KERA's Think
The real reason fentanyl is killing fewer Americans
Jan 14, 2025
Maia Szalavitz, a Contributing Opinion writer for The New York Times and an expert on addiction and drug policy, shares insights on the recent decline in opioid deaths. She discusses the racial disparities affecting marginalized communities, revealing that they’re not benefiting from this decline. Szalavitz highlights the role of naloxone in saving lives and addresses the risks posed by dangerous drug combinations, such as fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Her analysis emphasizes the need for equitable access to harm reduction resources and a compassionate approach to addiction.
46:22
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Despite a 15% decline in overall opioid deaths, marginalized communities continue to face significant disparities in overdose outcomes.
- Innovative harm reduction methods, like naloxone distribution, are essential in saving lives and combating misconceptions about drug use.
Deep dives
Decline in Overdose Deaths: A Partial Victory
The United States has recently seen a nearly 15% decline in overdose deaths, a significant achievement amid the ongoing opioid crisis. However, this decline isn't uniform across demographic groups, raising concerns about the complexities surrounding this issue. While there are signs of improvement, particularly among certain populations, the underlying reasons behind these trends are multifaceted and warrant further exploration. Understanding these disparities is crucial to developing effective solutions and ensuring that the positive shifts benefit all communities.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
