Breaking the Stigma: Dr. Mark Gold on Addiction and Recovery
I hope that this pandemic has brought to light that there is no shame at all in asking for help, and I hope that that's something that carries over strongly into and beyond.
Ever wondered how we can change the way society views addiction? In this episode of the Landmark Recovery Podcast, Zach Crouch sits down with Dr. Mark Gold, a trailblazer in addiction research. With over 45 years of experience, Dr. Gold has seen it all—from the early days when addiction wasn't even recognized as a health issue to today's ongoing battle against opioid overdoses.
This conversation dives into substance use disorders (SUDs), the journey to reduce stigma around addiction, and the challenges of transitioning back to normal life post-pandemic. Dr. Gold breaks down the neurobiology of addiction, making it clear why understanding this can be a game-changer for treatment. He stresses the importance of accessible treatment and the need to combat the shame often tied to addiction.
They also touch on 'deaths of despair' and why it's crucial for loved ones to grasp what someone struggling with addiction is going through. Dr. Gold's insights are both eye-opening and hopeful, offering practical advice for those facing addiction. As he puts it, 'There should be no shame in asking for help, especially now more than ever.' Tune in for a conversation that could change how you see addiction and recovery.