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In this episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson address a critical and often overlooked topic: the intersection between substance use disorders and human trafficking, with specific focus on Nevada. Through expert insights and compassionate discussion, this episode explores how substance use creates vulnerability to trafficking, how traffickers use drugs as tools of control, and the specialized support survivors need to heal from both trauma and addiction.
Content Warning: This episode discusses human trafficking, substance use, and trauma. While we approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for survivors, the subject matter may be difficult for some listeners.
The conversation features Jhenna Strasser, Manager of the Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Jhenna leads collaborative efforts bringing together law enforcement, victim services, and community partners to combat human trafficking in Southern Nevada and support survivors on their path to freedom and recovery. Her expertise provides critical insight into trafficking patterns in our region, how to recognize warning signs, and the multidisciplinary approach needed to help survivors escape exploitation.
Also joining the discussion is Caspian "Cassie" Matheus, Outreach Director of the RISE Anti-Human Trafficking Program at Signs of HOPE. With more than a decade of experience in anti-violence work and victim advocacy, Cassie provides human trafficking-related training to law enforcement, hospitality and tourism partners, medical providers, victim service organizations, educational institutions, and other community members. As co-chair of the Victim Services Committee for the Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force, Cassie offers an invaluable perspective on trauma-informed care and the comprehensive services survivors need to rebuild their lives.
Together, Jhenna, Cassie, Dr. Kamyar, and Amani examine why substance use and trafficking are so deeply interconnected. The discussion covers how pre-existing substance use creates vulnerability to exploitation, how traffickers deliberately use drugs to establish control and dependency, and why the cycle of addiction and trafficking becomes so difficult to break.
This is a difficult but essential conversation that aims to increase awareness, reduce st
If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.
If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.
EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.
Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.
Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.
Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.
