The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole

Latest Episodes:

The Opioid Epidemic: A DEA Agent's Insider Perspective Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

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 controversial statement made by Purdue pharmaceuticals claiming a low addiction rate among patients. Join us as we uncover the harsh realities of the opioid epidemic and the urgent steps needed to address it.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Part Two - Terrorist Organizations or Criminal Cartels: The Debate on Fentanyl Production in Mexico w/ Kevin Ofchus Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

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 with Kevin.
Join us as we delve into the growing problem of fentanyl production and distribution in Mexico. We explore the current state of the epidemic and discuss the various opinions on whether these cartels should be designated as terrorist organizations. We also examine the role of congressional action and political will in tackling this issue, and the need for a more robust international presence to combat the production and distribution of fentanyl. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the opioid crisis and the challenges facing Mexico as it attempts to address the problem.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

Part One - Navigating Corruption and Degradations in Afghanistan w/ Kevin Ofchus Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

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 series with Kevin.
This episode focuses on how he got into this field and the importance of building strong tribal affiliations in order to create an environment that supports the rule of law. We also discuss the international community's approach to separating drug trafficking as a law enforcement initiative and insurgency as another, and the potential implications of this decision. We delve into the challenges of managing the situation in Afghanistan, including issues of corruption, lack of clean water, and the current relationship between Afghanistan and the Taliban. Lastly, we examine the US embassy's role in the Afghan stabilization program and explore the concept of ghost soldiers.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Drug Abuse in the Next Generation Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

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 schools around the world focusing on cultivating awareness in our youth about the current drug threat. In this conversation, Rocky focuses on:

His experiences working at the DEA
Strategies he uses to get through to at-risk youth about drug abuse
The pivotal role a family unit and community play in the effective prevention of drug abuse in adolescents

Join us as we strive to raise awareness about this critical issue and work towards solutions to keep our children safe and healthy.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

Discussing the Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) On Individuals With Addiction and Substance Dependence Jan 17, 2023

Show notes

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/
This episode covers:

A Breakdown of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
How Harm Reduction Programs Influence the Treatment of those with addiction
Can A Harm-Reduction Approach Work Effectively when Paired with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

The Realities of Decriminalization - Is it a Double-Edged Sword? Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

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 become self-sufficient and contributing members of society.
This episode covers
Scott’s story with substance abuse
How and why he wrote his book: The Opioid Epidemic
How Decriminalization can have unforeseen ramifications
How the Opioid Epidemic has changed since he published his book
Get Scott’s Book Here: https://www.amazon.com/Opioid-Epidemic-What-Destroy-Family/dp/1736745603
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

Normalizing Drug Use, The Future of Legalization and Re-Defining Rehab through Harm Reduction Jan 03, 2023

Show notes

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 career
The difference between rehabilitation and harm reduction?
How mental health relates to potential substance abuse behaviors

Barbara’s Website - https://www.lcsw.org/
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

A Conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton About the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and Better Efforts to Degrade Fentanyl in the US Jan 03, 2023

Show notes

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 Crisis Lifeline Bill
How the state can hold big pharma accountable
How to enforce the border and deter the influx of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals

A Discussion about the Future of Pharmaceutical Psychedelics for the Treatment of Mental Health Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

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 Reduction Consulting in California, which provides care training and onsite services to events, communities and professionals in the field. She worked as a psychotherapist researcher on the phase two and phase three FDA approved MDMA assisted psychotherapy clinical trials from 2014 to 2019.
Join us as we discuss:
Emerging findings about Psychedelic Treatments for individuals with mental health issues
The pace of psychedelic substance regulation on a state and federal level
Psychedelic substance interventions in the case of opioid addiction treatments
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

How Real-Time Drug Checking Programs Can Help Save Lives Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

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 matters
The technology that changed Ashley’s drug checking program
The efforts and importance of getting the Attorney General’s approval for Drug Checking Programs
Check out Our Episode with Maggie here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1625927161/e/1000582108619
Reach out to Ashley here: ashley@highlevelhealthsolutions.com
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1625927161?to=page
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

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