit down with the incredible Angelica von Sanden, author of the much-loved Sit Stay Grow—the book my patients can’t stop talking about (or stealing from my clinic library!). We dive deep into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), revealing how its core principles can ignite change, foster self-compassion, and help us reclaim our lives, step by step.

In this conversation, we unlock the secrets behind ACT—yes, those six core tenets you’ve heard about—and show you how [Acceptance and Commitment Therapy], [addiction recovery], and [mindfulness-based therapy] are more than buzzwords; they’re real-life tools you can use today. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, feeling stuck in negative thought loops, or simply want to make more meaningful choices, this episode is made for YOU.

00:00 "Authors on Substance Stories"

03:53 Mindfulness and Choice in Therapy

08:25 "Aligning Goals with Personal Values"

12:40 "Thoughts as Unruly Dogs"

15:09 "Spotlight Choices for Mindfulness"

18:11 "Embrace Thoughts, Move Forward"

21:18 "Internal Family System's Eight Cs"

23:22 Embracing Curiosity in Counseling

28:59 The Challenge of Successful Maladaptive Coping

29:50 "Addictions Beyond Substances Explained"

33:09 Most Stolen Book’s Popularity