In this episode of Beyond Substance, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore the critical intersection of research, personal experience, and community support in addressing substance use and recovery. They engage with experts Dr. Brad Ray and Dr. Katrina "Kat" Thomas, who share insights on drug trends, the impact of overdose data, and the importance of empathy and education in combating stigma. The conversation emphasizes the need for harm reduction strategies, the role of naloxone, and the power of personal stories in fostering hope and resilience within communities.
Segment 1
Dr. Brad Ray is a Senior Researcher at RTI International with a PhD in Sociology and Anthropology who conducts research at the intersection of public health and public safety that is aimed at overdose prevention. His training includes multiple quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and he has been the principal investigator on grants from the National Institutes on Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Justice. He has conducted numerous randomized trials, integrated large statewide datasets to identify overdose touchpoints, and studied the implementation of multiple harm reduction strategies. Dr. Ray also oversees technical assistance to state governments to implement programming at the intersection of public health and public safety systems.
Segment 2
In this conversation, Dr. Katrina "Kat" Thomas shares her personal journey through substance use and recovery, highlighting the impact of trauma and the importance of seeking help. She discusses her transition from personal struggles to a professional career in counseling and advocacy, emphasizing the evolving landscape of substance use and the need for community support. Dr. Kat addresses the stigma surrounding addiction and the misconceptions that persist, ultimately encouraging listeners to seek reliable resources and never give up hope.
Takeaways
