106: Fighting the Opioid Crisis w/ Linda Davis

Update: 2024-09-27

Description

*If you or someone you love needs help with a drug or alcohol addiction, call the Hope Not Handcuffs’ Hope Line! Call toll-free at 833-202-HOPE*

In this heartfelt episode of the Harder Than Life podcast, host Kelly Siegel welcomes Judge Linda Davis, a pioneering advocate in the fight against addiction. Appointed to the Michigan bench in 2000, Judge Davis now serves as the Executive Director of Face Addiction Now (formerly Families Against Narcotics). With over 17 years of experience leading the charge against the opioid epidemic, Judge Davis shares her personal story of how addiction affected her family and explains the impactful work her organization is doing to support individuals and families struggling with substance use disorder.

Judge Davis and Kelly discuss the stigma surrounding addiction, the importance of viewing it as a disease, and the critical role compassion plays in recovery. They also highlight the innovative programs provided by Face Addiction Now, such as Hope Not Handcuffs, which partners with police departments to divert individuals from jail to recovery services.

Purchase your FAN Fall Fest Tickets now! https://www.faceaddictionnow.org/events/fall-fest-2024
When: October 01, 2024 | 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (Doors open at 5:00 pm)
Where: Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, Michigan

Key Takeaways

Addiction as a Disease, Not a Moral Failing: Judge Linda Davis emphasizes the importance of recognizing addiction as a disease, a critical shift in how society views those struggling with substance use disorder.
Hope Not Handcuffs Program: This innovative initiative allows individuals to seek help for addiction without fear of arrest. Over 14,000 people have been connected to recovery services through this program since 2017.
Compassionate Care for Families: Face Addiction Now provides comprehensive support not just for individuals with addiction, but for their families as well. Family peer coaches work one-on-one to help navigate this challenging time.
Continuum of Care: Judge Davis highlights the importance of long-term support, offering up to 18 months of care to help individuals achieve lasting recovery.
Breaking the Stigma: The stigma surrounding addiction is still pervasive, but with open conversations and compassionate treatment, society can shift its view and better support recovery.
Parental Involvement: Judge Davis advises parents to maintain open communication with their children and not to dismiss behavioral changes as typical teenage behavior, especially when it could indicate substance use.
Dangers of Fentanyl: There is an alarming rise in the number of drugs being laced with fentanyl, which poses a serious risk even to casual drug users who may not realize what they are consuming.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Judge Davis stresses the need for more political attention on the opioid crisis, which has affected nearly every family in the U.S. either directly or indirectly.

"Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. We need to treat those struggling with compassion, not punishment."

Face Addiction Now Links:
Website: https://www.faceaddictionnow.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faceaddictionnow/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faceaddictionnow/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@faceaddictionnow
X: https://x.com/faceaddictionow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faceaddictionnow/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/faceaddictionnow