Seeking answers about addiction or supporting someone on the path to recovery? Welcome to Cracking Addiction, the podcast that empowers you with knowledge and hope.
Hosted by Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, we explore the science of addiction, effective treatments, and inspiring recovery stories. Whether you're facing addiction, helping a loved one, or a professional seeking insights, this podcast is for you.
Join us weekly for expert discussions on substance abuse, behavioral addictions, and their impact on lives. Subscribe now to become part of our healing community
BIND Recovery: Why Amitriptyline Could Be Making Symptoms Worse
That sleep med your doctor gave you for benzo withdrawal? Amitriptyline might actually be making things worse. Here's the surprising reason. Your brain is trying to heal its GABA receptors, a process that can take 6 to 24 months. Amitriptyline messes with that delicate repair job.
Its anticholinergic effects can worsen the brain fog you're already fighting, and it can even lower your seizure threshold, a huge risk during withdrawal.
So what actually works? Patience, sleep hygiene, and gentle supports like low-dose melatonin.
Your brain's natural healing gives the most sustainable results.
8 Jul 2026
Pregabalin Withdrawal: Why Australian ERs Are Seeing Double the Cases
Pregabalin withdrawal is one of Australia's most under-diagnosed clinical emergencies — and most doctors still don't recognise it. Emergency departments are reporting a 200% increase in presentations linked to stopping Lyrica, yet patients are routinely misdiagnosed with panic attacks, viral illness, or cardiac events.
Dr. Ferghal Armstrong breaks down exactly what's happening and what every prescriber and patient needs to know.
1 Jul 2026
Opioid Withdrawal: Why Symptoms Follow This Exact Pattern
Understand the true opioid withdrawal timeline and why symptoms are not linear. Dr. Ferghal Armstrong clarifies the science behind how your brain reacts during recovery.Many people mistakenly believe that opioid withdrawal symptoms get steadily worse over time. This video breaks down the evidence-based reality of what happens physically and neurologically when someone stops using opioids.
By examining how regular use changes the brain reward system and receptor sensitivity, you will gain a clearer picture of the physiological process involved.This breakdown is designed for patients, families, and healthcare providers looking for accurate information regarding addiction medicine. We look at why endorphin production drops and how that influences your experience. Having a realistic expectation of the opioid withdrawal timeline can help remove the fear often associated with the recovery process.Subscribe for weekly addiction medicine breakdowns, and comment below with which recovery topic you want us to cover next.
Who has been a guest on Cracking Addiction
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Ferghal
Ferghal Armstrong
Tom
Fergal Armstrong
Dr Richard Bradlow
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
4.8 / 5
24 ratings
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