Ep. 22 “Opioid pandemic in Guilford County, the syringe exchange program, and the effects of stigma in drug and substance rehabilitation.”

In this episode of the Good Grief Podcast, Jeff Thigpen and Carly Malcolm talk to Chase Holleman, the program director for the Guilford County Solution to the Opioid Problem, GS STOP. They talk about the opioid pandemic in Guilford County, the syringe exchange program, and the effects of stigma in drug and substance rehabilitation. 

 

[02:54] Terminal Illness and End of Life Issues

[06:27] Chase's Opioid Use and Dealing with Undiagnosed Mental Health Issues

[08:27] Why Stigma is More Dangerous Than Drug Use

[10:05] Chase's Journey Into The World of Treatment and Rehabilitation

[11:10] Guilford County Solution to the Opioid Problem

[16:55] The Safety and Success of Syringe Exchange Programs

[22:21]Impact of the Pandemic on Drug Abuse and Treatment

[25:05] Tackling Drug Abuse as a Community

[29:51] Chase Describes His Experience as a College Professor