Horizon Treatment Services
Welcome to the Horizon Treatment Services Podcast, where we delve into the forefront of alcohol, drug, and mental health services. As industry pioneers located in the Beloved Bay Area, CA - HSI is committed to empowering adults and adolescents through evidence-based programs, fostering a secure space for tackling substance use disorder and mental health challenges.
Join us as we explore cutting-edge strategies, discuss success stories, and share insights that propel individuals towards their full potential. From prevention initiatives guiding youth towards substance-free lives to community outreach initiatives promoting safer neighborhoods, HSI's interest and expertise extends beyond treatment, shaping a future where well-being takes center stage.
Tune in to stay informed, inspired, and at the forefront of transformative change with Horizon Services, Inc. www.horizonservices.org
Horizon Treatment Services
Dr. Andrew Kolodny - From Prescription to Addiction Ep 03
Uncover the harsh realities of the opioid crisis through the expert eyes of Dr. Andrew Kolodny, an addiction specialist with an impressive two-decade track record in the field. This episode peels back the layers of a national emergency, revealing the transition from prescription misuse to the life-threatening presence of illicit drugs like fentanyl. Dr. Kolodny and I navigate the complexities surrounding three distinct demographic groups ensnared in addiction's grasp, dissecting the shifting dynamics and mortality rates that these populations face in the shadow of this unforgiving epidemic.
Drawing stark parallels with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we strip away the stigma and misinformation that have long obstructed effective responses to public health crises. Listen closely as we go beyond mere statistics to understand the deceptive pharmaceutical practices that have contributed to opioid overprescription, and why harm reduction is not just a strategy, but a vital lifeline for those struggling with addiction. This episode is a testament to the dire need for comprehensive treatment approaches, and the role of empathy and science in addressing the epidemic.
Venturing into the conversation on "deaths of despair," the doctor challenge the narrative that economic downturns are the sole drivers of the opioid crisis. Instead, we examine the often-overlooked contributing factor of overprescribing and the urgent need for accessible, life-saving treatments across socioeconomic divides. Dr. Kolodny and I also engage in a candid dialogue about integrated care approaches, and Horizon's innovative efforts in Northern California to confront addiction with multi-dimensional support. Tune in for a sobering yet essential exploration into a crisis that continues to shape our nation, and the ongoing battle for recovery and healing.
Dr. Kolodny's testimony before for the United States Congress is available here.