Pre-Addiction: A New Frontier in Early Treatment
When the medical community became the drug dealers by prescribing opioids- and I'm one of them- we came to be part of the solution as well.
Ever wondered if we could catch addiction before it takes hold? In this thought-provoking episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Dr. Thomas McLellan, a veteran in addiction research and policy, to explore the concept of pre-addiction. Just like we have pre-diabetes and pre-glaucoma to spur early intervention, Dr. McLellan argues that recognizing pre-addiction could revolutionize how we approach substance abuse prevention. Dr.
McLellan brings four decades of experience from his roles at the University of Pennsylvania, the Treatment Research Institute, and even the White House. He dives into the evolution of addiction treatment, the pivotal role of the medical community, and the persistent stigma that surrounds addiction. The conversation doesn't shy away from controversial topics like marijuana's impact on mental health and the importance of community-based prevention strategies. With over 550 published articles and numerous awards under his belt, Dr.
McLellan's insights are both deep and actionable. He and Dr. Lev discuss how early diagnosis and treatment of pre-addiction could be a game-changer in combating the opioid epidemic and other substance abuse issues. They wrap up with a compelling call to action for listeners to consider the benefits of early intervention. If you're curious about innovative approaches to addiction prevention or want to understand the broader landscape of addiction treatment, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on how we can tackle addiction before it starts.