Dr. Roneet Lev

High Truths on Drugs and Addiction

Dr. Roneet Lev

  • Episode #184 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Melissa Baldwin and Human Trafficking

Episode #184 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Melissa Baldwin and Human Trafficking

Monday 1st July 2024

Melissa Baldwin shares her journey and insights on preventing human trafficking and drug addiction through education and early intervention.
59 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Educational
Engaging
Compassionate

About this podcast

High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Author:
Dr. Roneet Lev
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Body & Mind
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Preventing Human Trafficking and Drug Addiction: Insights from Melissa Baldwin

Episode Overview

  • Traffickers often use drugs to control their victims.
  • Primary prevention in schools is crucial for both trafficking and addiction.
  • Recognising red flags can help intervene early.
  • Storytelling and role-playing are effective educational tools.
  • Trauma-informed care is essential in various settings.
We will not naloxone and we will not Suboxone our way out of the drug crisis.
In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev dives into the intersection of human trafficking and drug addiction with Melissa Baldwin. Melissa, a seasoned storyteller and trauma-informed care expert, shares her journey from theatre to leading kNOw MORE!©, a drama-based human trafficking prevention programme. This interactive curriculum, designed for middle and high school students, uses the compelling story of Amanda, a San Diego student lured into trafficking, to educate and prevent similar fates.
The discussion highlights the alarming overlap between human trafficking and drug addiction, emphasising the need for upstream prevention strategies in both areas. Dr. Lev and Melissa explore how traffickers often use drugs as a means of control, making primary prevention in schools crucial. Melissa recounts her personal experiences that fuel her passion for child safety and trauma-informed care. She discusses the importance of recognising red flags in potential victims and the role of supportive interventions by peers and adults.
The episode underscores the power of storytelling in education, with Melissa explaining how students' involvement in role-playing scenarios helps them own the solutions they devise. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of trauma-informed care in various settings, including schools and emergency rooms. Dr. Lev draws parallels between the methodologies used in human trafficking prevention and those needed for effective drug prevention.
By focusing on early intervention and education, both fields can potentially reduce the incidence of these devastating issues. Why should you listen to this episode? It offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, providing practical advice on recognising and addressing the signs of trafficking and addiction. Whether you're a parent, educator, or concerned citizen, this episode equips you with valuable knowledge to help protect vulnerable individuals in your community.