Matt Ingrouille
Matt Ingrouille
Episode 19 - Bruce Alexander
Episode 19 - Bruce Alexander
Episode 19 - Bruce Alexander
Monday 4th March 2019
Dr. Bruce Alexander shares insights on addiction, the Rat Park experiment, and community impact on recovery in this Say Know Podcast episode.
Explicit
51 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
Eye-opening
About this podcast
Author:
Matt Ingrouille
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
Healing from Sexual Trauma
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Episodes:
24 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Rethinking Addiction: Dr. Bruce Alexander's Insights on Community and Recovery
We've got to have provision of opioids for confirmed addicted people who are just not going to stop. Well, we've got to make sure they've got a clean supply.
Ever wondered if there’s a different way to tackle the drug crisis? In this episode of the Say Know Podcast, host Matt Ingrouille sits down with Dr. Bruce Alexander, a psychologist and retired professor with decades of experience in addiction research. Dr. Alexander takes us back to the 1970s in Vancouver, where he encountered the harsh realities of the Heroin Crisis and met individuals struggling with addiction.
He introduces us to the Rat Park experiments, a groundbreaking study comparing isolated, drug-addicted rats to those in a stimulating, social environment. The results? Eye-opening insights into how community and social connections can influence addiction and recovery. Dr. Alexander and Matt delve into the concept of 'invisible isolation'—how loneliness can erode our ability to think critically and make healthy choices.
They also touch on the importance of identity, even when it’s tied to being a 'junkie', and how youth are increasingly being raised by their peers rather than parents, leading to gang affiliations. The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough topics like the changing attitudes of police towards street-level drug users and the controversial idea of decriminalizing drugs. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Dr.
Alexander shares hopeful stories of community leaders worldwide who are creating opportunities for people to engage in activities like sports, regardless of their skill level. He emphasizes the importance of providing a clean supply of opioids for those who are unlikely to quit, advocating for harm reduction over punitive measures. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the deeper psychological and social factors behind addiction.
Whether you’re personally affected by addiction or just curious about innovative solutions, Dr. Alexander’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can address this complex issue.