The Catalyst Podcast

A Catalyst for Changing Behaviors and Perceptions Around Substance Use Recovery

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We had an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Tess Drazdowski, a research scientist with Lighthouse Institute, who joined us to discuss her innovative, important and inspiring work on substance use recovery for emerging adults (ages 18 to 26).  We talked about: 

  • the need for more evidence-based services for this age group, as they are the most likely to use substances and have the least access to treatment. 
  • her experiences teaching child development classes in prisons, which sparked her passion for helping those involved in the criminal legal system. 
  • the efficacy of "contingency management," aka, incentives-based treatment, why it's long been stigmatized and underfunded, and why that's changing. 
  • the "outdated belief" that substance use disorder is moral problem requiring will power, tough lover or waiting for people to hit rock bottom - beliefs that perpetuate stigmas which prevent those needing help from getting it. 
  • people who are “living their recovery out loud” and providing pathways that reduce stigma.


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    The Catalyst PodcastBy The Catalyst Podcast