The Treat Addiction Save Lives Podcast

In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, we are joined by George Koob, PhD, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Dr. Koob talks about his background and career journey, along with major insights made through his research, including regarding alcohol withdrawal. He addresses stigma related to alcohol use (or abstinence from) and offers advice for the next generation of researchers and clinicians in this exciting and dynamic space, with so much potential for expanding knowledge. Dr. Koob shares resources for individuals, family members, physicians, or anyone looking for information related to alcohol use and alcohol use disorder, including Rethinking Drinking and the NIAAA Treatment Navigator. He emphasizes the importance of motivation (e.g., motivational interviewing) rather than confrontation and seeing your doctor, or encouraging your loved one to see their doctor, for a physical as a good first step in addressing any issues related to alcohol use. Dr. Koob finally explains his motivation for continuing his work in this field.
In addition to serving as director of NIAAA, Dr. Koob is also a senior investigator at the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse where he directs the Neurobiology of Addiction Laboratory in the Integrative Neurosciences Research Branch.
As an authority on alcohol use disorder, drug addiction, and stress, he has contributed to our understanding of the neurocircuitry associated with the acute reinforcing effects of alcohol and drugs and the neuroadaptations of the reward and stress circuits associated with the transition to dependence. He has published over 800 peer reviewed papers; mentored 13 PhD students, 85 post-doctoral fellows, and 11 K99’s (Pathway to Independence Award postdoctoral researchers); and authored several books including the Neurobiology of Addiction. He received his PhD in behavioral physiology from Johns Hopkins University in 1972. He did post-doctoral studies at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the University of Cambridge (England). He subsequently held positions at The Salk Institute and the Scripps Research Institute. Dr. Koob is the recipient of many honors, including membership in the National Academy of Medicine (USA) and award of the Legion of Honor (France).
Links:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Society for Neuroscience – Autobiographical Chapter
Rethinking Drinking
NIAAA Treatment Navigator
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Neurobiology of Addiction
The Healthcare Professional’s Core Resource on Alcohol
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

For this special episode recorded live at ASAM’s Annual Conference, Kelly Ramsey, MD, MPH, MA, FACP, DFASAM, talks about her journey into the field of addiction medicine and how her early experience dispelled myths she previously heard about people who use drugs. She addresses stigma related to addiction, the prevalence of xylazine in the illicit drug supply*, and the need to recognize and treat appropriately polysubstance drug use and overdoses. Dr. Ramsey also discusses her thoughts about the future of addiction medicine and the importance of harm reduction and meeting patients where they are. She shares what she finds enjoyable about attending ASAM’s conference and offers words of wisdom to the new generation of addiction medicine providers.
Dr. Ramsey is a board-certified internal medicine and addiction medicine physician who has treated substance use disorder since 2004. She worked as medical director of an academic center-based opioid treatment program (OTP) in the South Bronx before working for nearly a decade for a large FQHC in the Hudson Valley where she created and grew a medication for addiction treatment (MAT) program for opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) to 10 sites and 1500 patients. More recently, Dr. Ramsey worked as the chief of medical services at the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), in a policy, regulatory, and clinical role.
Dr. Ramsey currently works as an addiction medicine and harm reduction consultant as well as providing low threshold clinical care and clinical supervision in addiction medicine in three drug user health hubs in New York. She has provided expert advice to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) AIDS Institute and their Office of Drug User Health (ODUH), serving on numerous committees for about 15 years, providing expertise in addiction medicine, harm reduction, HIV care, and HCV care.
Dr. Ramsey was the recipient of the New York State Commissioner’s Special Recognition Award for contributions to drug user health in NYS in December 2018. She was the Distinguished Contributions to Behavioral Medicine Award Recipient, awarded by the American College of Physicians (ACP) in April 2023. Dr. Ramsey was awarded the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Special Medical Alumni Board Award in October 2023.
Dr. Ramsey is the immediate past president of the New York Chapter of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (NYSAM) Board of Directors. In addition, she currently serves as Region I Director, representing NYS, on the national American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Board of Directors.
Links:
ASAM’s Annual Conference information
Finding Lifesaving Solutions to a Dangerous Trend
American Society of Addiction Medicine
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.
 
*The comments in the discussion alluding to 90% of syringes containing xylazine refer to the findings of the following study: The Emerging of Xylazine as a New Drug of Abuse and its Health Consequences among Drug Users in Puerto Rico - PMC (nih.gov).

Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD, joined us from the ASAM 55th Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, which took place April 4-7, 2024. In this special episode, Dr. Utter talks about her experiences at conference over the years and the relationships she has built over time at this annual event. She also describes some of her favorite memories from conference, what she loves about attending, and why she thinks others should attend, as well (spoiler: Connections! Meet-ups! Yoga! Beautiful location!). She emphasizes the importance of self-care for addiction treatment providers and offers advice for those who may have a loved one struggling with addiction or individuals in active addiction.
Dr. Utter is a licensed psychologist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is PSYPACT certified, allowing her to conduct telepsychology across state boundaries. Dr. Utter specializes in working with individuals who struggle with co-occurring mental health concerns like substances use disorders in conjunction with severe depression and anxiety. She also works in medical affairs as a clinical scientist in the substance use disorder space.
In 2020, Dr. Utter released her first book, Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope and Resisting Drug Addiction, which resulted from her desire to share her story and instill hope in others. The book is based on her life experiences and challenges as a result of her parents’ struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, and other mental health concerns like major depressive disorder, severe anxiety, and trauma.
Her documentary cleverly titled Utter Nonsense was released on Apple TV and Prime Video in August of 2023. It is an informative, touching, and personal look into the world of drug addiction. It focuses on individuals in the Kensington section of Philadelphia and follows her story and a few others to educate on how addiction impacts everyone in its orbit.
Released in September of 2023, her second book Aftershock: How Past Events Shake Up Your Life Today focuses on the aftershock phenomenon, a repertoire of delayed mental health symptoms like irritability, emotional fatigue, and depression, all rooted in seemingly everyday events like parenting, changing careers, divorce, the death of a loved one, etc., that produce real but often unrecognized stress and trauma.
Dr. Utter currently lives in a Philadelphia suburb with her husband and two children. When she is not practicing psychology or writing, she can be found on the soccer field or basketball court cheering for her kiddos.
Links:
ASAM Annual Conference Information
Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope, and Resisting Drug Addiction
Utter Nonsense
Aftershock: How Past Events Shake Up Your Life Today
American Society of Addiction Medicine
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

This episode of the Treat Addiction Save Lives Podcast features Anthony Albanese, MD, DFASAM. ASAM’s 2024 Annual Award recipient, Dr. Albanese reflects on personal memories about how he learned about addiction and aspired to be an endoscopist because of video games like Space Invaders and Pacman. Dr. Albanese discusses his approach to medicine, focusing on the mind-body connection. He also talks about the emphasis he places on addiction medicine education and its importance in challenging the stigma, shame, and insecurity around addiction. Dr. Albanese explains his philosophy of "no wrong door" to treatment, how his career has evolved, and what motivates him to continue his work. Finally, Dr. Albanese offers advice to the next generation of addiction medicine specialists.
Dr. Albanese is the chief of medicine for the VA Northern California Health Care System. He is also a health sciences clinical professor of medicine and psychiatry at the UC Davis School of Medicine, and a vice chair in the Department of Medicine. He attended college and medical school at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating in 1986. Dr. Albanese did his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in gastroenterology at The St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York (now Mount Sinai West), and hepatology fellowship at the University of Miami. Under the mentorship of the addiction physicians in New York, he worked in the hospital’s methadone clinic and detoxification programs. In Miami Beach, Dr. Albanese worked as the co-director of an addiction treatment program. After moving to Sacramento, California, he continued his work at the VA in gastroenterology, hepatology, and addiction medicine. Since then, he has had various roles at the VA including a position as an affiliations officer with the VA Office of Academic Affiliations. After completing a major national GME expansion project in 2021, Dr. Albanese returned to VA Northern California as chief of medicine. His research interests and publications have regarded the medical aspects associated with opioids and alcohol use, intestinal changes associated with HIV infection, and graduate medical education. He became a certified addiction medicine specialist first by ASAM in 1991, then by ABAM in 2007, and by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in 2019.
 
Links:
VA Northern California Health Care | Veterans Affairs
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
ASAM’s Awards & Scholarships
American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM)
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Dr. Jasleen Salwan stopped by to speak with our host, Zach, at ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference. In this special episode, she talks about her journey into the field of addiction medicine and how it marries together her interests in both individual and population health, and mental and physical health. Dr. Salwan expresses how grateful she is for her mentors who have inspired her along the way and to be practicing in the addiction medicine space. She speaks about her experiences at ASAM’s conferences over the years, including how gathering together with other addiction medicine professionals feels like a family reunion. She discusses the panel session in which she participated at this year’s conference – The Future of Addiction Care: Transformed Systems, Practices, and Lives – and the importance of The ASAM Criteria™ in the treatment of addiction. As a physician practicing primary care and addiction treatment together, she shares her vision of the future of the addiction medicine field and talks about the impacts of stigma and the challenges related to how addiction treatment centers are perceived. Finally, Dr. Salwan offers advice to the next generation of addiction treatment providers.
Jasleen Salwan, MD, MPH, FASAM, is a board-certified addiction medicine and internal medicine physician practicing integrated primary care and substance use disorder treatment at Montgomery Family & Internal Medicine Associates in Silver Spring, Maryland. She earned her medical and public health degrees at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and completed residency at the Yale Primary Care program followed by a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. She is a member of the ASAM Education core faculty and a consultant for the District Addiction Consultation Service (DACS). Dr Salwan is passionate about harm reduction advocacy and has published opinion pieces in the Hartford Courant and the Baltimore Sun. She also enjoys writing about the intersection of substance use and general medicine for a lay audience in her Psychology Today blog, No Quick Fix: Challenges in Addiction Medicine and Primary Care.
 
Links:
ASAM Annual Conference Information
The Future of Addiction Care: Transformed Systems, Practices, and Lives
The ASAM Criteria, Fourth Edition
Montgomery Family & Internal Medicine Associates
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
District Addiction Consultation Services (DACS)
No Quick Fix: Challenges in addiction medicine and primary care
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

Ian Latham, MD, sat down with our host, Zach, at ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference. In this special episode, he speaks about his journey into the field of addiction medicine and his experience as an addiction medicine fellow at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Latham divulges what he enjoys about attending ASAM’s annual conference and his impressions from this year’s conference, in particular. He talks about the benefits of being a Ruth Fox Scholar and offers advice for other fellows or anyone thinking of entering the field of addiction medicine. Dr. Latham also shares his feelings about the state of the addiction medicine community in Minnesota.
Dr. Latham is an addiction medicine fellow at the University of Minnesota; he recently completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Minnesota/North Memorial Residency Program. He completed his undergraduate education in molecular biology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and his medical education at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he participated in research in narrative medicine, trauma-informed addiction care, and mobile services for buprenorphine treatment. Dr. Latham has a particular interest in working with patients who identify within the LGBTQ+ community, the management of behavioral addictions, and the treatment and prevention of viral disease among people living with addiction.
 
Links:
ASAM’s Annual Conference Information
Ruth Fox Scholarship Program Information
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

Dr. Jasmine Douglas joined us live from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference. In this episode, she shares a personal connection that brought her into the field of addiction medicine and her excitement about starting an addiction medicine fellowship this summer. Dr. Douglas also shares her thoughts about attending ASAM’s Annual Conference and perspectives regarding stigma related to addiction. She discusses why she believes in holistic care when treating individuals with addiction and offers advice to her younger self (ride the wave!) and medical students or other professionals interested in pursuing the field of addiction medicine.
Dr. Douglas is a third-year family medicine resident at the University of Texas HSC in Tyler, Texas. She is eagerly anticipating the start of her addiction medicine fellowship this July at UAMS in Little Rock, AK. Dr. Douglas is also a dedicated REACH fellow. This program focuses on increasing diversity in addiction medicine and ensuring culturally competent care for patients with substance use disorders. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Douglas finds fulfillment as the proud guardian of her sweet 2-year-old niece. She enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in imaginative play, and creating special memories with her little one.
 
Links:
ASAM Annual Conference Information
REACH
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

Dr. Chad Elkin joins us from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference for a very informative conversation! He shares his experiences at ASAM conferences over the years and why he finds attending beneficial. He talks about his path into the field of addiction medicine and founding National Addiction Specialists. Dr. Elkin, soon-to-be president of the Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine (TNSAM), discusses advocacy and other efforts happening in the state with regard to addiction and treatment. He describes the connection between dopamine and addiction and shares his extensive knowledge of the history of addiction, including the role of the British East India Company, the first opioid addiction epidemic in 1820, and the black-market trade of opium. He also discusses the current opioid epidemic and the proliferation of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply, including the origin of fentanyl precursors and how today’s drug cartels operate.
Dr. Chad Elkin is founder and medical director of National Addiction Specialists, a company offering addiction services for clients with substance use disorders such as opioid use disorder. He is board certified in addiction medicine and internal medicine. He serves as chairman of ASAM’s Health Technology Committee, is a member of ASAM’s Practice Management and Regulatory Affairs Committee (PMRAC), and State Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Committee (SALC). At the state level, he serves as legislative chairman and president-elect of TNSAM. He is also on the planning committee for the Mid-South Addiction Conference held at Vanderbilt annually. Dr. Elkin collaborates with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and state legislators to support evidence-based regulatory and legislative changes concerning addiction medicine. He is also the host of the podcast Breaking Down Addiction, which explores various addiction topics.
Dr. Elkins describes himself as an eternal optimist and a 7 on the enneagram scale, craving new adventures and experiences. His passion outside of work is competitive tennis, pickleball, snow skiing, working out, and watching Novak Djokovic destroy all tennis records. He enjoys exotic vacations with his wife and kids, helping his daughters get better at tennis, reading books about the history of addiction, and learning French and Spanish on Duolingo. He loves conversations with friends, chooses uplifting success-minded colleagues, is fiercely loyal, and tries to figure out ways to help them win in business and life.
 
Links:
ASAM Annual Conference Information
National Addiction Specialists
Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine (TNSAM)
Breaking Down Addiction
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

Dr. Kwadwo Owusu-Boaitey joined us live from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference. Dr. Owusu-Boaitey, who is in his first year of residency, shares how he became interested in the field of addiction medicine. He also shares the highlights from his experience at ASAM’s conference, generally and as a Ruth Fox Scholar. He discusses the emphasis he places on treating patients holistically and the importance of all members of the care team in treating addiction. He also reflects on the state of stigma around addiction, based on his experience, and offers advice to the next generation of addiction medicine specialists.
Dr. Kwadwo Owusu-Boaitey is a resident physician in psychiatry at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. He completed undergraduate studies in Philosophy (B.A.) and Biological Sciences (B.S.) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he was a Meyerhoff Scholar. He subsequently received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and his PhD from the MIT Biology Department, where he studied regenerative biology. Dr. Owusu-Boaitey developed a passion for clinical psychiatry and addiction medicine during his latter stages of medical school, and is excited about his career as a budding addiction psychiatrist. His clinical interests are in new drug development (within both addiction and psychiatry broadly), and also the spiritual aspects of holistic addiction care. He serves as a regular volunteer with Miracle Mile Ministries (a faith-based outreach ministry serving people experiencing homelessness and substance addiction in Boston) and is a recipient of a 2024 Ruth Fox Scholarship from the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the 2023 Regional Travel Award from the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Outside of medicine, Dr. Owusu-Boaitey enjoys competitive soccer/basketball, spoken word, and is the world’s biggest fan of The Bible Project.
Links:
ASAM’s Annual Conference Information
Ruth Fox Scholarship Program Information
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)
Miracle Mile Ministries
The Bible Project
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or ASAM management.

Dr. Michael Baca-Atlas joins host, Zach, from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference. After sharing his favorite breakfast food, Dr. Baca-Atlas talks about his journey into the field of addiction medicine and his pathway to currently focusing on the intersection of primary care, mental health, and substance use disorder (SUD). He discusses being a former Ruth Fox Scholar and the opportunities that experience provided. Dr. Baca-Atlas also shares his perspectives on the stigma surrounding addiction and the need for improvement with regard to inequity related to substance use and treatment. He discusses the workshop session, Not HOCUS POCUS: Bedside U/S for the Addiction Medicine Specialist, he co-presented at conference about point of care ultrasound (POCUS). Dr. Baca-Atlas, who will become president of the North Carolina Society of Addiction Medicine (NCSAM) in July, shares his goals in this new role and why he is looking forward to this opportunity. He also shares his experience in the podcasting field with Hippo Education and the Primary Care RAP podcast. Finally, Dr. Baca-Atlas offers advice for his younger self and the next generation of addiction medicine specialists.
Dr. Baca-Atlas is originally from Baltimore, MD. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, College Park and medical school at University of Maryland in Baltimore. He completed his family medicine residency at UNC as well as an addiction medicine fellowship at UNC in the Department of Psychiatry. He serves as the medical director for UNC REACH Enhanced Primary Care and associate medical director for the Tobacco Treatment Program. He also serves as a contributor for Primary Care RAP (Reviews and Perspectives), a medical education podcast. Outside of work, Dr. Baca-Atlas enjoys spending time with his partner, eating breakfast for dinner, and traveling.
Links:
ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference Information
Ruth Fox Scholarship
Not HOCUS POCUS: Bedside U/S for the Addiction Medicine Specialist
North Carolina Society of Addiction Medicine (NCSAM)
Hippo Education
Primary Care RAP podcast
 
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.
The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.