Ep 299: Addiction Through a Sociological Lens

Patricia Roos, author of Surviving Alex, explores the
complexities of addiction, advocating for a shift from punitive
measures to a public health approach and sharing deeply personal
insights from her son's battle with substance use disorder and
eventual overdose.





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Full Show Notes


Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood issue, frequently
discussed in simplified terms that do little justice to those who
struggle with it and their families. Many hold onto unhelpful
myths about addiction, focusing on perceived moral failings or
simplistic disease models. But what if these views miss the
broader picture? What if we could better understand the root
causes and contexts surrounding addiction, ultimately providing
more effective support and interventions?


In this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics of
substance use and addiction, highlighting not just drug addiction
but also related behaviors like anorexia, bulimia, and self-harm.
We uncover how these issues are often deeply intertwined with
individual psychology and broader societal factors.


Our guest today is Patricia Roos, Professor Emerita of Sociology
at Rutgers University and author of Surviving Alex: A Mother's
Story of Love Loss and Addiction. Patricia’s personal connection
to this issue, through her son's battle with substance use
disorder and his eventual overdose, lends a poignant and
compelling perspective to her scholarly insights.



Understanding Addiction Beyond Myths


Patricia argues that prevailing models of addiction—the moral
model and the disease model—fail to capture the full scope of
this issue. She points out that a purely individualistic approach
overlooks the critical role of societal and contextual factors.
Instead, she proposes a more nuanced understanding that considers
how context shapes individual choices. This shift in perspective
opens up new avenues for addressing addiction in more empathetic
and effective ways.



The Hidden Battles With Anxiety and Control


In recounting her son Alex's journey, Patricia reveals how his
struggles began in adolescence with anorexia and later evolved
into substance use. She emphasizes that these behaviors were
coping mechanisms for underlying anxiety and a relentless drive
for perfection—a theme that resonates with many adolescents
today. Patricia offers insights into how parents might spot early
warning signs of such struggles, encouraging a compassionate and
proactive approach.



The Role of Treatment and Societal Stigma


Patricia sheds light on the stigmas associated with addiction
within the medical community and the criminal justice system. She
shares her advocacy for a paradigm shift towards treating
addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal
offense. This change, she argues, could reduce the damaging
impact of stigma and open up more supportive and effective
treatment options.



Patient Trafficking and the Rehab System


In a particularly eye-opening segment, Patricia discusses the
concept of patient trafficking within rehab systems, especially
in areas like Florida. She describes how some rehab centers
exploit patients for financial gain, pushing them into cycles of
relapse and readmission without providing genuine support. This
exploitation exemplifies the need for systemic change in how we
handle addiction treatment, ensuring it is truly geared towards
recovery.



In the Episode...


- How societal stigma and punitive measures exacerbate addiction.


- The connection between early anxiety, mental health issues, and
later substance use.


- The need for a public health approach to replace the current
criminal justice focus.


- The shady practices of patient trafficking within the rehab
system and the importance of ethical treatment options.



Join us for a compelling discussion that seeks to unravel the
complexities of addiction and offers a call to action for more
compassionate and effective responses. Listen now to understand
the broader contexts of addiction, equip yourself with knowledge
to support your teen, and subscribe to Talking to Teens for more
insightful episodes.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.