Alcohol Use Disorder

Videos

Browse through our collection of videos and discover a six-part series based on a presentation by family physician; an episode of CBC’s The Nature of Things focusing on evidence-based research and treatments for alcohol addiction; a short video that introduces prescribing for AUD to clinicians; a feature documentary; background information for people with lived and living experience and a video that focuses on treatment from a First Nations perspective.

Check back regularly as we add to our collection. Or contact us with suggestions!

Video Series: A Family Physician’s Perspective

This six-part video series is based on a slideshow originally presented by Canadian AUD Society Clinical Advisory Member and family physician, Dr. Andrew Ashley, in Princeton, BC (Nov 16/22). They are reproduced here as many community members wanted others to have access to the wealth of information provided. We hope you find them useful too.

PART ONE: Dr. Ashley provides a definition of Alcohol Use Disorder, including when it is mild, moderate or severe, and describes who can be affected by this condition.

PART TWO: Dr. Ashley provides an overview of how alcohol use affects the brain, which is essential for understanding how treatments can work for this condition.

PART THREE: Dr. Ashley describes the biological, psychological and social factors which can contribute to an individual developing AUD, and which also determines best treatment options.

PART FOUR: Dr. Ashley describes treatment options, including explaining four different medications and how they work on the brain. He also talks about how to offer help, and the options to setting drinking goals — whether that’s to stop or simply reduce drinking.

PART FIVE: Dr. Ashley walks through a sample patient journey — from setting to realizing an individual’s drinking goals.

PART SIX: Dr. Ashley provides some tips for both family, friends and providers about how to talk about someone’s drinking in a non-judgmental way.

*Please note that these videos do not constitute medical advice and are not a substitute for medical care, which should be discussed with an individual’s care provider as a part of their overall care plan.

An introduction to prescribing for Alcohol Use Disorder

In this 6-minute video, hear from physicians, a nurse practitioner and experts from the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society on advances in treatment for alcohol use disorder. The video also includes starter information for clinicians.

CBC’s The Nature of Things with David Suzuki

Canada's longest running documentary series about the frontlines of science dedicates an entire episode highlighting the best evidence-based addiction research and treatments to beat alcohol addiction. It explores the effects of alcohol on the brain, new medications, and more.

Award-winning mini-documentary on Alcohol Use Disorder

We are thrilled to announce the release of ‘Smashed’ a multi-award winning mini-documentary produced by our parters, Mutant Films. A part of the Telus Storyhive project, this film documents the story of our founder Dr. Jeff Harries, and provides information on understanding and treating Alcohol Use Disorder as a medical condition.

Alcohol Use Disorder Introduction

This 3-minute video provides a quick introduction to alcohol use disorder and the new treatment options available.

After watching, we encourage you to find out more on our Alcohol Use Disorder Facts and FAQs pages, where you will also find videos created by other organizations and news outlets.

 

Alcohol Use Disorder Overview

This 7-minute video provides more of an overview of alcohol use disorder, new treatment options as well as its impacts on society.

After viewing, please also consider visiting our Donation page, if you are inspired and able to help spread the word.

 

Alcohol Use Disorder A New Approach

In this 20-minute video, created in collaboration with Interior Health, hear from experts including clinicians, patients, and families about life-changing medications for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder.

 

A New Approach to AUD Care: A First Nations Perspective

Hear how reducing cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms using a new approach to medical treatment options for alcohol use disorder can complement a person’s existing support network including cultural, traditional and community-led healing. In this video, a mother says of her son who found success with an AUD medical treatment option: “People can see the difference in his life. He’s very cultural, very spiritual, back to his roots. He’s hunting, he’s fishing, he’s serving his people like the elders used to do.”

We express gratitude for our many partners, and gratefully acknowledge that this project was filmed on the tradition Syilx territory, Haisla First Nations territory, the Kwakawaka’wakw territory and the Wei Wei Kai First Nations territory.

 

Making our Films…

The Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society is pleased to be working with the talented individuals at Mutant Films and Tempest Theatre to produce videos about this important work. Director Kate Twa, cinematographer Ronan Reinart and producer Jennifer Vincent began weekly filming sessions with Dr. Harries in April 2020 with a vision to capture his stories and experiences in treating AUD with pharmacotherapy.

This routine grew organically into interviewing clinicians, subject matter experts, patients and families. Penticton is evolving into an example for treatment of this disorder, which impacts so many aspects of our society. The foundation of knowledge, compassion and hope that Dr. Harries has established is a remarkable gift, and Tempest Theatre is honoured to be involved.