Respectful engagement in substance use care

Podcast

Season 6: Episode 3 - March 9 2026

Runtime: 33:28

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SHOW NOTES
Summary

In this episode, David P. Ball speaks with Peer Support Specialist Chad Ellsworth and primary care addictions physician Dr. Jacob Sussman about what respectful, person-centred engagement looks like in substance use care. Drawing from lived experience and clinical practice, the guests share how small gestures of kindness and curiosity about a client’s motivations can build trust and support long-term connection to care. This episode highlights real-world experiences of navigating the health care system, the importance of goal setting, and the role that peers play in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in clinical settings.

Learning Objectives

  1. Build skills to discuss substance use with all clients in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.
  2. Apply a curiosity-driven, whole-person approach to substance use care and conversations to learn more about the context and motivations for someone’s substance use.
  3. Emphasize the importance of informing clients about the toxic drug supply and increasing awareness that anyone using unregulated substances is at risk in the current context .

Lineup

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • [1:50] – Chad Ellsworth, Guest – Peer Support Specialist, Hope to Health Research & Innovation Centre 
  • [13:10] – Dr. Jacob Sussman, Guest – Family doctor, Hope to Health Research & Innovation Centre

Clinical Pearls

Here’s what listeners can take away from this episode:

  1. Letting someone know that you are happy to see them and want to see them again can make a big difference in making a patient feel that they are seen and welcomed in clinical settings.
  2. Approaching clinical interactions from a place of curiosity and showing an interest in motivations for using substances allows care providers to treat the root causes of substance use. 
  3. Using trauma-informed care acknowledges that patients sometimes have different and sometimes negative experiences within the health care system that shape their perceptions of care providers. 
  4. Working with patient to achieve smaller health goals in increments can help build the patient-care provider relationship and achieve larger goals over time.
  5. Be honest about clinician limitations and manage expectations by providing context to decisions about patient care and focusing on what can be done instead. For example, explaining the risks of prescribing of certain medications, like benzodiazepines and why it’s advised against, and offering safer alternatives.  

Resources

Videos and podcasts

Courses and training programs for care providers

Supports and guidance for care providers

Articles and books

  • Shearer D, Fleming T, Fowler A, Boyd J, McNeil R. Naloxone distribution, trauma, and supporting community-based overdose responders. Int J Drug Policy. 2019;74:255-256. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.11.008