Episode # 13 Dr. Robert DuPont joins High Truths with actionable advice on combating social norms on addiction.Episode # 13 Dr. Robert DuPont joins High Truths with actionable advice on combating social norms on addiction.
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Robert L. DuPont, MD For 50 years, Robert L. DuPont, MD has been a leader in drug abuse prevention and treatment. He was the first Director of the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (1973-1978) and the second White House Drug Chief (1973-1977). From 1968-1970 he was Director of Community Services for the District of Columbia Department of Corrections. From 1970-1973, he served as Administrator of the District of Columbia Narcotics Treatment Administration. In 1978 he became the founding President of the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc., a non-profit research and policy organization that identifies and promotes powerful new ideas to reduce drug use and addiction. A graduate of Emory University, Dr. DuPont received an MD degree in 1963 from the Harvard Medical School. He completed his psychiatric training at Harvard and the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. DuPont maintains an active practice of psychiatry specializing in addiction and the anxiety disorders and has been Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine since 1980. He is the author of Chemical Slavery: Understanding Addiction and Stopping the Drug Epidemic published in 2018. For more about Dr. DuPont’s work and the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc. visit www.IBHinc.org, www.StopDruggedDriving.org, and www.OneChoicePrevention.org.
1:15:41•22 Mar 2021
Dr. Robert DuPont's Strategies to Challenge Addiction Norms
“The most pernicious things in our society is the definition of adolescence as a time to experiment, to learn for yourself and you think about experimenting with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes. Well, that's what happens with kids with drugs.”
Imagine being on the front lines of addiction treatment for over five decades. That's exactly where Dr. Robert DuPont has been, and in this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', he shares his wealth of experience with host Dr. Roneet Lev. Dr. DuPont, the first Director of the U.S.
National Institute on Drug Abuse and a former White House Drug Chief, brings a unique perspective on how deeply ingrained social norms can fuel substance abuse, especially among young people. One of the most eye-opening discussions revolves around the dangerous belief that adolescence is a time for experimentation with drugs and alcohol. Dr. DuPont argues that this mindset sets many young people on a path to lifelong struggles with addiction.
He introduces his 'One Choice' program, which encourages teens to abstain from all substances until they turn 21, aiming to protect their developing brains from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. Dr. DuPont doesn't stop there. He also tackles the dangers of benzodiazepines and alcohol, highlighting their high potential for addiction and severe health risks. His call for universal drug screening, particularly for fentanyl, underscores the urgent need to address this growing crisis. Dr.
DuPont emphasizes that it's not just about the individual; families and communities play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing unhealthy drug use. For those battling addiction, Dr. DuPont champions the power of AA and NA fellowships. He believes these support groups are vital for recovery, urging listeners to attend meetings, find a sponsor, and commit to the program's steps. His advice isn't just theoretical; it's grounded in decades of clinical practice and research.
Whether you're a parent worried about your child's exposure to drugs, an educator seeking better prevention strategies, or a healthcare provider looking for effective treatment methods, Dr. DuPont's insights offer practical guidance. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice and a compelling call to rethink how we approach addiction.
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