Episode #190 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Gary Tsai on Addiction in LAEpisode #190 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Gary Tsai on Addiction in LA
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
LA County California Gary Tsai, M.D. is a physician executive who is the Director of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, a division of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. In this role, he is responsible for leading nearly 500 staff with a budget of approximately $460M, overseeing a full spectrum of substance use prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services for the 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Dr. Tsai also serves on the Board of Directors of NAMI California and is a physician board certified in both general psychiatry and addiction medicine, after completing his medical training at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. Having experienced the stigma and criminalization that often accompanies serious mental illness as the son of a mother with schizophrenia, Dr. Tsai is a passionate advocate for improving our behavioral health systems. In his pursuit of meaningful change, he founded Forgotten Films, a film production company focusing on social issue projects, specializing in behavioral health. Its first film, Voices (www.VoicesDocumentary.com), premiered on public television in May 2015 for Mental Health Awareness Month and was awarded a SAMHSA Voice Award. He is also the award-winning author of Against All Odds: A Practical Guide to Successfully Navigate Psychosis and Behavioral Health Systems (www.AgainstAllOddsToday.com), which was published in July 2022.
57:59•12 Aug 2024
Tackling Addiction in LA: A Chat with Dr. Gary Tsai
Episode Overview
- Dr. Gary Tsai shares his experiences managing addiction services in LA County.
- Discussion on the stigma associated with mental health and addiction.
- Insights into the 'housing first' approach for homeless individuals with substance use disorders.
- The importance of community-based interventions in addiction treatment.
- Personal anecdotes from Dr. Tsai's career journey.
“If people thought about and felt about people with psychosis and schizophrenia the same way family members do, there'd be less stigma.”
Dive into a gripping conversation on High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Roneet Lev and Dr. Gary Tsai, a leading figure in addiction medicine. Dr. Tsai, who heads the Substance Abuse Prevention and Control division in LA County, shares his experiences and insights on tackling addiction in one of the largest and most diverse counties in the US.
He discusses the challenges of managing a massive budget and staff, while also implementing innovative strategies for substance use prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services. You'll hear about the parallels between mental health and addiction fields, and how stigma and disenfranchisement play significant roles in both. Dr. Tsai's personal journey from aspiring emergency physician to addiction medicine specialist adds a heartfelt touch to the discussion.
He also touches on his work with NAMI California and his thoughts on the controversial 'housing first' approach for the homeless population with substance use disorders. This episode is packed with valuable insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in public health, addiction treatment, and mental health advocacy. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!
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