Casey Grover, MD, FACEP
Casey Grover, MD, FACEP, FASAM
Breaking Barriers: Creating Patient-Friendly Addiction Treatment
Breaking Barriers: Creating Patient-Friendly Addiction Treatment
Breaking Barriers: Creating Patient-Friendly Addiction Treatment
Monday 4th August 2025
Dr. Amy Swift discusses creating patient-friendly addiction treatments through stigma reduction and trauma-informed care. A must-listen for healthcare execs.
43 minutes
hopeful
informative
challenging
empathetic
About this podcast
Author:
Casey Grover, MD, FACEP
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Episodes:
144 (View all)
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Episode Overview
- Creating accessible healthcare systems for addiction patients.
- Importance of understanding addiction as a brain disease.
- Reducing stigma through person-first language.
- Trauma-informed approaches in addiction treatment.
- Role of executive functioning in addiction healthcare.
"Treating addiction saves lives. Together, we can make it happen."
In this episode of the Addiction Medicine Made Easy podcast, Dr. Casey Grover welcomes Dr. Amy Swift, a leading addiction psychiatrist and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Silverhill Hospital in Connecticut. Dr. Swift shares her insights on creating healthcare systems that better serve patients with addiction, focusing on reducing stigma, implementing trauma-informed care, and increasing accessibility. Dr. Swift highlights the need for healthcare professionals to understand addiction as a brain disease rather than a moral failing.
She discusses the historical separation of psychiatry and addiction treatment and the detrimental effects of the 'get sober first' mentality often found in mental health care. By recognizing the challenges in executive functioning that patients with addiction face, healthcare systems can be more accommodating and flexible. A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the stigma associated with addiction. Dr.
Swift emphasizes the importance of using person-first language and banning judgmental terms that contribute to stigma, such as 'dirty urine.' This approach, she argues, is essential for creating an environment where patients feel respected and understood. Dr. Swift also explains the role of trauma-informed care in treating addiction. Many patients with addiction have experienced traumatic events or adverse childhood experiences, which impact their treatment needs.
By acknowledging these experiences and adjusting care practices accordingly, healthcare providers can offer more effective treatment. Furthermore, Dr. Swift advocates for the broader use of Suboxone as a treatment option for patients struggling with opiate use disorders. She shares her experiences in managing diverse patient populations, including those with PTSD and substance use disorders, stressing the importance of tailored interventions. Dr. Grover concludes the episode with a heartfelt appreciation for the lifesaving work healthcare providers do in treating addiction.
He encourages listeners to continue learning and advocating for improved addiction treatment practices, emphasizing that collective action is vital in this ongoing battle. This episode is a call to action for healthcare executives, providers, and the general public to engage with the complex issues surrounding addiction treatment and work towards a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system.