Lisa Carole Cude
Lisa Carole
Stigma Kills: How Understanding Addiction Science Saves Lives
Stigma Kills: How Understanding Addiction Science Saves Lives
Stigma Kills: How Understanding Addiction Science Saves Lives
Tuesday 1st July 2025
Explore the deadly fentanyl crisis, addiction science, and personal stories of loss. Learn how education and ending stigma can save lives.
60 minutes
informative
challenging
hopeful
grieving
motivational
About this podcast
Author:
Lisa Carole Cude
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Policy & Advocacy
Sobriety Success Stories
Financial Health in Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
40 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Fatal Facts: Understanding the Fentanyl Crisis
Episode Overview
- Fentanyl crisis affects all communities without bias.
- Addiction is a brain disease similar to diabetes.
- Personal stories highlight the impact of addiction.
- Education and awareness are key to prevention.
- Ending stigma around addiction is crucial.
When one understands the science behind addiction, one can begin to move forward. Because beyond stigma, there's always hope.
In this episode of 'Fatal Facts of Fentanyl', host Lisa Carole Coode, an educator and advocate, delves into the harrowing realities of the fentanyl crisis sweeping across the United States. Lisa, who tragically lost her son to fentanyl poisoning, channels her grief into a powerful mission to educate and prevent future tragedies. The podcast seeks to raise awareness about the indiscriminate nature of the fentanyl epidemic, which affects individuals across all demographics and communities. Lisa is joined by Dr.
Charles Smith, an expert in addiction science, who shares his insights on understanding addiction as a legitimate medical disease. Dr. Smith explains how addiction affects the brain's dopamine reward system, similar to conditions like diabetes or heart disease. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing addiction as a chronic disease that requires comprehensive and long-term treatment strategies, moving beyond the inadequate 30-day rehab models.
Throughout the episode, listeners hear poignant stories from families who have lost loved ones to the fentanyl crisis. These narratives underscore the urgency of addressing this epidemic and the critical need for collaboration and education. The podcast highlights the role that societal stigma plays in hindering effective addiction treatment and recovery. Dr. Smith advocates for ending the stigma surrounding addiction, stressing that understanding the science behind addiction can foster hope and healing.
Lisa and her guest discuss various risk factors for addiction, including genetic predisposition, early age of first use, childhood trauma, and co-occurring mental disorders. They emphasize the necessity of ongoing support and interventions post-rehabilitation, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and random testing, to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. As the episode concludes, Lisa urges listeners to take individual responsibility in combating stigma and shares resources for those struggling with addiction.
She invites the audience to engage with the podcast community by subscribing, sharing, and leaving feedback to continue the conversation around the fatal facts of fentanyl. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the power of education, empathy, and collective action in saving lives and families from the devastating impact of addiction.