{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Stigma Shift | Uncovering Mental Health with St John of God University Hospital","title":"Beneath the Surface : Addiction and Recovery in High-Performing Lives","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2073,"description":"What does addiction look like when it hides behind success? In this episode, Professor O’Gara joins Elaine to unpack the often-overlooked reality of addiction among high-achieving individuals. From burnout and insomnia to the rise of process addictions like online gaming, gambling, and phone overuse, the conversation explores how performance-driven environments can mask — and even fuel — addictive behaviours. Professor O’Gara shares insights from over two decades on the frontline of addiction treatment, highlighting the stigma that delays help-seeking, the role of workplace culture in either supporting or failing employees, and the compassionate, non-confrontational approach his team takes to treatment. At its core, this discussion is a reminder that recovery is possible — and that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of success or status.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTAddiction expands beyond drugs and alcohol.High achievers vulnerable to burnout, poor coping.Personality traits link success and addiction risk.Workplace culture affects employees' addiction recovery.Compassionate treatment offers hope for recovery.GUEST DETAILSProfessor Colin O'Gara is a recognised Consultant Psychiatrist with 23 years of clinical experience, specialising in addiction medicine. He serves as the Head of Addiction Services at St John of God University Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin (UCD). For over 18 years, Professor O'Gara has led the development of holistic, non-confrontational detoxification and rehabilitation services at St John of God University Hospital. The hospital's addiction services treat a wide range of substance addictions, including alcohol, stimulants, opioids, sedatives, cannabis, and digital addictions such as gambling disorder and internet gaming disorder.   Dedicated to research, Professor O'Gara leads a group at UCD's School of Medicine investigating areas such as gambling, over-the-counter pill addiction, and alcohol...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/y-xSoiua_LDc4FsQKVE43SqV1TCgDcC6wKBvXhXZXmI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mMmVh/MDM4MGFjOGEwMGZj/ZTdhZGIwODVjMTlm/ZGQxOC5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}