Freakonomics Radio 403. The Opioid Tragedy, Part 2: “It’s Not a Death Sentence”
Jan 23, 2020
In this discussion, Jean-Marie Perrone, an emergency medicine physician specializing in opioid addiction, and Stephen Lloyd, an advocate for medication-assisted treatment, delve into the complexities of the opioid crisis. They highlight how effective treatments like buprenorphine remain underutilized due to stigma and strict regulations. Personal stories illustrate the urgent need for harm reduction strategies. The conversation challenges traditional views of abstinence, advocating for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to treatment and recovery.
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Subway Rescue
- Jean-Marie Perrone administered Narcan to an unresponsive man on the subway.
- The man revived due to her actions and the bystanders performing CPR.
Narcan's Limitations
- Narcan is effective in reversing overdoses, but doesn't address the underlying addiction.
- The mortality rate for overdose patients remains high, even after receiving Narcan.
Buprenorphine's Effectiveness
- Traditional addiction treatment, offering referrals, often fails.
- A Yale study found that Buprenorphine doubled patient engagement compared to standard referral methods.