Johns Hopkins Medicine

Alcohol And Drug Abuse – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts

Johns Hopkins Medicine

  • What might help combat opioid overdose deaths? Elizabeth Tracey reports

What might help combat opioid overdose deaths? Elizabeth Tracey reports

Thursday 22nd February 2024

Explore the fundamental causes behind opioid overdose deaths with expert Michael Fingerhood and learn how addressing loneliness can save lives.
1 minute
Informative
Compassionate
Thought-provoking
Educational
Supportive

About this podcast

Alcohol And Drug Abuse – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts
Author:
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episodes:
40 (View all)
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Combating Opioid Overdose Deaths: A Deeper Look

Episode Overview

  • Over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2022.
  • Illegal opioids are often used in non-injection forms.
  • Loneliness and isolation are key factors in addiction.
  • COVID-19 has exacerbated substance use issues.
  • Prevention strategies are crucial alongside interdiction.
I think a lot of addiction is a disease of loneliness and isolation.
In this episode, you'll dive into the pressing issue of opioid overdose deaths with substance use disorder expert Michael Fingerhood from Johns Hopkins. With over 100,000 people dying from drug overdoses in 2022, the conversation centres around the fundamental causes behind this crisis. Fingerhood emphasises that while stopping the influx of illegal opioids is crucial, understanding why people turn to these substances is even more important.
He suggests that loneliness and isolation play significant roles in addiction, especially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode also touches on the U.S. Surgeon General's views on loneliness as an epidemic with severe consequences. Elizabeth Tracey hosts this insightful discussion, shedding light on how addressing the root causes can potentially save lives. If you're looking for a thought-provoking take on combating opioid overdose deaths, this episode is a must-listen.