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From Past to Present: The Changing Landscape of Drugs
Manage episode 407205534 series 3558847
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Welcome to From Past to Present: The Changing Landscape of Drugs. In this episode, hosts Jodie and Amy are joined by Wendy Woolcock, the DEA’s Deputy Chief of Operations and Dean Esserman, a former Prosecutor, General Counsel, and Police Chief. Beyond their esteemed professional titles, Wendy and Dean are parents themselves, bringing a personal and deeply empathetic perspective to our discussion.
Navigating the complexities of today's drug landscape, we delve into the heightened dangers of current drugs, particularly the omnipresence of fentanyl and its association with the dramatic rise in fatal overdoses. A poignant challenge many parents face is addressing the question, "Why was it okay for you and not for me?" Both Wendy and Dean provide invaluable insights on this matter, blending their professional expertise with their personal experiences as parents.
Former Police Chief Esserman emphasizes DEA's vital role in confronting the strength of modern drugs and their influence on our youth. Wendy adds depth with her perspectives from DEA’s frontline, further explaining the drastic shift in drug potency and availability.
Beyond the professional insights, this episode dives into the nuances of drug treatment, the essential nature of mental health, and the power of community collaboration. Join us for this enlightening conversation as we work together to understand and address the challenges of today's drug epidemic, always keeping the wellbeing of our children at the forefront.
Key Takeaways:
The episode highlights the stark differences between drugs of the past and contemporary drugs, emphasizing the prevalence of potent and cheap substances like fentanyl today.
Wendy Woolcock, DEA’s Deputy Chief of Operations, sheds light on the dangers of contemporary drugs and the alarming increase in fatal overdoses.
Former police chief Dean emphasizes the DEA's role in addressing the potency of these drugs and its impact on youth.
Valuable advice is offered for parents on how to approach conversations with their children about drug risks, including open and lighthearted discussions and the importance of seeking help and carrying opioid reversal kits.
The episode explores the manufacture of hotspots in pills by cartels in clandestine laboratories and the prevalence of synthetic drugs in stores and medications.
Chief Esserman highlights the evolving landscape of drug treatment and mental health, emphasizing the shift from demonizing drug addicts to recognizing drug addiction as a disease and the importance of community collaboration, internet accessibility, and cryptocurrency's influence.
Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the iconic sitcom "Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House". In 2009 she penned her memoir, "unSweetined", which chronicles her journey through addiction and into recovery. With her frank and open approach, Jodie has emerged as a compelling speaker and advocate who now seeks to use her platform and experiences to educate others and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery. @jodiesweetin
Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is a Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine. She has been working in the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program since 2019. @amymccarthylicsw
Wendy Woolcock is DEA’s Deputy Chief of Operations.
Dean M. Esserman is a former Prosecutor, General Counsel and Police Chief. He has served as the Chief of Police for New Haven, CT; Providence, Rhode Island; Stamford, Connecticut; and the New York State MTA-Metro North Police Department. From 1987-1991, he served as the General Counsel to Chief William Bratton of the New York City Transit Police. He started his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Recognized for turning around troubled Departments, implementing community policing, integrating new technologies and evidence-based strategies resulting in multi-year declines in crime. Restored trust and integrity in each organization.
Elks: As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!
DEA: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA enforces controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective antidrug organization in the world, with 241 domestic locations in 23 field divisions and 93 international field divisions in 69 countries.
Resources/Links
Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Substance Use Prevention
Elks Drug Awareness Program Website
Jodie Sweetin’s Links
Amy McCarthy’s Links
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