Opium Chronicles: Unraveling the Drug Wars of the 60s, 70s, and 80s
Despite having been implemented in over 80 percent of schools, a study showed that the program was largely ineffective. Teens that were enrolled in the program were just as likely to use drugs as those who were not.
Imagine a time when 'turn on, tune in, drop out' was the mantra, and a war on drugs was declared from the highest office in the land. In this episode of Weekly Infusion, Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce Heischober are joined by three distinguished guests: Dr. David Courtwright, author of 'The Age of Addiction', Dr. Robert Dupont, former Nixon Drug Chief, and Harvard Professor Dr. Bertha Madras.
Together, they take a deep dive into the turbulent decades of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, exploring the history of opium and the war on drugs that shaped those times. Nixon's controversial policies come under the microscope as the experts discuss how marijuana was linked to hippies and heroin to African Americans, fueling racial and cultural tensions. They also shed light on the rise of methadone as a withdrawal treatment and the soldiers' heroin use during the Vietnam War.
The conversation doesn't shy away from the D.A.R.E. Program either, highlighting its widespread implementation in over 80 percent of schools and questioning its effectiveness. You'll also get insights into the founding of the National Institute of Drug Abuse and its pivotal role in advancing our understanding of drug abuse and developing effective strategies to combat it. As a bonus, the episode wraps up with a discussion on CBD and its potential benefits.
This episode is packed with historical context, expert analysis, and a touch of controversy, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of addiction and drug policy.