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RANE Podcast Series

The United States of Addiction Part V

Jan 29, 2025
Dr. Mark Gold, a world-renowned addiction expert with over 1,000 publications, shares profound insights on the evolving landscape of addiction. He discusses the shift from opioids to stimulants, influenced by societal pressures and workplace demands. The contrasting effects of psychedelics and psychostimulants are also examined, revealing their therapeutic potential and risks. Gold highlights the geopolitical connections of Captagon production and underscores the need for clear communication in addiction treatment policies to enhance public awareness and outcomes.
52:35

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The evolution of addiction crises in the U.S. reflects a cycle where opioid abuse is increasingly replaced by the rising demand for stimulants to enhance workplace performance.
  • Cultural acceptance of psychedelics among youth, fueled by celebrity influences, raises significant concerns about potential risks to developing brains and overall mental health.

Deep dives

Shifting Drug Epidemics

The discussion highlights the evolving nature of addiction crises in the United States, particularly the opioid epidemic transitioning to a new phase involving stimulants and other drugs. Initially dominated by prescription opioids, the crisis shifted to heroin, then fentanyl, and now has expanded to include speedballing, which combines opioids and psychostimulants. The historical context shows a pattern in which each opioid epidemic has been followed by a surge in the use of stimulants, reflecting a cycle of drug abuse. Current trends suggest that as the opioid crisis stabilizes, the demand for stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, is rising in tandem with a socio-economic drive for increased productivity.

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