Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Emily Dufton, "Addiction, Inc: Medication-assisted Treatment and America's Forgotten War on Drugs" (U Chicago Press, 2026)
Emily Dufton, "Addiction, Inc: Medication-assisted Treatment and America's Forgotten War on Drugs" (U Chicago Press, 2026)
Emily Dufton, "Addiction, Inc: Medication-assisted Treatment and America's Forgotten War on Drugs" (U Chicago Press, 2026)
Wednesday 18th February 2026
Emily Dufton discusses the complexities of medication-assisted treatment in America's fight against opioid addiction.
60 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Compassionate
Eye-opening
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Marshall Poe
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Relationships & Community
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!The Untold Story of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Episode Overview
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is controversial but effective for opioid use disorder.
- Political decisions have significantly shaped drug treatment policies.
- Stigma and philosophical beliefs impact the acceptance of MAT.
- Comparisons with Switzerland highlight differences in drug treatment approaches.
- Personal stories can drive significant research and policy change.
"If we see people as people, you have a tendency to not want them to die. Go figure."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this episode, Emily Dufton shares her exploration into the complex world of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and its role in America's ongoing battle with opioid addiction. Through her book, "Addiction, Inc.," Emily unveils the political, cultural, and medical hurdles that have shaped drug treatment policies in the United States.
The conversation kicks off with a personal story about Dana, a friend from Emily's past whose tragic experience with addiction propelled her research. This poignant narrative sets the stage for a broader discussion on the effectiveness and controversies surrounding MAT. Emily explains how methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone have been pivotal in treating opioid use disorder, despite facing significant opposition due to societal stigma and philosophical debates over drug dependency.
The episode also highlights the historical context of these treatments, tracing back to initiatives from the Nixon era that aimed to revolutionise addiction treatment through nationalised clinics. Listeners will gain insight into how these treatments have evolved, their impact on communities, and the political dynamics that have influenced their availability. Emily and host Gregory Mcneff delve into comparisons between the U.S. and Switzerland's approach to drug treatment, revealing stark contrasts in accessibility and integration with other healthcare services.
With a blend of historical analysis and personal reflection, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider the potential of MAT in providing a more humane and effective response to addiction. Are we ready to embrace a system that sees individuals as people deserving of comprehensive care rather than problems to be solved? Tune in to explore these crucial questions.