Aug 29 2024 53 mins
When Megan Tweedy lost her brother Jeff Meyer to a fentanyl overdose, her world was turned upside down. Join us as Megan opens up about her journey from grief to advocacy, sharing her deeply personal story and the powerful message of International Overdose Awareness Day. She candidly discusses the emotional toll of losing a loved one to substance use disorder and the vital role that this day plays in honoring those who have been affected.
In this episode, we tackle the pervasive stigma surrounding opioid use disorder and the urgent need to treat addiction as a medical condition. Megan sheds light on the barriers to accessing life-saving treatments like buprenorphine and methadone, and the critical importance of harm reduction programs. We discuss the nuances of law enforcement and judicial challenges, emphasizing the necessity of shifting perspectives and regulations to support those battling addiction.
Moreover, we confront the contrasting societal views on alcohol versus opioids, examining cultural biases and their impact on public perception. Megan's heartfelt stories highlight the devastating effects of opioid addiction, emphasizing the need for Narcan and the power of visibility in fostering hope and catalyzing change. As we share recovery stories and advocate for awareness, our goal is to inspire collective action and cultivate a compassionate approach to the opioid crisis.
The People's Harm Reduction Alliance - Get free Naloxone (Narcan) in the State of Washington
International Overdose Awareness Day 2024 — for those we've lost - Article in the hometown newspaper, The Yakima Herald, written by Megan Tweedy
Odds of Dying - Risk of dying of an overdose from the National Safety Council
How to Administer Naloxone
Painkiller - Netflix series starring Matthew Broderick about the start of the opioid crisis in the US.
- Sober Curious Consulting - Brett and Nell's Recovery Friendly Workplace consulting business.
- Dry January Program for Individuals Sign Up Page - discount coupon for $20 off through Dec 18th: startsober25
- Washington Recovery Alliance - building the capacity of the recovery community to advance substance use recovery and mental health wellness by catalyzing public understanding and shaping public policy in Washington State.
- Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit - providing information, tools, and resources to help employers from all sectors—government, for-profit, non-profit, and not-for-profit—effectively prevent and respond to substance misuse in the workforce from the Department of Labor.
- Latest (2022) Data on SUD in the US - from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Link to my favorite PDF for statistics.
- Addiction 101 - it’s not a moral failing—it’s a treatable illness. Get the facts about this misunderstood medical condition from my friends at Shatterproof.