It is widely believed that the Civil War created a legion of opium addicts, but some experts think otherwise.  Drug historian and The Age of Addiction author, Dr. David Courtwright, joins us this week to discuss this period in history, as well as the first incident of iatrogenic addiction (addiction caused by physicians) in the United States, and the widespread use of patent medicines that was taking the nation by storm. This episode is sponsored by True Recovery.

Facts and Myths: Opium and Morphine Use in 19th Century America  EP 4

This multi-part written series of articles is now available in podcast form.  Dr. Drew reads “A History of Opium,” which includes additional commentary from recognized experts (available only in this version).  A previous Weekly Infusion podcast with Internal Medicine/ Addiction specialists  Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce Heischober welcome a variety of guests and explore topics ranging from everyday health issues, to the latest medical breakthroughs and treatments, to incredible stories of the ER.

Science & Medicine

Natural Sciences

Social Sciences

Medicine

Health & Fitness

Today we address the use of Naltrexone as a treatment option for addiction and examine the Government’s response to the Opioid Crisis.  Experts include Harvard professors, Dr. John Kelly and Dr. Bertha Madras, Beautiful Boy author/public speaker, David Sheff and addiction counselor Shelly Sprague.  We want to thank our guests and special thanks to all of you listeners who explored The History of Opium with us. Produced by Michelle Poe and the staff of drdrew.com.  Sponsored by Social CBD. Go to DrDrew.com/socialCBD. On our site and for a limited time you can save 20% at checkout with code DRDREW.

An Underused Treatment and the Government’s Response to the Opioid Crisis- Ep 16-17

Professors Dr. John Kelly, Dr. Anna Lembke and Dr. Bertha Madras plus best-selling author of Beautiful Boy, David Sheff join @drdrew this week as we focus on steps that could be taken to address the opiod epidemic more effectively. Some of these methods are tried and true and others take a more novel approach.  This show is courtesy of SocialCBD. Go to DrDrew.com/socialCBD. On our site and for a limited time you can save 20% at checkout with code DRDREW.

How Do We Solve the Opioid Problem? -  Ep 15

Suboxone:  Miracle or Menace?  This week’s installment tackles medication assisted therapy, and specifically the use of Suboxone to treat the disease of addiction.  There are arguments both for and against this controversial treatment method.  Addiction treatment expert Bob Forrest, Dr. Anna Lembke and Dr. John Kelly weigh in on the topic.  

Suboxone – Miracle or Menace? - EP 14

This week’s installment explores the physicians’ role in the current opioids crisis and explains why mixing opioids and benzodiazepines is such a lethal combination.  Our superstar panel of experts includes Dr. Bertha Madras (Harvard University), Dreamland author, Sam Quinones, Dr. Anna Lembke (Stanford University), addiction specialist, Shelley Sprague, and Beautiful Boy author, David Sheff. 

Mixing Opioids and Benzodiazepines- EP 12 - 13

This installment examines the drug companies’ role in the current opioids crisis.  Led by the billionaire Sackler Family, Purdue Pharma used marketing, advertising and questionable tactics to encourage physicians to prescribe OxyContin whenever possible.  The push to “eliminate pain completely” resulted in iatrogenic addiction.  Beautiful Boy author, David Sheff, Dreamland author, Sam Quinones and Addiction Treatment Specialist, Shelley Sprague are this week’s contributors.  

Facts and Myths: Opium and Morphine Use in 19th Century America EP 4

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