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.

In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Wiplove (Wip) Lamba and Jean-Paul (JP) Michael dive into the crucial question, “Is Harm Reduction Dead?” as they examine the life-saving impact and broader, often-overlooked benefits of safe consumption sites (SCS). Far beyond reducing overdose deaths, SCS provide primary care and other vital services to individuals who may otherwise be excluded from the healthcare system. These services not only save lives but also reduce taxpayer costs, hospital visits, and emergency wait times by offering proactive, accessible care to those in need. Through his personal narrative, JP shares how harm reduction was the only viable pathway for someone like him, who was completely disenfranchised from the existing healthcare system. JP and Wip shed light on the critical support that safe consumption sites provide, creating an environment where individuals can access care, foster trust, and connect with services they might otherwise avoid due to stigma or past negative experiences. This episode challenges the misconception that harm reduction is incompatible with recovery and argues instead for a broader understanding. Harm reduction doesn’t only serve as a pathway to safer use; it supports diverse approaches, including recovery, tailored to meet people where they are. JP and Wip explore the ethical, logistical, and public health benefits of harm reduction, encouraging listeners to see these sites as essential resources that empower individuals and strengthen communities. • 00:00 – Clips from the Episode • 00:50 – Opening Remarks: Is Harm Reduction Dead? • 02:12 – Addressing the Harm Reduction Misconceptions • 05:37 – How Safe Consumption Sites Save Lives • 09:08 – Primary Care in SCS: Reducing Hospital Strain • 12:46 – JP’s Story: Harm Reduction as a Pathway for the Disenfranchised • 17:20 – Stigma’s Role in Limiting Access to Care • 21:30 – Harm Reduction as a Spectrum: Safe Use and Recovery • 25:48 – Public Health Impact: Fewer Overdoses, Less ER Strain • 28:40 – Medical Ethics: Wip’s Perspective on Supervised Use • 32:14 – Success Stories: How SCS Make a Difference • 36:05 – Closing Thoughts: The Future of Harm Reduction Why This Matters: Safe consumption sites are pillars of harm reduction, providing more than just a safe space—they’re lifelines offering medical care, reducing strain on hospitals, and cutting taxpayer costs by preventing crises before they reach emergency rooms. JP and Wip draw from their extensive experience to show how SCS not only save lives but also create healthier, more supportive communities. References Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS): Windsor-Essex Community Opioid and Substance Strategy (WECOSS). https://wecoss.ca/sites/default/files/WECOOSS Presentation Jan 2021.pdf Safer Supply Programs: Understanding Harm Reduction and Consumption Treatment Services, Middlesex-London Health Unit. https://www.healthunit.com/harm-reduction Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS): Moss Park OPS, Toronto. Toronto Star (2017). https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/09/27/unsanctioned-pop-up-supervised-injection-site-in-moss-park-dismantled-as-funding-begins-for-legal-site.html Syringe-Dispensing Programs (Vending Machines): Harm Reduction Journal, Syringe-Dispensing Machine Needle Exchange Program. https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-021-00541-z Safer Supply Myths (Kadian): Middlesex-London Health Unit. https://www.healthunit.com/harm-reduction Featuring Dr. Wip, an addiction psychiatrist, and Jean-Paul (JP) Michael, an addiction case manager and former addict. They explore various facets of substance use, addiction medicine, psychotherapy, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. JP works daily in a leading inner-city hospital in Canada’s largest city, while Dr. Wip’s work encompasses both clinical practice and academic contributions.

Chapters 0:00 introduction 1:13 Seek Support if Needed 1:51 Monitor Your Emotional State 2:22 Practice Saying No 2:56 Plan Safe Transportation 3:38 Choose Lower Alcohol Options 4:10 Avoid Drinking Games and Shots 5:01 Pace Your Drinks 5:33 Eat Before and While Drinking 6:28 Stay Hydrated 7:03 Know Your Limits 7:48 Conclusion In today’s YouTube video, we embark on an enlightening journey to celebrate the art of moderation, exploring the wisdom of setting limits and the joy of conscious celebration without the aftermath of regrettable decisions, such as waking up with a mystery tattoo. We acknowledge that while no amount of alcohol is deemed ‘healthy’ for the body, not all drinking behaviors carry the same level of risk. This presentation delves into the sparkling realm of harm reduction drinking tips, advocating for choices that prioritize well-being and safety over excess. Our guide is a thoughtfully curated Top 10 Countdown of Harm Reduction Drinking Tips, designed to inspire viewers to toast to their health with confidence and knowledge. These tips range from seeking support if controlling alcohol intake becomes challenging, to monitoring emotional states, as alcohol can intensify emotions and potentially lead to dependency. We emphasize the power of saying no to peer pressure and the importance of planning safe transportation to avoid impaired driving. The countdown continues with practical advice on choosing drinks with lower alcohol content, avoiding high-risk behaviors like drinking games and shots, and pacing drinks to allow the body time to metabolize alcohol safely. We also stress the importance of eating before and while drinking to slow alcohol absorption, staying hydrated to counteract alcohol’s dehydrating effects, and, most importantly, knowing your personal limits to prevent overindulgence. Concluding, our video underscores that less harmful drinking is about making informed choices, understanding risks, and implementing strategies to reduce negative outcomes. By embracing these ten harm reduction tips, viewers are encouraged to enjoy social occasions with mindfulness and control. This approach to drinking is not about achieving perfection but about taking practical steps towards a safer and more enjoyable experience. Join us in promoting healthier choices and celebrating the art of moderation for a happier, safer social life. Canada’s safer drinking guidelines https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/fil... 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.