Untangling America's Drug Crisis: Insights from Challenging Pathos
I really want people to always understand what it must feel like to be a regular drug user, whatever that drug is, whether you're using cannabis or whether you need to turn up the anesthetization with something like opioids or whatever, and then really trying to feel what it is like to have the blanket of prohibition sort of laid down across you where you are leaving your house and you're shifty-eyed because you're like, oh, am I in danger?
Imagine grappling with the complex web of America's drug crisis. In this compelling episode of 'Challenging Pathos', host Glenn Marshall and guest Seth Fitzgerald from The Drug Classroom take a hard look at the realities of drugs and addiction in the United States. They dive into the root causes of prescription drug overdoses, shedding light on how prohibition and adulteration can be fatal. Fentanyl, in particular, comes under scrutiny as a significant player in the overdose epidemic.
The episode doesn't shy away from controversial topics, including the historical stigma around drug use perpetuated by policies dating back to Nixon's administration. One striking quote from Nixon's domestic policy chief, John Ehrlichman, reveals the deliberate targeting of specific communities through drug criminalization. The hosts also explore the various treatment options available today, from maintenance therapies to conventional abstinence approaches, highlighting both their benefits and limitations.
This episode is not just about statistics; it's about real stories that humanize the issue and emphasize the need for systemic change. Whether you're personally affected by addiction or interested in understanding the broader social implications, this episode offers valuable insights into America's ongoing struggle with drugs and addiction.