Dr. Cali Estes
Dr. Cali Estes
EE127 Mel Pohl | Chronic Pain, Addiction, and the Path to Recovery
EE127 Mel Pohl | Chronic Pain, Addiction, and the Path to Recovery
EE127 Mel Pohl | Chronic Pain, Addiction, and the Path to Recovery
Tuesday 10th March 2026
Explore chronic pain, addiction, and recovery with Dr. Mel Pohl as he shares insights on opiate-induced hyperalgesia and the vagus nerve.
Explicit
26 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Educational
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Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Cali Estes
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Body & Mind
Entrepreneurship for Personal Growth
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Chronic Pain and Addiction: Insights from Dr. Mel Pohl
Episode Overview
- Chronic pain often overlaps with addiction issues.
- Opioids can worsen pain due to inflammatory effects.
- Feeling safe is crucial for effective healing.
- The vagus nerve plays a key role in stress management.
- Mindfulness and breathing techniques aid recovery.
"You can't heal until you feel safe."
What remarkable journeys have people faced head-on against addiction? In this episode of 'Unpause Your Life,' Dr. Cali Estes sits down with Dr. Mel Pohl, a well-respected addiction medicine specialist, to chat about the intricate connections between chronic pain, addiction, and recovery. Dr. Pohl shares his expertise from over 30 years in the field, shedding light on the often misunderstood overlap between physical pain and addiction.
He emphasises how many people are left struggling due to inadequate medical support and a lack of understanding from therapists. Dr. Pohl introduces listeners to the concept of opiate-induced hyperalgesia, where opioids can actually exacerbate pain due to their inflammatory effects on the brain. This episode is packed with enlightening discussions about how the medical community often misses the mark by treating symptoms rather than addressing the whole person. Dr.
Pohl passionately discusses the science of safety and how essential it is for individuals to feel secure in order to heal effectively. Listeners will find themselves intrigued by Dr. Pohl's insights into the vagus nerve and its role in managing stress and promoting relaxation. He explains how simple practices like deep breathing and mindfulness can help activate this crucial nerve, offering a pathway to calmness and healing.
Whether you're curious about chronic pain, addiction, or just want to learn about new methods of recovery, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complex interplay of pain and addiction, all while being guided by experts in the field. So, are you ready to explore new ways to manage pain and addiction?