Ep 184: Overcoming Barriers to Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment: Medication Solutions and Support with Joshua D. Lee and Jonathan Hunt-Glassman

OVERVIEW

"I don't sleep well. I'm always tired.” That's a very common kind of patient narrative about, you know, “when I used, why I used.”

Excited to share the latest episode Dr. Yishan and guests Dr. Joshua D. Lee and Jonathan Hunt-Glassman dive into the crucial topic of alcohol use disorder and its relationship with sleep health.

Jonathan Hunt-Glassman is the Founder and CEO of Oar Health. He previously worked at Humana as an Associate VP, of Retail Segment Strategy. Jonathan Hunt-Glassman attended the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

Joshua D. Lee MD, MSc is an Associate Professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is Co-Director of the Section on Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Use in the Department of Population Health and Director of the NYU Addiction Medicine Fellowship. He is an Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine clinician researcher focused on low threshold addiction pharmacotherapy treatments in primary care and criminal justice settings. He has conducted multiple NIH clinical trials examining the use of naltrexone and buprenorphine opioid and alcohol treatments in community criminal justice involved adults, at release from jail, and within community primary care settings. He treats patients at Bellevue Hospital Center.

Stay tuned for an eye-opening discussion on the vital link between alcohol use, sleep health, and the journey towards recovery.

Key points covered in this episode include the following:

Sleep and Alcohol Use: The relationship between alcohol use and sleep disturbances is complex, with poor sleep acting as a trigger for substance use and vice versa. Prioritizing sleep health is essential for individuals managing alcohol use disorder.

Medication Treatment Options: The discussion highlights the importance of accessible and effective medication treatment options for alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone and telemedicine solutions, provide convenient and private avenues for individuals seeking help.

Community Support: Building a community and providing peer support play crucial roles in alcohol treatment. Dr. Lee emphasizes the significance of safe and confidential online communities to support members through their recovery journey.

Tune in to the episode to deepen your understanding of alcohol use disorder and its impact on sleep, and to explore the innovative treatment options available. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!

"A big problem we have in the country is we have treatments that works and we have people with a problem, and we just don't historically connect them. It doesn't really make sense, but that is kinda where we're at, and getting more people to realize there's good treatments out there is a big priority.” - Joshua D. Lee MD, MSc

WHAT WILL WE LEARN

00:00 Struggled with alcohol, developed medication for treatment.

05:42 Addiction, mental illness, poverty, criminal justice reform.

09:01 Increasing dangerous opioids led to deadly consequences.

13:28 Sleep quality impacts substance use, treatment success.

15:44 Alcohol reduction leads to improved sleep and life.

17:43 Cannabis and alcohol commonly used together.

21:56 Healthcare needs proactive community outreach for patients.

26:10 Encourages considering sobriety and moderate alcohol consumption.

31:15 Sharing tips, support, and strategies for recovery.

34:53 Alcohol treatment outcomes vary, not necessarily lifelong medication.

36:19 Medication is the most successful strategy.

39:57 Barriers to prescribing naltrexone for addiction.

42:46 Warrior Health doesn't accept insurance, some may prefer cost-effective community healthcare.

47:35 Opinion on alcohol treatment and insomnia resources.

Are you so sleepy that you cannot focus? Are you tired of getting through the day drinking coffee? Are you worried how your poor sleep may impact your health? Checkout Dr. Yishan Xu’s Insomnia Treatment Course! 

Connect with Dr. Yishan

Connect with Joshua D. Lee, MD, MSc

Connect with Jonathan Hunt-Glassman

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If you're interested in learning more about psychological testing and the services offered at the MindBodyGarden make sure to visit their website at mindbodygarden.com/AssessmentClinic.

Yishan Xu, PhD, DBSMsleep, sleep disorder, sleep better, sleep apneaComment