Garth Mullins Sounds the Alarm on Methadone Switch Risks
The methadone switch in British Columbia was a disaster that led to a lot of misery and many deaths.
Imagine facing a crisis that could have been avoided if only lessons from the past had been heeded. In this episode of 'Hard Knox Talks: Sober Stories. Real Talk.', host Daniel Unmanageable sits down with Garth Mullins, the voice behind the acclaimed harm reduction podcast 'Crackdown'. Garth dives into the harrowing story of British Columbia's switch from methadone to Cherry-Flavored Methadose back in 2014, a change that led to increased suffering and countless deaths.
His team’s investigative work even earned them the Canadian Hillman Prize, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Garth’s message is clear: Saskatchewan, which is now facing a similar switch, must learn from BC's tragic mistakes. He passionately discusses the importance of advocacy, the dire need for better communication from health authorities, and the often overlooked power dynamics between doctors and patients. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone invested in harm reduction and substance use issues.
With Garth’s firsthand insights and relentless drive for safer Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), listeners are given a front-row seat to the ongoing battle for change. If you care about the well-being of substance users or are curious about the complexities of healthcare policies, this conversation is one you can't afford to miss.