Rebuilding After the Drug War: Dr. McCauley on Recovery's Rise
We have to become more vocal than we've ever been before, because I think that this is something that we're going to have to continue to teach the world over and over again that people do get sober, that they go on to great lives when they get sober and that they can be a benefit to their society.
Picture a world where the long, grueling war on drugs is finally coming to an end. In this compelling episode of the Dawn Farm Addiction and Recovery Education Series, Dr. Kevin T. McCauley takes us through this transformative period. Dr. McCauley, co-founder of the Institute on Addiction Study and creator of award-winning DVDs like 'Pleasure Unwoven' and 'Memo To Self', shares his unique perspective on the seismic shifts happening in addiction recovery today.
Gone are the days when recovery seemed like an impossible dream. Now, we're seeing real progress with initiatives like parity in treatment, reduction in stigma, and even the White House's 'Office of Recovery'. States are legalizing recreational cannabis, turning it into a massive natural experiment that challenges old beliefs about its dangers. Dr. McCauley also highlights how films, books, plays, and music are humanizing addiction, helping to change minds and hearts along the way. But the most significant takeaway?
People are recovering. As we sift through the aftermath of the Drug War, Dr. McCauley emphasizes the importance of brain research that has quietly advanced despite decades of zero-tolerance policies and mass incarceration. His reflections offer a hopeful glimpse into how we can rebuild and support those on their journey to recovery. If you or someone you know is grappling with addiction, this episode provides both inspiration and practical insights into the power of recovery.