The Case for Addiction Medicine: Dr. Timothy Brennan’s Vision
One of the silver linings, if you will, of the opioid crisis is that I think we're all now a little bit more comfortable talking about addiction as a medical disease.
Imagine walking into an emergency room with a broken arm. You’d get an x-ray, a cast, and a referral to an orthopedic specialist. But what if you walked in with an infection of the heart caused by drug use? While you'd see a heart specialist and an infectious disease doctor, would you see someone to address the root cause – the addiction? In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev chats with Dr.
Timothy Brennan, a leading figure in addiction medicine, to explore why this specialty should be as standard as cardiology or orthopedics. Dr. Brennan, who heads the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai West and St. Luke’s Hospitals, passionately argues for making addiction medicine more accessible in hospitals across America. He believes that just like any other medical specialty, addiction medicine can significantly improve patient outcomes.
He also shares his efforts to integrate addiction medicine into medical school curricula, ensuring future doctors are well-equipped to handle these complex cases. The conversation doesn’t stop there. Dr. Brennan delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated substance use disorders and the alarming rise in stimulant use. He also tackles common myths about medical marijuana and cannabis, offering a clearer picture of their impacts.
Whether you're someone battling addiction, a healthcare professional, or just curious about the topic, this episode provides valuable insights into why addiction medicine deserves a prominent place in our healthcare system. Dr. Brennan’s vision is one of hope and progress, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of addiction treatment.