Prof. Agahi was working with opioid users from the very beginning of the crisis. In this episode, she tells the story of how America's opioid problem became a pandemic!  

Prof. Agahi tells us about "chasing the white dragon", a term she digs into and defines it in the context of overdose, which is the leading cause of death and injury in the U.S. She speaks about who is to blame, how should addicts be treated (wholistic approach), suicide prevention, harm reduction, and compares the opioid pandemic death tolls against other major U.S. killers, such as diabetes. Thankfully, she concludes with a message of hope - that 60-70% of overdose patients fully recover and lead highly productive lives. 

Professor Agahi of the University of Massachusetts Global, School of Social Work, has over 20 years of expertise in alcohol and drug prevention and treatment, as well as suicide prevention and treatment - a subject she feels quite passionately about. She received her doctorate from the University of Southern California, School of Social Work, and holds dual Masters in Public Health and Social Work. To learn more about her work, including her long list of presentations and publications, visit her academic homepage. 

I hope you enjoy this episode and gain some perspective about our opioid crisis. 

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