Morphine was supposed to handle opium. Heroin was supposed to handle morphine. Meth was supposed to handle heroin. Each 'cure' turned into their own addiction.There is a 150 year history including marketing heroin for 'fussy' babies. We interview David Aden, the managing editor of Center for the Study of Drug Addiction Policy who addresses some misconceptions and what national policies are being formulated currently.

Nicole Donofrio heard our podcast and wanted to tell her story.She  grew up with an alcoholic father and then later in a relationship with an alcoholic.  She experienced abuse and at first made excuses, but finally realized she had to do something. Now she has a Facebook Group with more than 2400 members and through the group, she offers support to those affected by addiction through friends and family.

Austin's story starts in Georgia at the age of 12, smoking pot. Soon graduated to a life on meth. Burglaries and prison and eventually losing his wife and infant.  Austin will shortly complete the Narconon program and asked to tell his story in the hope of helping others. His story will move you.

We have talked about how marijuana is a gateway drug.  This podcast discusses a study in Florida about how alcohol may be a worse gateway drug but in the end - does it really matter?  If someone gets onto heavy drugs from either alcohol or marijuana - the problem of addiction results.

Jim Meskimen is an incredibly talented - Hollywood film maker, actor, artist, impressionist and comedian.  Jim recently wrote and starred in a short film called "Son to Son" which address the subject of addiction from a very different perspective, a father and son, one an addict and one a dealer. Currently "Son to Son" is making the rounds of film festivals. Hear this intriguing story in our interview with Jim.

One of the hardest things the loved ones of an addict must face is how to get their addicted family member or friend to agree to treatment.  The addict must agree on his/her own choice, but how do you get that to happen?  This is very difficult but can be done. Bobby Newman is a professional interventionist and has a great record of getting addicts into treatment and on their way to a sober and happy life.

This is the second time we've had Amy on the podcast.  She is the Deputy Director of Drug Free America and Save our Society from Drugs.  She is one of the foremost experts on marijuana and the legalization thereof.  She has a very educated perspective of what it is like now in Florida - now that we have medical marijuana.  There are attempts to normalize marijuana without taking into account the perils and pitfalls of the "new" high octane weed.

We've been getting some heat lately from people who love methadone and suboxone.  What can we say?  We want you to live a drug free life, not dependent on any addictive substance - and yes, methadone and suboxone are addictive.  We hope that you will live a drug free life and if you disagree with that - oh well.  Why would we want anything less for you?  We know it's possible, so that's what we wish for you.  And if you have gotten sober on a 12 step program - like our recent interviewee, Craig DeRoche - that's fantastic.

Craig DeRoche was the youngest Speaker of the House in the state of Michigan.  When his alcohol addiction became public and out of control, his life totally fell apart. Now fully recovered, he has his life and family back and is making huge strides in helping people with addiction and in the criminal justice system.  This is Craig's story.

On-site at the 6th Annual Drug Prevention Summit. Thom Browne about what is added to drugs to make them more potent and lethal. He has a master's degree in criminal justice, is the President and CEO of the global criminal justice and demand reduction consulting firm Rubicon Global Enterprises. He created treatment systems and prevention programs in over 70 countries on five continents during his 25-year career at the U.S. Department of State/Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.