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Living a Life in Balance - PODCASTAuthor: Abdullah Boulad
Founder & CEO of THE BALANCE RehabClinic Book Author & Podcast Host of "Living a Life in Balance" Global Expert in Mental Health & WellbeingI lead one of the worlds most exclusive mental health and addiction treatment brands, helping global leaders, creatives, and high-net-worth individuals find deep healing and personal transformation. Through my podcast, I explore the intersection of psychology, purpose, and wellbeing.This Podcast is dedicated to meaningful conversations about mental health, well-being, and the challenges we face today. It is part of my ongoing commitment to supporting people in navigating complex emotional and psychological struggles. Through open discussions with leading experts in the industry, I aim to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and offer valuable insights that can make a real difference.https://balancerehabclinic.com Language: en Genres: Alternative Health, Health & Fitness, Mental Health Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Understanding Chronic Pain: And Its Role in the Opioid Epidemic
Wednesday, 1 April, 2026
Send us Fan MailChronic pain affects millions of people around the world. Yet many patients are still told that if scans look normal, the problem must be “in their head.”In reality, chronic pain is far more complex. It involves the brain, the nervous system, emotional regulation, and the way the body responds to stress and trauma.In this episode of Living a Life in Balance, Abdullah Boulad is joined by Dr. Mel Pohl for a deep conversation about chronic pain, addiction medicine, and the mind-body connection.Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Pohl explains why traditional medical models often struggle to treat chronic pain effectively. The discussion explores how addiction medicine intersected with pain treatment during the opioid epidemic, and why a deeper understanding of the nervous system is essential for long-term recovery.The conversation also examines how trauma, stress, loneliness, and emotional regulation influence pain perception. Dr. Pohl discusses the role of the vagus nerve, Polyvagal Theory, and why safety and co-regulation are critical factors in healing.Rather than focusing on quick fixes, this episode looks at the gradual process of restoring balance within the nervous system and helping individuals regain agency over their lives.Topics explored in this conversation include:• The evolution of addiction treatment and lessons from the opioid crisis• Why high-functioning professionals are not immune to addiction• The relationship between chronic pain, trauma, and the nervous system• How thoughts, stress, and attention shape the experience of pain• Polyvagal Theory and the role of the vagus nerve in healing• Why integrative approaches are changing how chronic pain is treatedThis conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on one of the most misunderstood conditions in modern medicine.About Dr. Mel Pohl: Dr. Mel is a physician specializing in addiction medicine and chronic pain treatment. With decades of clinical experience, his work focuses on the intersection between substance use disorders, pain management, and the nervous system, emphasizing integrative approaches that address both the biological and psychological dimensions of healing.00:00:00 — Dr. Mel Pohl’s Path into Addiction Medicine00:01:05 — Why Doctors Specialize in Addiction Treatment00:01:29 — Early Addiction Treatment and Aversion Therapy00:04:57 — The Opioid Epidemic and Chronic Pain00:05:35 — Addiction Among High-Functioning Professionals00:08:21 — Recovery Models and Alcoholics Anonymous00:10:27 — The Evolution of Addiction Treatment00:13:10 — Why There Are No Quick Fixes in Addiction Recovery00:13:41 — Dr. Mel Pohl’s Personal Experience with Chronic Pain00:16:06 — Why Back Surgery Often Fails Chronic Pain Patients00:18:29 — What Chronic Pain Really Is00:21:16 — How the Brain Influences Pain Perception00:25:07 — Psychological Approaches to Chronic Pain00:28:16 — The Vagus Nerve and Polyvagal Theory00:32:29 — Trauma, Co-Regulation, and the Nervous System00:34:28 — Placebo, Nocebo, and the Power of the Doctor-Patient Relationship00:39:19 — Integrative Medicine and the Mind-Body Connection00:42:50 — Self-Regulation Tools for Chronic Pain00:49:18 — Trauma, Stress, and Chronic Pain00:57:38 — The Future of Chronic Pain TreatmentFollow Abdullah Boulad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/ https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/ Follow Dr Mel Pohl:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-pohl-4b104914/You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51Follow The Balance Rehab Clinic: https://www.linkedin.
