Don Smith, Phillip Valentine, Sandy Valentine, Melvin Cabrera
rebecca@ccar.us (Chad McDonald, Connecticut Community For Addiction Recovery (CCAR))
The Overlooked Cocaine Crisis in Addiction Treatment
The Overlooked Cocaine Crisis in Addiction Treatment
The Overlooked Cocaine Crisis in Addiction Treatment
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Explore the overlooked cocaine crisis with Dr. Chad McDonald as he shares insights on detox programmes and medication-assisted treatment.
40 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Hopeful
Compassionate
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Don Smith, Phillip Valentine, Sandy Valentine, Melvin Cabrera
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Links:
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Episodes:
194 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!The Cocaine Crisis: Breaking Stigmas and Finding Solutions
Episode Overview
- Cocaine crisis in Connecticut is significant but often overlooked.
- Detox programmes are essential for addressing cocaine withdrawal.
- Medication-assisted treatment is vital for reducing overdose deaths.
- Stigma in recovery can hinder progress; language matters.
- Mental health and loneliness are key factors in addiction prevention.
Have you ever actually smoked crack for 15 straight days? How would you know?
Experience the emotional and inspiring tales of recovery in this episode of Recovery Matters! Podcast, where TJ sits down with Dr. Chad McDonald, an addiction and family medicine physician, to tackle the often-overlooked cocaine crisis. While many focus on opioids and alcohol, Dr. McDonald sheds light on the significant impact of cocaine use, especially in Connecticut. He passionately discusses the need for dedicated detox programmes and medication-assisted treatment options, sharing his clinical experiences and personal connections to the field.
The conversation reveals the stigma that persists in addiction recovery and how word choice can affect those seeking help. Dr. McDonald challenges misconceptions about cocaine withdrawal, emphasising the necessity of rehab and ongoing support beyond detox. With humour and heart, TJ and Dr. McDonald explore the challenges of treating fentanyl use and the innovative methods like low-dose buprenorphine induction that are proving successful.
They discuss how medication-assisted treatment plays a crucial role in reducing overdose deaths, yet acknowledge the rising stimulant-related fatalities that demand attention. This episode is a candid reminder that recovery is not one-size-fits-all and requires a comprehensive support system. Dr. McDonald's insights offer hope and highlight the importance of addressing mental health and loneliness as preventative measures against addiction. How can we continue to evolve our approach to addiction treatment? Tune in to find out!