Politics and Policy: Navigating Addiction Changes Under Trump
Episode Overview
Structural changes in addiction policy under Trump administration. Impact of budget cuts on addiction services and personnel. Challenges in data collection due to policy shifts. Importance of bipartisan collaboration in addressing addiction. Encouragement for clinicians to remain involved and vocal.
"We shouldn't be making treatment harder to get than an illegal drug".
In this engaging episode of Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract, Regina LaBelle takes centre stage to discuss her article on the Trump administration's impact on addiction policy during its first 100 days. Regina, a leading figure in addiction policy at Georgetown University, unpacks the structural, budgetary, and data collection shifts that have unfolded, offering a deep dive into their potential repercussions.
With a background that spans both the Obama and Biden administrations, Regina's insights are backed by years of experience in tackling the silent epidemic of substance use disorders. She candidly shares her personal motivations, influenced by family tragedies linked to substance abuse, which drive her commitment to improving addiction policies. The episode doesn't shy away from the gritty details, including the proposed elimination of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and significant budget cuts affecting addiction services.
Regina's conversation with host Shawn McNeil, MD, reveals the complexities of navigating bipartisan efforts to address addiction, urging for compassion and collaboration across political divides. If you're curious about how political changes can ripple through the addiction landscape, this episode offers a compelling snapshot. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, Regina's call to action is clear: stay involved and make your voice heard.
It's a conversation that promises to inform and inspire anyone invested in the future of addiction policy.