Shoshana Walter, "Rehab: An American Scandal" (Simon and Schuster, 2025)Shoshana Walter, "Rehab: An American Scandal" (Simon and Schuster, 2025)
New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
Emily Dufton interviews Shoshana Walter about her book on America's flawed drug rehab industry, highlighting corruption and systemic issues.
40:35•8 Nov 2025
Rehab Exposed: A Deep Dive into America's Flawed System
Episode Overview
- The drug rehab industry often prioritises profit over patient care.
- Forced labour and over-medication are common issues in rehab programs.
- Insurance companies fund short-term treatments that may not be effective.
- The concept of 'recovery capital' is crucial for sustaining long-term recovery.
- Regulatory oversight is lacking, allowing systemic failures to persist.
“"I think criminalisation is often our country's solution to complicated social problems."”
How do people find hope in the darkest times? In this gripping episode, host Emily Dufton chats with Shoshana Walter about her compelling book, "Rehab: An American Scandal." Walter, a Pulitzer finalist, sheds light on the often murky and corrupt world of drug rehabilitation in America. Through her investigative journey, Walter uncovers shocking truths about how the system is failing those who need it most.
She shares the stories of individuals like Chris Coon and April Lee, who battled addiction within a flawed system that often prioritises profit over patient care. Walter's book paints a vivid picture of an industry riddled with unregulated practices, where forced labour and over-medication are all too common. Walter's investigation reveals the harsh realities faced by those in recovery and questions why, despite increased access to treatment, success rates remain low.
The conversation delves into the systemic issues that allow such practices to persist and highlights the need for comprehensive reform. Walter's passion for justice and her dedication to telling these stories offer a beacon of hope for change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of addiction recovery and the urgent need for reform in the rehabilitation industry.
Walter's insights will leave you questioning the current state of treatment and inspire you to think about what real change could look like. Could sharing these stories be the first step towards a better system?
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.