Episode #60 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Heidi Swan and A Night In Jail, Homeless-Psychosis-and SchizophreniaEpisode #60 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Heidi Swan and A Night In Jail, Homeless-Psychosis-and Schizophrenia
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Psychosis. A Night In Jail is inspired by Heidi's brother's true life story of homelessness, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. He went to jail 18 times. Heidi talks with Dr. Lev about psychosis. Heidi Anderson-Swan is the co-author of A Night In Jail. Adapted as a novella, film and play, this gritty Young Adult fictional story is the first to illustrates Cannabis - Induced Psychosis (a diagnosis in the DSM-5). A Night In Jail is inspired by her brother’s true life as a homeless drug addict with schizophrenia who went to jail eighteen times. With advocates from MomsStrong.org, and led by long-time Schizophrenia Researcher, Dr. Christine Miller, Heidi met with the Drug Advisors for then-Senator Kamala Harris and Senator Dianne Feinstein. As a consultant, she worked with Los Angeles Defense Attorney, Bob Schwartz. In partnership with Behavioral Health Services (a contractor with Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control), she co - sponsored in-person and virtual events utilizing the film and play, A Night In Jail. As a speaker, Heidi has presented for the 2nd Annual Teaching Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Virtual Conference (co - chaired by Stanford’s Bonnie Halpern), Smart Approaches to Marijuana, Alcoholics and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State, NAMI in Long Beach and Solano County, and many other organizations. As a board member of Parents Opposed to Pot, she has been interviewed by Fox.com. NBC-LA interviewed Heidi and Kirk about their short film and its goal to prevent homelessness. Heidi is also on the Advisory Board of Johnny’s Ambassadors.
48:19•14 Feb 2022
Cannabis-Induced Psychosis: A Deep Dive with Heidi Swan
“Today, and with the expansion of this marijuana industry, it is really important everyone understand what the potential side effects are.”
What happens when cannabis use spirals into something much darker? In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Heidi Swan to explore the harrowing reality of cannabis-induced psychosis. Inspired by her brother's real-life struggles with drug addiction, schizophrenia, and homelessness, Heidi co-authored 'A Night In Jail', a young adult novel that brings these issues to light in a gripping narrative.
This conversation goes beyond the statistics, delving into the personal and emotional toll of drug use and mental health crises. You'll hear about the potential side effects of marijuana, especially on young people, and why consumer protection is crucial in California. Dr. Lev and Heidi also highlight the power of storytelling in engaging youth and raising awareness about drug prevention.
If you're curious about the darker side of cannabis use or looking for ways to protect the young people in your life, this episode is a must-listen.
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