🧠 Your diet isn’t about weight—it’s about your mind.
Ultra-processed food is everywhere…
And it may be quietly damaging mental health, focus, and resilience.
In this episode of Substance Stories, we break down:
✅ Why modern food is different
✅ How diet affects mental wellbeing
✅ Simple, realistic ways to eat better
✅ No guilt. No obsession. Just clarity.
If you care about your brain, this is a must-watch.
👉 Watch now
👍 Like & comment
🔔 Subscribe for more mental health truths
Your mind deserves better fuel.
Christmas in recovery can hit like a trap—here’s how you get through it sober.
If you’re in early recovery, Christmas isn’t “just a holiday.” It’s a trigger season: family dynamics, old memories, alcohol everywhere, loneliness, and the pressure to pretend you’re fine.
This episode breaks down the myth that you can simply “push through” with will power.
Instead, you’ll hear why Christmas is a waypoint—a predictable danger zone you can see coming—and how planning ahead can protect your sobriety.
The surprising revealThe biggest risk isn’t Christmas itself—it’s walking into it without a plan. And the most powerful tool isn’t motivation… it’s strategy.
What you’ll learn (and actually use)
How to set boundaries when family will be drinking (and what to say)
How to build an “exit plan” so you can leave before cravings spike
How meetings, sponsors, sober friends, and even clinical support can be part of relapse prevention
Why “abstinence is a win” — and why Christmas night is a huge sobriety milestone
You’ll walk away with a practical relapse prevention plan, real sobriety tips, and a clear mindset for handling holiday triggers, alcohol cravings, and family stress—plus a reminder that you’re allowed to put recovery first.
Watch now, share it with someone who’s struggling, and subscribe for more Substance Stories.
Purpose is the recovery “vitamin” you didn’t know you were deficient in.
If you’ve ever hit early sobriety and suddenly felt flat, unmotivated, or stuck in bed—this explains why, and what to do next.
You’ll hear a powerful truth: addiction can feel like purpose—but it’s a hollow, treadmill purpose.
You wake up to chase, score, use… and repeat.
Then sobriety removes that routine, and the silence can feel terrifying. That’s the gap this episode tackles head-on.
Here’s the surprising reveal: you don’t “wait until you feel better” to act. You act to feel better. And you rebuild mental health through purpose, small goals, and mastery—the slow-burn kind of happiness that lasts.
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why motivation disappears in early recovery (and why that’s normal)
The difference between hedonic pleasure vs eudaimonia (life satisfaction)
How to create purpose with a values → goals → daily actions blueprint
Why mastery and self-efficacy can reverse learned helplessness
Practical ideas: work, volunteering, art projects, fitness goals, learning, language study
If you care about mental health, addiction recovery, sobriety motivation, self-improvement, dopamine balance, and building a life you actually want—this one will hit.
Watch now, then pick ONE small goal today and prove to yourself you can build momentum again.
Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who’s rebuilding.
👉 Comment below with what gives your life purpose, and share this with someone who needs a mental health boost. 🔔
Subscribe to Substance Stories for more insights on building a healthier mind.
Why Meaningful Social Connections Matter More Than Ever
Part 2 of our powerful three-part series on mental health and recovery. In this episode of Substance Stories, we explore the life-changing power of meaningful social connections and how they play a critical role in preventing and managing mental illness—especially in addiction recovery.
The conversation goes beyond just avoiding relapse. It's about creating authentic, emotional bonds that give life richness and purpose. Discover the truth behind the statement: "The opposite of addiction isn't sobriety—it's connection."
You'll learn
Why social media can’t replace real emotional intimacyHow to find or create your “third place” for sober social support
Simple ways to reframe friendships and build new, healthy relationships
How community activities, like MMA gyms, Toastmasters, or choir groups, can offer surprising healing power
Whether you’re on a recovery journey or just want stronger mental health habits, Part 2 of this series brings you practical tools, deep insight, and real hope.
Self-Care for Mental Health:
The Secret Habit That Changes EverythingIn this powerful first episode of the Substance Stories series, Dr. Richard Bradlow breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in mental wellness—real self-care.
This isn’t the social-media version of SelfCare. No bubble baths. No spa days.Instead, Dr. Bradlow reveals practical, science-backed habits that actually strengthen your mental health and emotional resilience.
With compassion and clarity, he explains the crucial difference between mental health and mental illness, showing how you can maintain strong mental health even while managing conditions like depression, anxiety, or addiction—and how the opposite can also be true.Using relatable metaphors (like the way we maintain a car),
Dr. Bradlow shows how simple daily actions—showering, making your bed, cleaning your space, staying organized—are not small chores, but powerful reminders of self-worth, dignity, and stability.
This episode offers more than encouragement—it’s a step-by-step blueprint for rebuilding your confidence, regaining control, and creating a life grounded in routine, recovery, and genuine self-respect.
Whether you’re on a recovery journey or simply trying to stay mentally strong, this conversation will shift the way you understand self-care.
Perfect for anyone searching for:mental health tips, real self-care routines, addiction recovery tools, emotional resilience, daily wellness habits, and how to build mental strength.
Why Cravings Aren't Kittens—They're Tigers
Join us and the brilliant Angelika von Sanden as we unpack the hidden world of cravings—from subtle cues like familiar places or people to the emotional rollercoaster triggered by stress. We explore: • Why avoiding triggers isn't always possible • How cravings turn from kittens to tigers • Practical tools like breathing, cold exposure & craving journals • Why compassion and curiosity matter in recoveryIf you're in recovery, support someone who is, or just want to understand the science of cravings, this one's a MUST.
How Drama Triangles Trap Us in Bad Habits.Drama Triangles: The Hidden Trap Holding Back Your RecoveryIn our latest Substance Stories episode, Annie returns to expose how family roles and emotional systems—like being the “black sheep” or always needing a “rescuer”—can quietly sabotage your recovery journey.Learn how to spot when you're caught in the classic drama triangle and how to escape it by shifting into the empowerment triangle. We dive into Bowen family systems theory, real-life rehab strategies, and even drop some Superman vs. Batman wisdom Whether you're on the path to sobriety or helping someone who is, this episode is a must-watch. Take back control of your story.Chapters:00:00 - What are drama triangles and how do they affect recovery?00:42 - Family systems and emotional roles in addiction01:36 - The black sheep dynamic and conditional love02:40 - Introducing the victim, rescuer, and persecutor triangle04:03 - Why recovery disrupts dysfunctional systems05:00 - Social circles and why growth feels uncomfortable06:00 - Addiction in relationships: the cop vs. robber dynamic07:00 - Should you move away to heal?07:45 - From drama triangle to empowerment triangle08:45 - Coaching vs. rescuing: finding real support09:40 - Donald Trump, narratives, and recovery identity10:30 - Superman vs. Batman: owning your recovery story11:30 - Inherited narratives and rewriting your own12:30 - Final thoughts on setting your recovery environment#RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #Empowerment
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