233. Sue Thau | Communities Can Prevent Addiction233. Sue Thau | Communities Can Prevent Addiction
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Communities can and should lead in creating an environment that prevents addiction. It is much easier to prevent a problem than treating a problem. One high level prevention initiative is fixing the Farm Bill that opened up the door to a new type of poison on Americans. The various intoxicating Hemp products, Delta-8, Delta-10, and others, have never been tested on rats, let alone kids. Sue Thau has been leading the charge in fixing the Hemp loop hole. Sue Thau is a Public Policy Consultant representing Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). She is nationally recognized for her advocacy and legislative accomplishments on behalf of the substance abuse prevention field. She has an extensive background in public policy and has held high positions at the federal, state, and local levels. She was a Budget Examiner and Legislative Analyst at the Office of Management and Budget, in the Executive Office of the President for over ten years. Sue was a driving force behind the passage, reauthorization and full funding of the Drug-Free Communities Act. In addition, Sue has worked to save and enhance funding for all federal substance abuse prevention and treatment programs over the last two decades. She is highly respected as an expert on demand reduction issues by members of Congress and staff on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill. Sue has an undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University in City and Regional Planning.
1:06:01•9 Jun 2025
Community Power: Preventing Addiction with Sue Thau
Episode Overview
- Communities play a vital role in preventing addiction through comprehensive strategies.
- The Farm Bill's hemp definition led to unregulated products like Delta-8.
- Federal programs like Drug-Free Communities Act support prevention efforts.
- Sue Thau advocates for closing legislative loopholes affecting public health.
- Training youth to engage in substance abuse prevention is crucial.
“"The only 100% safe and effective treatment is prevention".”
In this episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev welcomes Sue Thau, a seasoned public policy consultant with a knack for tackling complex legislative issues. Sue is known for her work with CADCA, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, where she has been instrumental in pushing for policy changes that benefit community health. Together, they unravel the intricacies of the Farm Bill and its impact on addiction prevention.
You'll hear about how hemp's legal status opened the floodgates to a range of untested products like Delta-8 and Delta-10, turning American children into unwitting test subjects. Sue's background is as diverse as a well-stocked toolbox. With roots in developmental psychology and city planning, she found herself in Washington, D.C., advocating for drug prevention policies. Her insights on how communities can lead the charge in preventing addiction are both eye-opening and actionable. Dr.
Lev and Sue discuss the importance of comprehensive strategies that include raising awareness and training community members to tackle substance abuse. The episode dives into the role of federal programs like the Drug-Free Communities Act, highlighting how these initiatives provide essential funding for coalitions across America. Sue's passion for prevention shines through as she talks about her journey from being a budget examiner at the White House to becoming a key player in CADCA.
If you're curious about how local efforts can make a big difference in combating addiction, this episode offers plenty of food for thought. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or community leader, you'll find valuable takeaways on how to create safer environments for future generations. So why not lend an ear and explore how you can be part of the solution?
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