In this consequential episode, Jean-Paul Michael (Addiction Case Manager) and Dr. Wiplove Lamba (Addiction Psychiatrist) dissect the shocking findings from the Toronto Star’s investigation into Muskoka Recovery—a high-cost rehab facility that promised luxury care but delivered questionable credentials, dangerous oversights, and fatal consequences.With an addiction medicine lens, Jean-Paul and Dr. Lamba explore:Why fake credentials in addiction treatment can have life-or-death consequences:

• The gap between sky-high fees and the actual quality of care
• The lack of oversight in private recovery facilitiesMatthew Perry’s story and how it mirrors systemic issues in addiction care
• Concrete steps patients and families can take to verify healthcare providers

This episode isn’t just about pointing out failures—it’s about empowering viewers with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of addiction treatment safely

🔗 Timestamps / Table of Contents:

0:00 - Introduction

4:30 - The Problem with Misrepresentation in Recovery Spaces

12:15 - High Costs vs. Quality of Care18:45 - Matthew Perry's Story and Lessons Learned

25:00 - The Role of Regulation in Treatment Facilities

32:15 - Detox Protocols and Medical Oversight

38:40 - Personal Story: Jean-Paul’s Exp with a Recovery Coach

45:10 - What Makes a Recovery Program Effective?

50:30 - The Ethical Responsibility of Treatment Providers

55:00 - Final Reflections and Takeaways

🛡️ How to Verify Healthcare Providers in Ontario

🛡️ If you're seeking addiction treatment, make sure the professionals you or your loved ones interact with are licensed and qualified.

Here's how:

Social Workers & Social Service Workers:

Visit: OCSWSSW.orgUse the "Online Register Search" tool to verify a professional's registration number, first name, or last name.

Physicians:Visit: CPSO.on.caUse the "Physician Register" tool to search by CPSO number or name.

Nurses:Visit: CNO.orgUse the "Find a Nurse" tool to confirm a nurse’s status.

ConnexOntario – For Addiction and Mental Health Support:Website: connexontario.caEmail: connexontario.ca/email-usPhone: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7 Helpline)ConnexOntario provides free, confidential support and connects individuals to verified addiction and mental health services across Ontario.🔑

Key Takeaways:

Fake credentials kill: Unverified professionals can pose life-threatening risks.

Price ≠ Quality: Expensive facilities aren't always the safest or most effective.

Transparency saves lives: Families must demand clear, honest information about treatment plans and credentials.Medical oversight is critical: Detox requires trained professionals.

Accountability matters: Facilities must be held responsible for failures in care.

🎤 About the Hosts:Jean-Paul Michael: Addiction Case Manager with years of frontline experience in addiction care. Dr. Wiplove Lamba: Addiction Psychiatrist and advocate for evidence-based treatment practices. Together, they offer a raw, insightful perspective on the realities of addiction medicine, with professional analysis and deeply personal reflections.

In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Wiplove (Wip) Lamba and Jean-Paul (JP) Michael dive into the crucial question, “Is Harm Reduction Dead?” as they examine the life-saving impact and broader, often-overlooked benefits of safe consumption sites (SCS). Far beyond reducing overdose deaths, SCS provide primary care and other vital services to individuals who may otherwise be excluded from the healthcare system. These services not only save lives but also reduce taxpayer costs, hospital visits, and emergency wait times by offering proactive, accessible care to those in need. Through his personal narrative, JP shares how harm reduction was the only viable pathway for someone like him, who was completely disenfranchised from the existing healthcare system. JP and Wip shed light on the critical support that safe consumption sites provide, creating an environment where individuals can access care, foster trust, and connect with services they might otherwise avoid due to stigma or past negative experiences. This episode challenges the misconception that harm reduction is incompatible with recovery and argues instead for a broader understanding. Harm reduction doesn’t only serve as a pathway to safer use; it supports diverse approaches, including recovery, tailored to meet people where they are. JP and Wip explore the ethical, logistical, and public health benefits of harm reduction, encouraging listeners to see these sites as essential resources that empower individuals and strengthen communities. • 00:00 – Clips from the Episode • 00:50 – Opening Remarks: Is Harm Reduction Dead? • 02:12 – Addressing the Harm Reduction Misconceptions • 05:37 – How Safe Consumption Sites Save Lives • 09:08 – Primary Care in SCS: Reducing Hospital Strain • 12:46 – JP’s Story: Harm Reduction as a Pathway for the Disenfranchised • 17:20 – Stigma’s Role in Limiting Access to Care • 21:30 – Harm Reduction as a Spectrum: Safe Use and Recovery • 25:48 – Public Health Impact: Fewer Overdoses, Less ER Strain • 28:40 – Medical Ethics: Wip’s Perspective on Supervised Use • 32:14 – Success Stories: How SCS Make a Difference • 36:05 – Closing Thoughts: The Future of Harm Reduction Why This Matters: Safe consumption sites are pillars of harm reduction, providing more than just a safe space—they’re lifelines offering medical care, reducing strain on hospitals, and cutting taxpayer costs by preventing crises before they reach emergency rooms. JP and Wip draw from their extensive experience to show how SCS not only save lives but also create healthier, more supportive communities. References Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS): Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS). https://wecoss.ca/sites/default/files/WECOOSS Presentation Jan 2021.pdf Safer Supply Programs: Understanding Harm Reduction and Consumption Treatment Services, Middlesex-London Health Unit. https://www.healthunit.com/harm-reduction Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS): Moss Park OPS, Toronto. Toronto Star (2017). https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/09/27/unsanctioned-pop-up-supervised-injection-site-in-moss-park-dismantled-as-funding-begins-for-legal-site.html Syringe-Dispensing Programs (Vending Machines): Harm Reduction Journal, Syringe-Dispensing Machine Needle Exchange Program. https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-021-00541-z Safer Supply Myths (Kadian): Middlesex-London Health Unit. https://www.healthunit.com/harm-reduction Featuring Dr. Wip, an addiction psychiatrist, and Jean-Paul (JP) Michael, an addiction case manager and former addict. They explore various facets of substance use, addiction medicine, psychotherapy, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. JP works daily in a leading inner-city hospital in Canada’s largest city, while Dr. Wip’s work encompasses both clinical practice and academic contributions.

Chapters 0:00 introduction 1:13 Seek Support if Needed 1:51 Monitor Your Emotional State 2:22 Practice Saying No 2:56 Plan Safe Transportation 3:38 Choose Lower Alcohol Options 4:10 Avoid Drinking Games and Shots 5:01 Pace Your Drinks 5:33 Eat Before and While Drinking 6:28 Stay Hydrated 7:03 Know Your Limits 7:48 Conclusion In today’s YouTube video, we embark on an enlightening journey to celebrate the art of moderation, exploring the wisdom of setting limits and the joy of conscious celebration without the aftermath of regrettable decisions, such as waking up with a mystery tattoo. We acknowledge that while no amount of alcohol is deemed ‘healthy’ for the body, not all drinking behaviors carry the same level of risk. This presentation delves into the sparkling realm of harm reduction drinking tips, advocating for choices that prioritize well-being and safety over excess. Our guide is a thoughtfully curated Top 10 Countdown of Harm Reduction Drinking Tips, designed to inspire viewers to toast to their health with confidence and knowledge. These tips range from seeking support if controlling alcohol intake becomes challenging, to monitoring emotional states, as alcohol can intensify emotions and potentially lead to dependency. We emphasize the power of saying no to peer pressure and the importance of planning safe transportation to avoid impaired driving. The countdown continues with practical advice on choosing drinks with lower alcohol content, avoiding high-risk behaviors like drinking games and shots, and pacing drinks to allow the body time to metabolize alcohol safely. We also stress the importance of eating before and while drinking to slow alcohol absorption, staying hydrated to counteract alcohol’s dehydrating effects, and, most importantly, knowing your personal limits to prevent overindulgence. Concluding, our video underscores that less harmful drinking is about making informed choices, understanding risks, and implementing strategies to reduce negative outcomes. By embracing these ten harm reduction tips, viewers are encouraged to enjoy social occasions with mindfulness and control. This approach to drinking is not about achieving perfection but about taking practical steps towards a safer and more enjoyable experience. Join us in promoting healthier choices and celebrating the art of moderation for a happier, safer social life. Canada’s safer drinking guidelines https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/fil... Featuring addiction psychiatrist Dr. Wiplove (Wip) Lamba, addictions case manager and former addict Jean-Paul (JP) Michael, along with their guests discuss all things related to substance use, addiction, addiction medicine, psychotherapy, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Wip and JP share their motivation, curiosity, and passion for their craft. JP works on a daily basis in a renown inner city hospital in Canada's largest city. This work is separate from Wiplove’s clinical and academic work.

Chasing the dragon, trying to recreate the first high. After the episode on chandler and his ketamine related death, Wip asked JP questions about ketamine and tolerance based on his past history of personal use. While there are differences in the use if ketamine for depression vs addiction, for some people, self titration to effect is not realistic. Medicine also has history of iatrogenic harms caused by prescribed drugs. We hope this conversation is interesting for you and we look forward to hearing your feedback and thoughts. In this engaging addiction medicine podcast episode, our hosts delve deep into the world of addiction, tolerance, and its various facets. They discuss the concept of "chasing the dragon," where individuals continuously pursue the euphoric sensation of their initial high, drawing parallels to addiction dynamics. The hosts candidly reflect on their own experiences and perspectives, highlighting the importance of curiosity and empathy in understanding addiction. Table of Contents 00:00 "Chasing the Dragon" What is "chasing the dragon," and how does it relate to addiction? Exploring the persistent pursuit of the initial high. The impact of chasing the dragon on individuals and their struggles. 01:40 "The Relevance of Tolerance" How does tolerance play a crucial role in addiction? Differentiating between tolerance and its effects on various substances. Why tolerance matters and its implications for treatment and recovery. 04:40 "Routes of Administration and Absorption" Examining the significance of different administration methods. IV, intranasal, and oral absorption: What are the differences? How absorption rates affect tolerance and addiction potential. 05:38 "Understanding Vulnerability" Why do some individuals have a unique response to substances? Unpacking the experiences of those who feel a positive impact from opiates or ketamine. The importance of recognizing individual differences in addiction risk. This thought-provoking podcast episode offers valuable insights into addiction, tolerance, and the complexities surrounding substance use disorders. Join the hosts as they navigate these topics with empathy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to promote understanding and awareness in the field of addiction medicine. Featuring addiction psychiatrist Dr. Wiplove (Wip) Lamba, addictions case manager and former addict Jean-Paul (JP) Michael, along with their guests discuss all things related to substance use, addiction, addiction medicine, psychotherapy, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Wip and JP share their motivation, curiosity, and passion for their craft. JP works on a daily basis in a renown inner city hospital in Canada's largest city. This work is separate from Wiplove’s clinical and academic work. The content should not be taken as direct medical advice or clinical instruction.

(This video was solely the work of Jean-Paul Michael, I apologize in advance if this video offends anyone. The concept of someone "faking" an overdose was viscerally disturbing to me as a former substance user. I needed to address it.)  In this impactful episode of our addiction medicine podcast, we diverge from our regular content to present a sobering and educational perspective. We scrutinize body cam footage documenting the final moments of Jean DesCamps, a 26-year-old man, at an Oregon hospital. This episode is a reminder of the complex nature of situations involving substance abuse. We aim to shed light on issues such as potential overdose, malingering, and the critical need for behavioral awareness in a non-judgmental manner, fostering a learning opportunity and addressing stigma in addiction. Jean DesCamps was discovered in a state of distress on Portland’s TriMet MAX train and was taken to Providence Milwaukie Hospital. Despite exhibiting symptoms of opioid intoxication, the response was limited, focusing more on perceived behavioral problems than on a comprehensive medical evaluation. This approach raises important questions about the assessment and treatment of patients with substance use histories. The body cam footage reveals DesCamps in an obtunded state, clearly struggling to communicate, groaning, and drooling. The decision by a medical to suggest removing him to a bus stop, under the assumption that his condition was feigned, becomes a focal point for discussion. This scenario illustrates the challenges in making accurate assessments and the potential for critical misinterpretation in treating patients with addiction. Law enforcement’s role is also highlighted in the episode. Called to assist with DesCamps’ removal from the hospital, the officers’ reluctance and their recorded conversations demonstrate the ethical challenges they face. Their eventual decision to take him to Unity Behavioral Medical Center, and what followed, underscores the serious nature of DesCamps’ condition. Our discussion is intended to stimulate thought and conversation, not to assign blame. We explore the intersections of medical care, addiction, and law enforcement, emphasizing the need for empathy and appropriate training in managing addiction cases. The graphic content, though presented carefully, is essential to convey the educational aspect of this tragic event. Our goal is to honor Jean DesCamps’ memory by encouraging discussions about improving practices in addiction medicine and emergency care. Viewer discretion is advised for the graphic content of this episode. Featuring addiction case manager and former addict Jean-Paul (JP) Michael, the channel focuses on all things related to substance use, addiction, addiction medicine, psychotherapy, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. JP shares his motivation, curiosity, and passion for their craft. JP works on a daily basis in a renown inner city hospital in Canada's largest city.