Deadly Duo: The Perils of Mixing Opioids and Benzodiazepines
Physicians weren't trained to ferret out addiction.
What happens when powerful painkillers are mixed with anxiety medications? In this gripping episode of 'Weekly Infusion', Dr. Drew Pinsky and Dr. Bruce Heischober tackle the critical issue of combining opioids and benzodiazepines. This lethal cocktail has contributed significantly to the opioid crisis, and our hosts dive deep into why it's so dangerous. Joined by an all-star panel, including Dr. Bertha Madras from Harvard, 'Dreamland' author Sam Quinones, Dr.
Anna Lembke from Stanford, addiction specialist Shelley Sprague, and 'Beautiful Boy' author David Sheff, the discussion covers the history of opium, the pharmaceutical industry's role in promoting opioids, and the fierce competition among black tar heroin dealers. The experts don't hold back as they explore the double-edged sword of pain management and the catastrophic results of mixing these medications.
By the end of the episode, there's a clear call-to-action for the medical community to steer clear of this deadly combination and to manage withdrawal symptoms more effectively. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the opioid crisis and the urgent need for responsible medical practices.