249: Exploring Justice, Recovery, and Public Policy with Researcher Meghan M. O'Neil, PhD

249: Exploring Justice, Recovery, and Public Policy with Researcher Meghan M. O'Neil, PhD

In this episode of the Addicted Mind Podcast, host Duane Osterlind engages in a compelling conversation with Meghan M. O'Neil, PhD, a research scholar who is dedicated to understanding and addressing the complex intersections between justice, recovery, and public policy. Meghan O'Neil, a faculty member at the University of Michigan and soon-to-be researcher at Ohio State University's Drug Enforcement Policy Center, shares her insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in America, particularly those affected by racial and economic inequality and substance use disorder.

Meghan's work is driven by a personal connection, having experienced the impact of substance misuse on her own family. Her passion is evident as she discusses her groundbreaking Removing Barriers Experiment, a randomized controlled trial designed to remove obstacles to recovery and foster community partnerships for innovative solutions to the opioid crisis. This experiment highlights the need for policies that reach the people who need them most, addressing institutional barriers in healthcare, the justice system, and the housing market.

Throughout the episode, Meghan emphasizes the importance of addressing the technicalities that lead to re-incarceration without new crimes, and how this affects individuals striving for recovery. She advocates for a justice system that moves efficiently to support public health benefits, particularly for those with substance use issues. Listeners are encouraged to explore more of Meghan's work through her website and to engage with her ongoing efforts to inform public policy at a national level.

Duane and Meghan's discussion is both hopeful and challenging, shedding light on the necessity of evidence-based research in creating effective public policy solutions for vulnerable populations. For those interested in furthering the conversation, Duane invites listeners to join the Addicted Mind Podcast community on Facebook and Instagram, where they can share insights and continue exploring these critical topics.