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PODCAST

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole

The Opioid Matrix is a podcast for anyone looking for the latest information in the illegal drug supply chain — Beginning to end. Each episode will feature a discussion with industry experts about the current opioid crisis, including drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, drug identification, drug addiction, as well as the role of government, law enforcement, new health and social programs, and more.Welcome to The Opioid Matrix-A Journey into the Rabbit Hole.

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All Episodes

37:25

Harm Reduction & The Many Paths to Recovery

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/04/04

The drug epidemic is complicated. And just as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to getting drugs off our streets, there isn’t one single path to recovery.If we are going to tackle such a complex issue, we need a multi-pronged approach — law enforcement, clinical intervention, recovery and harm reduction each have their part to play. In this episode, we’re speaking with Evan Done, Community Impact Director at USARA, about his involvement in the recovery and harm-reduction side of treating the

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25:23

How OxyContin Paved the Path to Fentanyl; A Doctor's...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/03/30

When OxyContin was approved in the ‘90s, how many could predict the skyrocketing opioid deaths or the rise of fentanyl in the road ahead? As we scramble to treat the symptoms of a fentanyl-dominated opioid market, what lessons can we learn from the past to prevent the next stage in the opioid epidemic’s evolution?In this episode, we speak with Dr. Arun Gupta MD PC, Addiction Specialist, Family Physician and Author of The Preventable Epidemic, about the events that led the opioid epidemic to spiral

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50:18

Survival, Hope, and Breaking the Cycle of Substance Use

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/03/29

Family addiction, mental health troubles, a culture of substance abuse — in the drug epidemic, despair can lead one to conclude drug use is inevitable.Today’s guest, Dr. Geri Lynn Utter, Clinical Psychologist in the Greater Philadelphia Area and Author of Mainlining Philly, proves everyday — in both her work and her personal story — that hope can overcome despair.Join us as we discuss:Dr. Utter’s experience growing up as the child of addictsHow her story helps her tackle the despair in her

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62:28

The Science Behind Drug Addiction and Treatment

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/03/28

We can tackle some of the symptoms of addiction through harm reduction, but we will never be able to curb the addiction itself without understanding one thing:The “why” behind it.In this episode, we speak with Dr. Michael Miller, CEO of the Miller Care Group, about how his clinical approach to addiction differs from others by drilling down into the root causes and treating addiction at the source — not just its symptoms.Join us as we discuss:The science behind drug addictionHow cartels benefit from

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56:10

Combatting the Transnational Organized Criminal Economy

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/02/28

Transnational Organized Criminal (TOC) groups and their proxies are part of a much larger centralized global criminal network. And the threat is larger than many expect — the intersectionality of global TOC actors has resulted in a billion dollar shadow economy fueled by human and drug traffickingIn this episode, we are joined by Anthony Stephen Malone, Former CIA Agent and British Paratrooper. Anthony reveals the secrets of interconnectivity in global crime he’s unveiled throughout his colorful and

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46:39

From Drug Dealing to Harm Reduction: The Story of...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/02/14

This week's episode of The Opioid Matrix features Nathan Smiddy, also known as "Narcan Nate". Nate is a Harm Reduction Education Specialist. We delve into Nathan's background and discover how he got started in the world of drugs and alcohol. From selling drugs through high school and beyond, to now being sober and advocating for harm reduction, Nathan shares his unique perspective on the current state of drug policy and its impact on society. We also discuss the controversial issue of drug

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41:32

The Opioid Epidemic: A DEA Agent's Insider Perspective

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/02/07

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Brian Townsend, a former DEA special agent, to discuss his career fighting the war on drugs and the current opioid crisis.Brian shares his insight on how trends have changed over the years and the reasons behind the staggering statistic of over 100,000 overdose deaths a year. We delve into the evolving landscape of synthetic drugs and their growing threat to law enforcement. Brian also speaks about the need to change our approach to treating pain and the

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70:44

Part One - Navigating Corruption and Degradations in...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/31

In this episode, Michael speaks with Kevin Ofchus - a former Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. DEA and is now CEO of Host Nation Perspectives of SouthWest Asia, as well as Associate Fellow at Narrative Strategies. His projects have covered a wide range of areas focused on countering Afghan insurgency and violent extremism via intelligence and counter-intelligence, threat finance, counter-terrorism, rule of law initiatives, and post-conflict stabilization. This is the first part of a two-part

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26:24

Part Two - Terrorist Organizations or Criminal...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/31

In this episode, Michael speaks with Kevin Ofchus, - a former Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. DEA and is now CEO of Host Nation Perspectives of SouthWest Asia, as well as Associate Fellow at Narrative Strategies. His projects have covered a wide range of areas focused on countering Afghan insurgency and violent extremism via intelligence and counter-intelligence, threat finance, counter-terrorism, rule of law initiatives, and post-conflict stabilization. This is part two of a two part series

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49:41

Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Drug Abuse in the Next...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/23

In this episode, we delve into how drug abuse disproportionately affects young people in America. We discuss the devastating consequences of drug addiction, and how it can ruin lives and destroy families. We also explore the role that schools can play in preventing drug abuse and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. We speak with Rockwell “Rocky” Herron, Drug Abuse Prevention Ambassador and former DEA Agent. Since 2007, Rocky has delivered more than 700 presentations To over 140,000 students in

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41:51

Discussing the Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/17

As the debate around harm reduction continues, it is important to remember that there are mental health strategies those suffering from substance dependencies can use with the help of a professional. In this episode, Michael speaks with Shaudi Adel, Clinical Director at Centered Mind Therapy. The mission at Centered Mind Therapy is to connect clients with a provider that will help them discover healing and build a balanced life. Check out more about the program here: https://centeredmindtherapy.com/

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57:34

The Realities of Decriminalization - Is it a...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/09

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Silverman. Scott was was once a substance abuser near suicide. He has since turned his life around to become a crisis coach and family navigator, helping at risk individuals also turn their lives around. He is currently the CEO/Founder of Confidential Recovery and Author of The Opioid Epidemic. He is also the founder of second chance, a nonprofit human services agency that assists economically disadvantaged individuals and families, transforming their lives to

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65:57

Normalizing Drug Use, The Future of Legalization and...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/03

Today’s guest is Barbara Jacobs Fistanic, Clinical Director of the Outpatient Program at Harmony Place Drug Addiction Treatment Center. She has been part of the co-occurring mental health and addiction treatment fields since 1992 with various roles in Social Work. In this episode, she speaks with Michael and Jen about: How she’s seen substance abuse trends change throughout her careerThe difference between rehabilitation and harm reduction?How mental health relates to potential substance abuse

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22:15

A Conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton About...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/03

In this special episode, we are joined by Congressman Seth Moulton. Congressman Moulton is a Democrat representing Massachusetts’ 6 Congressional District. He’s a Marine Corps Veteran who served four tours in Iraq, including two tours as a Platoon Commander and two tours as a Special Assistant to General David Petraeus. He ran for Congress in 2014 and today, sits on House Armed Services, Transportation and Infrastructure and Budget Committees. This episode covers: The Congressman’s 988 Suicide

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58:21

A Discussion about the Future of Pharmaceutical...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/12/27

As the conversation and practice of Psychedelic therapies and treatments becomes more commonplace, it is important to explore the potential impact the decriminalization and medical legitimization of these substances can have on our society. In this episode, we speak with Erica Siegal, Founder of NEST Harm Reduction & Consulting. Erica is a licensed clinical social worker, professional, harm reductionist community organizer and psychedelic assisted psychotherapist, Erica founded NEST Harm

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43:50

How Real-Time Drug Checking Programs Can Help Save Lives

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/12/13

This episode features Ashley Loveless. She has experience with syringe exchange programs, overdose prevention strategies, as well as state and federal policy and procedure development and works with various harm reduction programs in Colorado. Michael and Jen speak to Ashley about:Drug Checking - why it mattersThe technology that changed Ashley’s drug checking programThe efforts and importance of getting the Attorney General’s approval for Drug Checking Programs Check out Our Episode with Maggie

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36:58

Breaking Down the Debate Around Safe Injection Sites

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/12/07

With safe injection sites becoming more commonplace and government supported, we must have a discussion around the help and harm of these locations. In this episode, Jen and Michael discuss: Where do we draw the line on what an individual can use in these locations?Is there an “off ramp” designed with these safe injection sites?Reflecting on the Crack epidemic and its impact on the Black Community. Will history repeat itself due to these “safe sites?” The real long term effects of narcotics

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47:11

What is the Off-Ramp for a Harm Reduction Strategy?

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/11/22

In this episode, Micheal and Jen Speak with Dr. Sofia Georgoulias. Dr. Georgoulias is a clinical psychologist based out of New York. She has extensive experience treating patients with substance abuse issues, general mental health and harm reduction. She also has a direct line of sight into our legal system, specifically incarcerations, from her time working at Rikers Island.This episode covers:The research and rationale behind harm reduction strategiesThe long terms effectiveness of safe injection

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36:37

The Evolution of Narco Cartels Into Narco Insurgencies

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/11/08

By this time next year, the US is on track to pass over 200,000 unintentional Fentanyl overdoses. The problem is that our government has allowed the cartels of the ‘80s to metastasize into “Super Cartels.”In this episode of the Opioid Matrix, Michael and Jen talk about:The Rise of the Super CartelsIf there is a difference between Cartels and Insurgency GroupsWhat does the fallout of the competition between the cartels look like?How Narco-Chemistry has Evolved more Addictive drugs than ever before To

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67:07

An Open User’s Journey to Reform Drug Policy in...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/10/17

Today’s guest has founded a unique harm reduction center. In fact, what makes it unique is that it is the only openly drug user run syringe exchange in Tennessee.In this episode, Jen and Michael are joined by Daniel Patrick Garret, Founding Director of Tennessee Harm Reduction. THR is a community based organization operating at the intersection of Public Health, Drug User Advocacy and Drug Policy Reform.Join us as we discuss:Daniel’s journey through and perspective on non-abstinence based drug

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97 results

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