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In this episode, I talk about emergency department (ED) doctors’ and nurses’ roles, responsibilities, and reactions to overdose. Across multiple studies, researchers have examined the experiences of patients and staff in the ED, shedding light on the challenges, stigma, and opportunities that arise in treating opioid use disorder and preventing future overdoses. I talk about…

In this episode, I talk about law enforcers’ roles, responsibilities, and reactions to overdose. How do police officers perceive their role in overdose situations? Do they see overdose calls as medical emergencies, criminal events, or something in between? I talk about the role of police at overdose calls, how police perceive naloxone, and the impact…

In this episode, I talk about first responders’ roles, responsibilities, and reactions to overdose. First responders include firefighters, emergency medical responders, and police. I talk about first responders’ perceptions of naloxone, their procedures for responding to an overdose call, the emotional toll of responding to overdoses, and the policy issues raised by first responders. Download…

In this episode, I talk about illicit drug manufacturers’ and dealers’ roles, responsibilities, and reactions to overdose. Specifically, I talk about how buyers’ trusted relationships with dealers act as a protective factor against overdose, mostly because dealers are dedicated to safety-checking their supply. I also review the literature on how people who sell drugs perceive…

 In this episode, I talk about prescribers, providers, and pharmacists’ roles, responsibilities, and reactions to overdose. I start by reviewing some of the opioid prescription guidelines that have been implemented. I also review the literature on prescribing patterns and attitudes towards naloxone. I end by discussing the literature about providers’ emotional reactions to a…

In the final episode of this season, I discuss support groups and treatment for the loved ones of people with SUD and overdose incidents. I review the literature on the coping mechanisms of bereaved loved ones, look at the formation and impact of peer-support groups, review therapy techniques to help people navigate grief after a…

In this episode, I talk about loved ones, addiction, and overdose in the context of rural areas. First, I review important context and statistics, including how rural Americans are at higher risk of overdose. Then I discuss research on family roles in prescription opioid misuse prevention, risk factors for drug misuse and disease among young…

In this episode, I discuss people’s experiences having unhoused loved ones with SUD and overdose incidents. First, I review some important context/statistics about the topic. Then I talk about how family relationships impact people’s paths into and out of houselessness and drug misuse. I also talk about how people perceive and access treatment for drug…