FOCUS- Opioid Abuse

Ed Baker, Vermont Substance Abuse Counselor, LICSW and LADC, gives insight into the consistent increase in prescription opioid deaths in Vermont and across the United States. In this conversation with FOCUS Host Margaret Harrington, he talks about the genetic and environmental influences on opioid addiction. From his perspective as a long time substance abuse counselor we learn about medical and psychological treatment, compassionate law enforcement, and needle exchange. Finally, we learn about the power of words and how stigma costs lives and what we can do to support this vulnerable population.