Joanie Sigal
Joanie Sigal
Dr. Stephen Gelfand - a Pioneer in Battling Opioid Addiction
Dr. Stephen Gelfand - a Pioneer in Battling Opioid Addiction
Dr. Stephen Gelfand - a Pioneer in Battling Opioid Addiction
Thursday 7th October 2021
Dr. Stephen Gelfand discusses the opioid crisis, its origins, and potential solutions in this eye-opening episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return'.
48 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Joanie Sigal
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sobriety Success Stories
Creative Recovery Journeys
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Episodes:
411 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Dr. Stephen Gelfand: Unveiling the Realities of the Opioid Crisis
I think it's important for everyone to hear what really went on in medicine prior to the opioid revolution and the opioid epidemic.
Picture this: you're a seasoned doctor with over 40 years of experience, and you've seen firsthand the devastating impact of opioid addiction. That's the reality for Dr. Stephen Gelfand, a board-certified rheumatologist who has dedicated his career to understanding and combating the opioid epidemic. In this episode of 'The Addiction Podcast - Point of No Return', Dr. Gelfand sits down with Joanie Sigal to share his deep insights into the history and ongoing challenges of opioid use in medicine. Dr.
Gelfand doesn't just skim the surface. He dives into the gritty details of how pharmaceutical companies, starting in the 1990s, aggressively marketed opioids as safe painkillers, despite knowing their addictive potential. This led to a surge in overprescription and, ultimately, widespread addiction. One striking example he discusses is the Comprehensive Pain Clinic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which became infamous for its reckless opioid prescriptions. But Dr. Gelfand isn't here to point fingers without offering solutions.
He talks about the shortcomings of the American Medical Association's response to the crisis and highlights the challenges primary care physicians face in treating chronic pain without resorting to opioids. He also tackles the controversial issue of victim-blaming in addiction, arguing that it's high time we shift the focus from individuals to the systemic problems fueling this epidemic. Despite the grim statistics and heartbreaking stories, Dr. Gelfand believes there's hope.
He advocates for alternative detox methods and lifestyle changes that can help former addicts rebuild their lives. If you're looking for a candid, no-nonsense discussion on one of today's most pressing health issues, this episode is a must-listen.