Foundations Recovery Network

Recovery Unscripted

Foundations Recovery Network

  • #76: Fighting Back Against the Opioid Crisis with Chris Christie

#76: Fighting Back Against the Opioid Crisis with Chris Christie

Wednesday 17th October 2018

Chris Christie discusses his family's struggles with addiction and his efforts to combat the opioid crisis in 'Recovery Unscripted'.
24 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Compassionate
Engaging

About this podcast

Recovery Unscripted
Author:
Foundations Recovery Network
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Chris Christie: Tackling the Opioid Crisis Head-On

When I talked with him about the ongoing institutional failures that have fueled the opioid crisis and the ways he's personally seen addiction ruin lives, I got a sense that he really does care about this in a way that's increasingly rare among the national political class.
When it comes to the opioid crisis, former Governor Chris Christie brings both personal and political insights to the table. In this episode of 'Recovery Unscripted', Christie shares his heartfelt journey, revealing how addiction has deeply affected his own family. Both his half-brother and father struggled with addiction, ultimately leading to their tragic deaths. These experiences fuel Christie's passion for combating the opioid epidemic.
Christie discusses the complexities of the crisis, noting that many who become addicted to opioids start with prescribed medications before turning to dangerous street drugs like heroin and fentanyl when prescriptions run out. He stresses the importance of accessible treatment, pointing out that many who need help can't get it due to a lack of resources and affordable insurance.
As chairman of the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, Christie has been at the forefront of recommending changes to Medicaid and improving insurance coverage for addiction treatment. He also highlights the pharmaceutical industry's role in the crisis, advocating for legal action against companies prioritizing profits over patient safety. But Christie doesn't stop there.
He sees technology as a promising tool in the fight against addiction, suggesting its use in identifying at-risk individuals and providing virtual counseling through telemedicine. Despite the daunting challenges, Christie remains hopeful. He believes progress is possible if everyone—from Congress to state governments—works together. Tune in to hear Christie's candid conversation about the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis, his personal connection to the issue, and his vision for a future where treatment is accessible and effective.