Dopey: On the Dark Comedy of Drug Addiction Dopey45(Part One): Alina Lodge, Being Charlie, Nick Reiner
Sep 11, 2016
Nick Reiner, a film writer and son of director Rob Reiner, shares insights from his life and work in addiction storytelling. He discusses his strict rehab experiences, critiques the commercialization of the 12-step programs, and debates harm reduction versus abstinence approaches. The conversation touches on personal encounters with spirituality in recovery and the societal factors impacting addiction outcomes. Nick also reflects on the aftermath of his rehab experiences, including a harrowing hospital visit after a GHB overdose.
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Tension Between 12-Step And For-Profit Rehab
- Nick argues many rehabs commercially exploit the 12-step program while charging high fees.
- He highlights the tension between a free fellowship model and for-profit treatment.
Prioritize Harm Reduction To Save Lives
- Try harm reduction if it meaningfully reduces risk and improves quality of life.
- Replace lethal substances with safer alternatives when possible to lower overdose risk.
Spiritual Language Can Alienate Newcomers
- Nick and hosts note AA's religious language alienates many newcomers.
- That alienation can make effective help inaccessible even when the program has useful elements.