The Alcohol 'Problem' Podcast with Dr James Morris

In this episode, I speak with Chris Barnes about his experience of alcohol use during his time in the British Army and his journey from problematic use to recovery. Chris now works as a researcher at Liverpool John Moores University, while also serving as an Ambassador for Heroic Hearts UK. He is currently completing a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology, bringing both lived and professional expertise to his work.
In addition to exploring Chris' experience of alcohol use and recovery, we discuss issues including drinking culture in the armed forces, the relationship between alcohol use, mental health and other factors that influence alcohol use and problems. 
Show notes/resources:
Recent report led by Dr Laura Goodwin on improving support for former personnel with mental health and alcohol use disorders:
https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/how-to-improve-treatment-for-former-service-personnel-with-both-mental-health-and-alcohol-use-disorders-1
What are the consequences of deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan on the mental health of the UK armed forces? A cohort study
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(10)60672-1/fulltext
Military service and alcohol use: a systematic narrative review:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/09540261.2010.550868

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If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

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In this episode, we discuss how addiction affects families, the challenges of supporting a loved one, and practical, evidence-based approaches to  conversations with others who may be experiencing addiction problems. 
Richard Velleman is Emeritus Professor of Mental Health Research at the University of Bath, Co-Director of the Addictions and Related Research Group at Sangath (India), and a founder of the Addiction and the Family International Network (AFINet). A clinical and academic psychologist, he is internationally recognised for his work on addiction, family members affected by addiction, and psychological interventions. He co-developed the influential Stress-Strain-Information-Coping-Support (SSICS) model and 5-Step Method, which are used worldwide to support families affected by addiction. His current work focuses on improving access to mental health care through community-based and digital interventions in the UK, India, and internationally. 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
AFINet (Addiction and the Family International Network) – Research, resources and support for people affected by a loved one's addiction: https://afinetwork.info/
AFINet 5-Step Method – Evidence-based approach to supporting affected family members: https://afinetwork.info/the-5-step-method-resource-hub/
Adfam (UK) – Information and support for families affected by drugs, alcohol and gambling: https://adfam.org.uk/
Peer support
Al-Anon – Support for families and friends of people with alcohol problems: https://al-anon.org/
Alateen – Support for young people affected by someone else's drinking: https://al-anon.org/for-members/group-resources/alateen/
Nar-Anon – Support for families and friends of people who use drugs: https://nar-anon.org/
Families Anonymous – Support for families affected by addiction and related behaviours: https://familiesanonymous.org/
Other evidence-based support 
Alternatives – Support groups and practical help for families and friends: https://www.alternat-i-ves.org/
SMART Recovery Family & Friends – Evidence-based support programmes (country-specific):Australia: https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/family-friends-program
UK: https://smartrecovery.org.uk/smart_family__friends/
USA: https://smartrecovery.org/family
Canada: https://smartrecovery-canada.ca/programs

Invitation to Change – Compassionate, evidence-based approach for helping someone with substance use problems: https://cmcffc.org/approach/invitation-to-change
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If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

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For more episodes visit https://alcoholpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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In this episode I talk to Professor Hanna Pickard about addiction, identity and denial, and how these are relevant to understanding and treating alcohol problems.
Hanna Pickard is Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Bioethics and Krieger-Eisenhower Professor at Johns Hopkins University.
In addition to her wok as a philosopher and as a therapist, she has published extensively on the topic of addiction. Her new book, What Would You Do Alone in a Cage with Nothing but Cocaine? A Philosophy of Addiction is available to order here via her website. 
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If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

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For more episodes visit https://alcoholpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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In this episode we discuss alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), what it is, its treatment, and hear Lesley's experience as a survivor of ARLD and transplant. Lesley was a patient of Dr Ashwin Dhanda, a liver specialist, and both provide their insights into the condition and how society should do more to raise awareness of and prevent alcohol-related harm and ARLD.
Ashwin Dhanda is Professor of Liver Medicine at the University of Plymouth and a liver specialist at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. He leads a programme of research around stigma in alcohol-related liver disease including identifying causes of stigma and how it affects people and designing interventions to tackle it.
Lesley was diagnosed with ARLD in December 2019, which led to a liver transplant in December 2019. She is part of a liver support group supporting other patients and working as a patient representative with Ashwin on a research project around stigma in alcohol related liver disease and helping the research team design interventions to tackle it from a patient/peer perspective.
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If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

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For more episodes visit https://alcoholpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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In this episode I speak to Nathan Joseph, an online fitness coach and author of The LCA method recipe book. 
Nathan discusses his own personal journey through battling mental health issues, and how alcohol has played both positive and negative roles in his life. In Nathan's experience, alcohol use has been a big part of his social life and important memories, but also a barrier to his fitness and wellbeing. Nathan talks with openness about his own experience and passion for helping others without judging people for their choices. 
Nathan posts regularly on Instagram, offers online fitness coaching and his recipe book can be purchased here. 
Support the show

If you are interested in one-to-one support for your drinking with Dr James Morris, contact him at DrJamesMorris.com

Sign up to receive new episodes to your inbox here. 
For more episodes visit https://alcoholpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

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