Dr. Andrew Kolodny: Unpacking the Opioid Crisis on Courage to Hope
If you keep taking a drug even though it's harming you, that's addiction.
Ever wondered how a single prescription could snowball into a nationwide crisis? In this episode of 'Courage to Hope', host Tony Lagreca sits down with Dr. Andrew Kolodny, the Medical Director of Opioid Policy Research at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. Dr. Kolodny dives into the heart of the opioid epidemic in the US, shedding light on the ripple effects of overprescribing opioid analgesics and the alarming rise in addiction and overdose deaths. Dr.
Kolodny traces the origins of the crisis back to the mid-90s with the introduction of Oxycontin, which led to a seismic shift in prescribing practices. He discusses how more responsible prescribing by healthcare professionals can prevent addiction and keep highly addictive drugs out of households. But the conversation doesn't stop there. The episode also delves into the surge of fentanyl-related deaths, highlighting the dangers of this potent synthetic opioid often mixed with other substances. Dr.
Kolodny doesn't shy away from discussing the culpability of pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Purdue Pharma, who have faced legal repercussions for their role in promoting opioids. Listeners will gain insight into alternative treatment approaches for opioid addiction, such as suboxone, which Dr. Kolodny advocates for despite its underutilization in the medical community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the opioid epidemic and looking for ways to contribute to solutions.
Tune in to hear a raw and enlightening discussion that aims to inform and inspire action against one of America's most pressing public health issues.