143: A Hope to Put an End to the Opioid Epidemic with Robert Kanter

143: A Hope to Put an End to the Opioid Epidemic with Robert Kanter

Imagine feeling utterly powerless as your loved one battles addiction. This was Robert Kanter's reality when his daughter nearly overdosed three years ago. Today, she celebrates three years of sobriety, and Robert has turned his anguish into advocacy. In this episode of 'The Addicted Mind Podcast', host Duane Osterlind talks with Robert, an international recovery advocate, about his personal journey from alcohol and substance use disorders to becoming a beacon of hope for many families.

The opioid epidemic is a staggering crisis, with 93,000 overdose fatalities in the US in 2020 alone. Robert paints a vivid picture of this epidemic within a pandemic, highlighting the FDA's role and the critical need for destigmatizing addiction. He shares his own recovery story and how mutual aid meetings and an absence-based model have been his lifeline. But Robert's mission extends beyond his personal recovery.

He passionately discusses innovations in treatment, such as medication-assisted treatment, and the importance of compassionate conversations about addiction. This episode is a heartfelt call to action, urging listeners to tap into available resources and join the fight against addiction stigma. Whether you're personally affected by addiction or looking to support others, Robert's story offers hope and practical steps to make a difference.