People First Radio – October 17, 2024People First Radio – October 17, 2024
People First Radio
Addiction specialists Drs Paula Cook and Darlene Peterson share how evidence-based medicine, trauma awareness and long-term support shape their work in Utah. The conversation looks at drug policy, access barriers, harm reduction, and the real-life challenges and hopes of people seeking recovery.
0:00•18 Oct 2024
Addiction Medicine with Heart: Drs Cook and Peterson on Treatment, Trauma and Hope
Episode Overview
- Addiction treatment needs long-term, ongoing care; withdrawal management and short detox stays are only the first step.
- There are limited evidence-based medications for substance use, making access to those few options critical yet often blocked by cost and insurance barriers.
- Chronic substance use causes brain changes that drive compulsive use, so framing addiction purely as a moral failing ignores strong scientific evidence.
- Most patients carry significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences, so addressing underlying pain and providing new coping skills is essential.
- Peer workers with lived experience and low-barrier, compassionate care can break down stigma and help people build realistic, hopeful recovery goals.
“"That's the key, is you have to address the underlying reasons why somebody's using."”
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? People First Radio answers that by sitting down with Utah-based addiction medicine doctors Paula Cook and Darlene Peterson, who bring both science and humanity to a subject that’s often misunderstood. Aimed at anyone curious about addiction, but especially those in healthcare and policy, this conversation breaks down what treatment actually looks like on the ground.
Cook and Peterson talk candidly about treating alcohol, opioid, stimulant, cannabis and nicotine use, stressing that withdrawal support alone isn’t treatment. As Cook puts it, "addiction treatment's not just going to rehab like it is in the movies and you're all better," but about long-term engagement and ongoing care.
You’ll hear how few medications are officially available, why cravings and brain changes make substance use much more than a “choice”, and how trauma, poverty, housing, and insurance barriers all feed into someone’s relationship with drugs or alcohol. Peterson explains withdrawal management in down-to-earth terms, while Cook walks through functional MRI studies that show how the brain recovers over time – if people are given time, support, and evidence-based care.
The episode has a strong systems focus: they describe the chaotic, toxic drug supply, political resistance to harm reduction, and the maddening reality of life-saving medications being priced out of reach. At the same time, they highlight the power of peer support, trauma-informed practice, and simple, human goals – from getting a driving licence back to reuniting with children. Throughout, there’s a steady thread of hope.
Cook shares stories of people who went from living under bridges to stable work, family, and recovery, reminding anyone struggling that “there is help available” and that change is possible. If you’re interested in addiction, recovery, or how health systems could do better, this conversation gives plenty to reflect on – and might just shift how you see addiction altogether.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.