In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Ali Amirsadri. Dr. A is the Medical Director of the FST5 Program, and he brings a wealth of knowledge from his role at Wayne State University’s Department of Psychiatry and as an Associate Chair for Clinical Services. We are also joined by Dr. Andrew King, whose extensive credentials speak volumes about his expertise in the field of toxicology, emergency medicine, and substance use disorder. Dr. King is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and medical toxicology at Wayne State University located in Detroit, Michigan. He also serves as the Medical Director for the Tolan Park Opiate Treatment Program at Wayne Health, providing vital treatment options for those grappling with opioid addiction. His role as an In-Patient Addiction Medicine Service Provider at DMC Receiving Hospital Central Campus further underscores his commitment to combating substance use disorders head-on. Additionally, as the Medical Director for the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center, Dr. King is at the forefront of addressing the immediate challenges posed by exposure to toxic chemicals and substances.
Dr. King and Dr. A are here to shed light on Substance Use Disorder, or SUD. Beyond the casual use of substances like a glass of wine or a social drink, SUD represents a significant shift. It’s marked by an escalation in use that begins to affect every facet of life—from work and school to personal relationships. It’s important to keep in mind that SUD isn’t just about alcohol. It’s about the excessive use of substances, including cannabis, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, inhalants, opioids, hallucinogens, stimulants, or any other substance that leads to academic, social, and occupational impairment.
During this episode, we’ll take a deep dive into how SUD can take hold, its impact on control over use, and the resulting physical, psychological, and social consequences. Dr. King and Dr. A will guide us through the intricacies of these disorders, their effects, and the importance of recognizing the signs.
The Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Wayne State University Frontline Strong Together Program. The Minds on Frontline Podcast is designed to inform, educate, and entertain first responders, their families, and the public regarding the realities of frontline work-related mental health challenges.
Host – Geoff Lassers (Lassers126@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, West Bloomfield FD
Host – Mike Mattern (michaelmattern229@gmail.com), Firefighter/paramedic, Dearborn