Unveiling Stigma: Navigating Addiction and Treatment in the Opioid Epidemic with Dr. Jonathan Avery

Join host Michael Liebowitz in this illuminating episode of The Rational Egoist as he welcomes guest Dr. Jonathan Avery, a leading specialist in addiction psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York. They dive deep into the heart of the opioid epidemic, focusing on the intense stigmatisation that surrounds substance abuse.

Discussing the paradox of our societal attitudes, they explore why substance abuse is often stigmatised more harshly than other health and mental health issues, and how this stigma contributes to an insidious cycle of secrecy and suffering for those affected.

Avery explains the deadly nature of this silent struggle, with alarming rates of overdoses marking the epidemic's toll.In an unexpected twist, they highlight that alcohol, the most common driver of hospitalisation and death due to substance misuse, manages to evade such stigmatisation.

How does society differentiate between alcohol and other substances, and what impact does this dichotomy have on those struggling with addiction?As they delve into possible solutions, Dr. Avery shares insights on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in helping individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms to overcome addiction. Furthermore, they explore the unfair societal reactions towards relapse in addiction compared to other diseases like cancer.

Finally, while acknowledging the harmful effects of certain drug policies, they discuss promising advancements in addiction treatment and research, offering hope to those in the throes of this battle. Tune in for a thoughtful, compassionate conversation on a critical public health issue.

Michael Liebowitz is a philosopher, political activist, and host of the Rational Egoist podcast. He is a passionate advocate of reason and his views have been heavily influenced by the philosopher Ayn Rand. Liebowitz has dedicated his life to promoting its principles of rational self-interest, individualism, and reason. In addition to his work as a podcast host, Liebowitz is also a prominent spokesperson for the Libertarian Party for Connecticut - USA and has been involved in a number of political debates advocating for individual rights and freedoms through his YouTube videos and interviews. Liebowitz's life story is a testament to the transformative power of the writings of Ayn Rand.

After spending 25 years in prison, he was able to turn his life around by embracing the principles of rational self-interest and morality espoused by Ayn Rand. He has since become an influential voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities, using his own experience to inspire others to live their lives in accordance with reason, individualism, and self-interest. Liebowitz is also the co-author of "Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Correction Encourages Crime," a book that explores the ways in which misguided societal attitudes towards punishment and rehabilitation have led to a rise in crime and recidivism. In addition to his work in politics and philosophy, Liebowitz is a regular guest on the Todd Feinburg show at WTIC, where he provides expert commentary on a range of political and social issues.