Dr. Nora Volkow on the state of adolescent mental health and why we urgently need to apply the lessons learned in the pandemic to addiction and mental health

Heart of the Matter

Heart of the Matter
Dr. Nora Volkow on the state of adolescent mental health and why we urgently need to apply the lessons learned in the pandemic to addiction and mental health
May 17, 2022 Season 2 Episode 8
Partnership to End Addiction

Like many families, Dr. Nora Volkow’s had kept it a secret that her grandfather had a substance use disorder and eventually committed suicide. Today, as the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, she speaks out regularly about how important it is to share these stories to help other families impacted by addiction.  

Dr. Volkow sits down with Heart of the Matter host Elizabeth Vargas to discuss the growing complexities of fentanyl-laced drugs; the state of mental health in our nation; what the pandemic can teach us about allocating resources to communities in need; and her deeply personal story. For more, see the complete episode transcript.

Explore more on topics and themes discussed in this episode:


Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed on Heart of the Matter are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Partnership to End Addiction. We are also mindful that some of the personal stories feature the word “addict” and other terms from this list. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that’s health-oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.

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Partnership to End Addiction website
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