Captain Hooked: The Addiction Project

By: Dr. Wiplove Lamba & Jean-Paul Michael
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  • Summary

  • Join addiction psychiatrist Dr. Wiplove (Wip) Lamba and addiction case manager Jean-Paul (JP) Michael as they explore the multifaceted world of substance use, addiction, and recovery. Working in the emergency room of a renowned inner-city hospital in Canada's largest city, JP brings firsthand insights daily. Together, Wip and JP deliver expert perspectives on addiction medicine, psychotherapy, harm reduction, and treatment strategies. Please note: This channel does not provide medical advice.
    Dr. Wiplove Lamba & Jean-Paul Michael
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
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Episodes
  • #166 From Vaping to Fentanyl: The Hottest (and Weirdest) Drug Stories in America

    #166 From Vaping to Fentanyl: The Hottest (and Weirdest) Drug Stories in America
    Mar 1 2025
    From vaping bans to the fentanyl crisis, the U.S. is facing some of the most intense—and bizarre—challenges in the world of addiction. In this episode, addiction psychiatrist Dr. Wiplove (Wip) Lamba and addictions case manager Jean-Paul (JP) Michael break down the most pressing substance use trends shaping America today.With JP working on the front lines of addiction care at a major inner-city hospital in Canada and Wip bringing his expertise from clinical and academic work, they offer a unique outside perspective on the policies, trends, and controversies unfolding in the U.S. Whether it’s the explosion of fentanyl deaths, the shifting legal landscape of cannabis, or the unintended consequences of tele-health prescribing, they cover it all with honesty, insight, and just a bit of dark humour (humor)What’s in this episode? • How fentanyl became America’s deadliest drug • Big Pharma’s role in the opioid epidemic—have they really been held accountable? • MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)—the “gold standard” for opioid addiction, yet still out of reach for many • The U.S. criminal justice system: Why are people still being locked up for drug possession? • Veterans and addiction—why PTSD and substance use are so closely linked • The youth vaping crisis—how did it get this bad, and what’s being done? • The post-pandemic telehealth boom: a blessing or a disaster for addiction treatment? • Racial disparities in drug policy—who gets access to treatment, and who gets arrested? • Faith-based recovery—effective treatment or exclusionary approach? • Cannabis legalization—has it helped, or just created new problems?Why does this matter?America’s addiction crisis isn’t slowing down, and in many ways, it’s getting weirder. Harm reduction and treatment strategies continue to evolve, but so do the obstacles—whether it’s outdated policies, corporate greed, or new drug trends that emerge faster than regulators can react.As Canadians discussing a U.S. problem, JP and Wip provide a rare perspective: an outsider’s view of a system that seems chaotic, even compared to Canada’s often-criticized approach to addiction treatment. With years of frontline experience, they cut through the noise and get to the real issues—while keeping things engaging, informative, and unfiltered.🔗 Timestamps / Table of Contents:0:03 - Fentanyl Crisis and Overdose Epidemic7:26 - The Role of Big Pharma in the Opioid Epidemic9:39 - Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Access12:02 - Criminalization vs. Treatment for Substance Use14:01 - Veterans and Addiction15:04 - Adolescent Vaping Crisis17:08 - Telehealth for Addiction Treatment Post-Pandemic21:06 - Racial Disparities in Addiction Treatment and Policy Enforcement22:17 - The Role of Faith-Based Programs in Addiction Recovery25:22 - State-Level Cannabis Legalization and Addiction Impacts📣 Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below! Have you or someone you know faced challenges in accessing quality addiction treatment? Share your story and let’s build awareness together.🎤 About the Hosts: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.
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    30 mins
  • #160 NITAZENE ALERT: The Emerging Threat of an Ultra-Potent Opioid

    #160 NITAZENE ALERT: The Emerging Threat of an Ultra-Potent Opioid
    Feb 25 2025
    In this detailed exploration, we delve into the alarming rise of Nitazene, a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than fentanyl. This video sheds light on the historical background, current impact, and the challenges posed by Nitazene in North America. We examine its interaction with other substances, its role in the increasing rates of opioid overdoses, and discuss the essential strategies needed for harm reduction and public health response. Join us as we uncover the complexities of this potent drug and its implications for addiction medicine and community safety.Table of Contents: 0:21 Introduction to Nitazene - The new, potent threat in the opioid crisis, its history, and why it’s known as “Frankenstein” among street names. 1:10 Historical Context and Resurgence - How Nitazene was developed, why it was never commercialized, and its recent detection in the drug market. 2:02 Current Impact and Public Health Response - Analyzing the surge in overdose deaths linked to Nitazene and the necessary public health strategies. 3:03 Medical Risks and Drug Interactions - The dangers of Nitazene when combined with other central nervous system depressants. 4:38 Challenges in Drug Detection and Response - The difficulties in detecting Nitazene in standard drug tests and the need for enhanced medical responses. 5:38 Strategies for Mitigation and Awareness - Discussing harm reduction, education, and community efforts to combat the spread of this dangerous opioid.Originally developed in the 1950s, Nitazene was never approved for medical use due to its extreme potency and associated risks. Decades later, these compounds have resurfaced in the illicit drug market, often mixed with other substances, increasing the danger they pose. This resurgence is especially concerning given the spike in overdose deaths in regions like Ontario and British Columbia, as well as in the U.S., particularly Philadelphia.This video explores the dual nature of opioids—beneficial under medical supervision but devastatingly dangerous when misused, especially in the form of black market products like Nitazene. It also highlights the critical interactions between Nitazene and central nervous system depressants, which can lead to severe, often fatal, respiratory depression.As the opioid crisis evolves, so does the complexity of the drug supply, introducing unpredictable risks with new synthetic opioids. This situation challenges first responders and addiction specialists who face the daunting task of combating these emerging threats. Our discussion extends to the effectiveness of naloxone, once considered a universal antidote, which now struggles against stronger opioids like Nitazene.The video concludes with a call to action for robust public health strategies, expanded research, and comprehensive community education to manage and mitigate the dangers posed by synthetic opioids. It underscores the need for a multifaceted response to a crisis that continues to evolve, testing the resilience and adaptability of our healthcare systems.References:1. Everything you need to know about nitazenes - The Pharmaceutical Journal (https://pharmaceutical-journal.com)2. Nitazenes: The New Fentanyl? | Poison Control (https://www.poison.org/articles/nitazenes-the-new-fentanyl-213)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.
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    10 mins
  • #165 Toronto Star Exposes Muskoka Recovery Scandal: An Addiction Medicine Perspective

    #165 Toronto Star Exposes Muskoka Recovery Scandal: An Addiction Medicine Perspective
    Feb 17 2025

    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.
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    47 mins

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