Shoshana Walter on "Rehab: An American Scandal"

Shoshana Walter on "Rehab: An American Scandal"

The Right Mind Media Podcast

Rehab has been the answer for so many of us suffering from our nation's drug crisis.  So why do only a certain few have a real chance of recovery?  Shoshana Walter, an investigative journalist and author of the new book Rehab: An American...

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29:107 Sept 2025

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Uncovering the Scandals of American Rehab

Episode Overview

  • American rehab systems often exploit rather than treat.
  • Outdated policies continue to stigmatise addiction.
  • Effective medications are underutilised due to systemic barriers.
  • Race plays a significant role in access to addiction treatment.
  • Insurance limitations contribute to cycles of relapse.
"It just kind of flummoxed me that indentured servitude would be considered a form of treatment."

Curious about how systemic issues impact addiction treatment in the US? This episode of The Right Mind Media Podcast features Shoshana Walter, an investigative journalist who sheds light on the murky waters of American rehab systems. Walter discusses her book, 'Rehab: An American Scandal', which uncovers shocking stories of exploitation disguised as rehabilitation.

From unpaid labour camps to questionable treatment practices, Walter's research highlights how certain rehab programs fail to provide genuine care, instead trapping individuals in cycles of relapse and exploitation. The episode also touches on the systemic barriers faced by people like April Lee, a black mother from Philadelphia, and the broader impact of policies like the Harrison Narcotics Act. Walter reveals how outdated laws continue to stigmatise addiction and limit access to effective treatment options. You'll also hear about Dr.

Larry Lay's battle with the DEA and his pioneering efforts to prescribe Suboxone, offering a glimmer of hope amidst these troubling revelations. The hosts, Jon Cohan and Abby Dean, guide listeners through these complex narratives with empathy and insight. If you're interested in understanding the pitfalls of the American rehab system and the stories of those caught in its web, this episode is a must-listen. Could there be a better way forward for addiction treatment?

Dive into this episode to find out.

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