Unpacking Addiction Stigma: History, Policy, and the Opioid Crisis
It's not about somebody being wrong, it's not about somebody being, you know, being a bad person. It's about having an unintended consequence and then looking and seeing what are the real interventions that'll get us to the goal that we're looking for, right?
Why do we stigmatize addiction, and how did drug policies shape this perception? In this episode of SeventyX7, titled 'Harry, Tricky Dick, and the Duke', Dr. Stephen Loyd and his co-hosts take a deep dive into the historical roots of addiction stigma and the criminalization of narcotics in America. The discussion touches on the Harrison Act's unintended consequences and the failures of Ronald Reagan's war on drugs. They also examine the pharmaceutical industry's role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Dr.
Loyd emphasizes that it's not about pointing fingers but understanding the real interventions needed to address addiction effectively. Whether you're looking to grasp the historical context of drug policies or seeking insights into modern addiction treatment, this episode offers an eye-opening perspective. Tune in for a raw, informative, and thought-provoking conversation.