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.
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Horizon Treatment Services
KATE: The Overdose Prevention Chatbot
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Silence is one of the most dangerous symptoms of the overdose crisis and it often starts with a simple fear: “If I ask this question, what will people think of me?” We sit down with Justin Phillips, CEO and founder of Overdose Lifeline, to talk about Kate, an anonymous AI chatbot created to answer questions about fentanyl, naloxone, harm reduction, and substance use disorder without judgment. Kate recently earned a Shorty Award, and the recognition matters because it helps more people find a tool built for clarity, not hype.
We get specific about what makes this chatbot different from typical generative AI. Justin explains the risk of AI hallucinations in health education and why Kate is designed to pull only from a vetted, evidence-based repository reviewed by subject matter experts. If Kate cannot answer, she says so and points people to the right resources. We also share what users are actually searching for, including basic definitions of fentanyl and naloxone, where to get naloxone, and whether it is legal, a reminder that stigma can keep even “simple” questions locked up until it is too late.
The conversation goes deeper into prevention and trauma informed care. Justin shares the story of losing her son Aaron, how shame can block relapse help-seeking, and why “othering” addiction keeps families isolated. We discuss ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), resilience, and how harm reduction works in real life, from fentanyl test strips and naloxone to syringe access that reduces HIV and hepatitis C risk. We also highlight programs that support kids impacted by a loved one’s addiction and how Kate may evolve to better reach youth in their own language.
If this sparked a new question for you, hit play, then subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find these overdose prevention and addiction education resources.