Dr. David Ryan shares Part 1 of his presentation from the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians Alcohol Use Training Webinar. This session covers how to recognize when alcohol use becomes a concern, with an overview of screening tools, diagnostic criteria, and the neurobiology of addiction.

Dr. Ryan also discusses current drinking guidelines, population-level risks, and key points from the epidemiology of alcohol use. It’s a practical, evidence-based look at how providers can better identify and understand alcohol use disorder in clinical settings.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.

In this episode, host Cheryl Viracola, Director of Practice Advancement with the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, speaks with Dr. Vera Reinstein and Dr. Charles McCormick about how prescribers and pharmacists can work together to expand access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

They explore how collaborative care models make treatment more accessible, the role of prescribers in initiating partnerships, and practical steps to build these connections.

Listeners will also learn about the PhARM-OUD Guideline and resources that support both providers and pharmacists in improving patient care.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.

In this episode, host Pollen Williamson, Director of Physician and Advanced Practice Provider Initiatives at the Governor’s Institute, sits down with Dr. Michael Baca-Atlas—family physician, addiction medicine specialist, and current President of the North Carolina Society of Addiction Medicine (NCSAM).

Together, they explore the vital role of NCSAM, the benefits of membership, and how the organization is advancing care in the Tar Heel State.

Listen now to get insight on how you can connect, grow and make an impact.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.

In this episode, Peter Rives, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA, shares his presentation from the Governor’s Institute’s 2025 Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Conference. Focused on motivational interviewing (MI), this session explores how MI can be used to effectively engage adolescents in conversations about behavior change—especially when they're feeling unsure or resistant.

Peter breaks down the core principles and spirit of motivational interviewing, offers practical tips for applying MI techniques in real-life clinical settings, and highlights common challenges providers may face when working with young people navigating substance use.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.

In this episode of the Addiction Medicine Podcast, we’re joined by Anna Stanley, State Administrator of the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA), to discuss the role of Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) in addressing the opioid crisis in North Carolina. We explore what OTPs are, common barriers to access like stigma and transportation, recent policy changes, and innovative approaches like mobile medication units.

Tune in to learn how North Carolina is working to expand access to treatment and integrate OTPs into the broader healthcare system.

More episodes and resources at governorsinstitute.org.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.

Dr. Corey Waller, a nationally recognized expert in substance use disorder, explores the rapid evolution of SUD treatment over the past five years. He delves into the improved understanding of care delivery, the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and the critical role these advancements play in saving lives and enhancing patient outcomes. Dr. Waller also sheds light on the shifting approach of the justice system towards addiction, emphasizing the importance of providing accessible, comprehensive care that meets the highest standards of fidelity.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.

In Part 2 of our podcast episode on Sexually Transmitted Infections, we dive deeper into STI screening, prevention, and treatment with experts Dr. Shannon Dowler and Dr. Amy Marietta.

👀 Want to know:
The must-know screening guidelines for ALL patients?
How new meds like PrEP and Doxy PEP are changing prevention?
Why partner treatment is a game-changer in fighting reinfection?
This episode is packed with expert tips that will make you rethink how we approach sexual health and harm reduction.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.

Season 4 of the Addiction Medicine Podcast kicks off with a 2-part episode on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). In Part 1, we dive into how the term ‘infection’ can reduce stigma, encourage testing, and emphasize the importance of regular screenings. We also discuss current trends, cultural trends, health inequities, and the role of healthcare providers in STI care. And there's even a rap song about syphilis!

Joining us for this important conversation are Dr. Shannon Dowler, a board-certified family physician with a national reputation in health policy, public health, and sexual health, and Dr. Amy Marietta, board-certified in family medicine and addiction medicine. Dr. Dowler is currently Deputy Director in the Mecklenburg County STI Clinic while Dr. Marietta serves as the Medical Director of MAHEC’s Project CARA, a comprehensive perinatal substance use treatment program in Asheville, North Carolina.

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Thanks for listening! Get more of our addiction medicine-related content and learn about the work we do with Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families at our YouTube Page - youtube.com/govinst.