Public policy work can sometimes be seen as too theoretical and detached from the real world of concerns about things like addictive behaviors and the consequences. In this conversation with Amber Lashbaugh we find out that practical application of public policy work amounts to more than just ideas. It can result in making resources more accessible and people able to work toward greater health of mind, body, and spirit.

Amber is co-president of the college based initiative Hoyas for Recovery, a SMART facilitator, community outreach worker, and is pursuing her master's degree in addiction policy and practice at Georgetown University. She combines lived experience with policy application with great success.

In this podcast we talk about her interest in political science, her personal recovery journey, working in the addiction field, and her involvement with SMART. We also touch on the concept of "decriminalizing survival," a more nuanced way of looking at how society treats woment who have substance use disorders.

Helpful links: Hoyas for Recovery

Amber's article in Ms. Magazine

Amber Lashbaugh LinkedIn