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.
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.
The Pressure of Performance Enhancement
In the modern workplace, especially on Wall Street, there is rising pressure to use psychostimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse to enhance focus, productivity, and work hours. This shift is driven by a cultural expectation for longer working hours and heightened competition, fueling the demand for performance-enhancing drugs. The transition from opioids to stimulants reflects changing societal values that prioritize alertness and aggression, particularly post-pandemic, and reveal a growing acceptance of such substances for enhancing work output. As the landscape of work evolves, the pathological urgency to maintain competitive advantage continues to contribute to escalating stimulant use.
Psychedelics and Youth Culture
While traditional substance use among teens, such as alcohol and tobacco, is declining, there’s a noteworthy rise in the consumption of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. Cultural influencers, including technology and media figures, have popularized psychedelics, leading many young people to experiment with these substances which may have therapeutic potential but come with their own risks. The data suggests that while psychedelics are often not used daily, their increasing acceptance among celebrities and in tech culture may encourage experimentation among youth. There are substantial concerns regarding the potential consequences for developing brains, as risks such as psychosis and disruptions to daily functioning can be significant.
The Role of Celebrity and Media in Substance Use Trends
Celebrity endorsements and narratives around drug use profoundly affect public perceptions and behaviors regarding substance consumption. The dialogue notes how famous individuals create a culture of acceptance around the use of psychedelics and stimulants, impacting younger generations who might imitate this behavior. Cases like the therapeutic use of ketamine for depression, highlighted by notable public figures, present a complex picture that blurs the lines between responsible medical use and casual consumption. As the conversation explores the need for collective responsibility among educators, employers, and policymakers, it emphasizes the critical role of informed discourse in preventing the normalization of substance misuse.
In this episode of RANE Insights, RANE Founder David Lawrence sits down with Dr. Mark Gold for the fifth episode in a multi-part discussion on the relationship between addiction and enterprise risk.
Dr. Gold is an author, inventor, and mentor who has had over 1,000 peer-reviewed publications since beginning his academic career at the University of Florida College of Medicine and Yale University School of Medicine in the 1970s. He is best known for developing the pioneering translational laboratory to human research methods of discovery for addiction and psychiatry.
Find more content from Dr. Gold here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/mark-s-gold-md
RANE is a global risk intelligence company that delivers risk and security professionals access to critical insights, analysis and support to ensure business continuity and resilience for our clients. For more information about RANE's risk management solutions, visit www.ranenetwork.com.
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