Episode 51: Pregnant and Addicted: Treatments that help with Drs. Chuck Smith and Jason HuntEpisode 51: Pregnant and Addicted: Treatments that help with Drs. Chuck Smith and Jason Hunt
Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today
Join us in this insightful episode with your host, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen, as she dives deep into the world of addiction medicine in conversation with Dr. Chuck Smith and Dr. Jason Hunt. These doctors have personally triumphed over their own battle with addiction, and together, they have co-authored the groundbreaking book, "Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma," and are on a mission to educate, empower, and eradicate the stigma surrounding addiction. Their book has quickly become a go-to resource for healthcare professionals, individuals struggling with addiction, and their families. Listen in as they shed light on the groundbreaking approach of Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT), which combines medication, counseling, and behavioral therapies to tackle opiate addiction. We'll explore the unique challenges faced by pregnant women who are addicted and emphasize the significance of specialized care that prioritizes the health and well-being of both mother and the unborn child. Join us as we debunk myths surrounding MAT and dispel the notion of "crack babies." Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone affected by addiction, or simply curious about the topic, this episode offers invaluable insights into addiction medicine. Dr. Chuck Smith and Dr. Jason Hunt's passion for destigmatizing addiction shines through as they provide a roadmap for a better understanding of addiction, the benefits of MAT, and the specialized care required for pregnant women suffering from addiction. Dr. Chuck Smith works as an addictionologist in South Florida where he provided patient care including detox, residential, and outpatient management of addictive diseases. He is a graduate of Marshall University and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Smith has completed an Addiction Medicine Fellowship as the Univ. of Florida, and in recovery. Jason M. Hunt, MD, is an assistant professor with the Dept of Psychiatry's Division of addiction medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr Hunt joined UF faculty in 2017 after completing the addiction medicine fellowship at UF. Dr. Hunt earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois in 2002. He then completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Louisville in 2006. Before becoming an addiction medicine physician, Dr. Hunt practiced OBGYN for several years in Kentucky and Alabama. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association. He now practices addiction medicine at UF Health / Florida Recovery Center in Gainesville, FL. Dr Hunts interests and expertise are in opioid use disorder in pregnancy. He is also a Peer Prescriber Mentor for the State of Florida. Take a listen! More info: Book: Amazon:
54:43•12 Jul 2023
Breaking Stigmas: MAT and Supporting Pregnant Women with Addiction
Episode Overview
- MAT's life-saving impact on pregnant women with addiction
- Destigmatizing addiction and treating it as a disease
- Challenges and misconceptions surrounding medication-assisted treatment
- The need for accessible, evidence-based treatment for pregnant women with addiction
- Advocating for optimal care and support for pregnant women struggling with addiction
“The less stigma, the more treatment, the less criminalization, the more help they get, the more improvement we're going to see, the more improvement in outcomes.”
What happens when addiction meets pregnancy? Dr. Mei-Li Hennen tackles this pressing question in an eye-opening episode of 'Recovery Plus Podcast'. She sits down with Dr. Chuck Smith and Dr. Jason Hunt, both of whom have not only battled addiction themselves but also co-authored the influential book 'Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma'. Their conversation dives into Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), a method combining medication, counseling, and behavioral therapies to combat opiate addiction.
But that's not all—this episode shines a light on the unique hurdles faced by pregnant women dealing with addiction. The doctors break down myths like the concept of 'crack babies' and emphasize the critical need for specialized care that prioritizes both mother and child. Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone grappling with addiction, or simply curious, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. Dr. Smith and Dr.
Hunt's passion for erasing the stigma around addiction is palpable as they discuss the life-saving potential of MAT and advocate for treating addiction as a disease. Tune in for an engaging, informative discussion that aims to change perceptions and improve lives.
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