Weekly Infusion

Today we address the use of Naltrexone as a treatment option for addiction and examine the Government’s response to the Opioid Crisis.  Experts include Harvard professors, Dr. John Kelly and Dr. Bertha Madras, Beautiful Boy author/public speaker, David Sheff and addiction counselor Shelly Sprague.  We want to thank our guests and special thanks to all of you listeners who explored The History of Opium with us. Produced by Michelle Poe and the staff of drdrew.com.  Sponsored by Social CBD. Go to DrDrew.com/socialCBD. On our site and for a limited time you can save 20% at checkout with code DRDREW.

Professors Dr. John Kelly, Dr. Anna Lembke and Dr. Bertha Madras plus best-selling author of Beautiful Boy, David Sheff join @drdrew this week as we focus on steps that could be taken to address the opiod epidemic more effectively. Some of these methods are tried and true and others take a more novel approach.  This show is courtesy of SocialCBD. Go to DrDrew.com/socialCBD. On our site and for a limited time you can save 20% at checkout with code DRDREW.

Suboxone:  Miracle or Menace?  This week’s installment tackles medication assisted therapy, and specifically the use of Suboxone to treat the disease of addiction.  There are arguments both for and against this controversial treatment method.  Addiction treatment expert Bob Forrest, Dr. Anna Lembke and Dr. John Kelly weigh in on the topic.  

This week’s installment explores the physicians’ role in the current opioids crisis and explains why mixing opioids and benzodiazepines is such a lethal combination.  Our superstar panel of experts includes Dr. Bertha Madras (Harvard University), Dreamland author, Sam Quinones, Dr. Anna Lembke (Stanford University), addiction specialist, Shelley Sprague, and Beautiful Boy author, David Sheff. 

This installment examines the drug companies’ role in the current opioids crisis.  Led by the billionaire Sackler Family, Purdue Pharma used marketing, advertising and questionable tactics to encourage physicians to prescribe OxyContin whenever possible.  The push to “eliminate pain completely” resulted in iatrogenic addiction.  Beautiful Boy author, David Sheff, Dreamland author, Sam Quinones and Addiction Treatment Specialist, Shelley Sprague are this week’s contributors.  

Dr. Robert DuPont, former White House Drug Chief (under Nixon), joins us this week to talk about Methadone maintenance therapy as a treatment for addiction.  He shares his thoughts about harm reduction and illuminates the groundbreaking work that was done in this area by Dr. Marie Nyswander and Dr. Vincent Dole.   This episode is sponsored by Select CBD.

Dr. Anna Lembke of Stanford University and recovered addict Mike Catherwood are this week’s guests.  This episode addresses the processes that occur in the brain when an addiction takes hold.  Find out how genetics, the environment and childhood trauma contribute this disease as well.  This episode is sponsored by Select CBD

This week’s experts are “The Age of Addiction” author, Dr. David Courtwright, Former Nixon Drug Chief, Dr. Robert Dupont and Harvard Professor, Dr. Bertha Madras Methadone was becoming a popular withdrawal treatment even as Timothy Leary was calling for people to “turn on, tune in, drop out.”  Nixon declared a “war on drugs” and soldiers’ drug use in Vietnam shined a light on heroin abuse.  The National Institute of Drug Abuse was founded in the 70s and the 80s ushered in the D.A.R.E. Program.    This episode is sponsored by Select CBD.

With doctors forbidden from treating the addicts they had created, this population began resorting to unlawful activities to acquire drugs.  WWII interrupted the opium trade, making it easier for the U.S. to crack down on drug trade, but by the end of the 40s a rise in heroin use occurred, increasing addiction rates.  Dr. Marie Nyswander began to champion the use of Methadone to treat addicts.  Age of Addiction author, Dr. David Courtwright is this week’s guest expert.   This episode is sponsored by Select CBD.

Drug historian and author of The Age of Addiction, Dr. David Courtwright, joins us to talk about some of the “addiction cures” that became popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.  Find out which famous historical figure blamed all addictions on masturbation!   This episode is sponsored by True Recovery. 

By the end of the nineteenth century, “addiction cures” were everywhere.  Many people had become addicts at the hand of their own doctors, but The Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914 was poised to reclassify this hapless population as criminals.  During this time, social and political activists called Muckrakers galvanized to expose the fraudulent practices of patent medicine companies.  Drug historian and The Age of Addiction author Dr. David Courtwright is this week’s expert.   This episode is sponsored by True Recovery.  

It is widely believed that the Civil War created a legion of opium addicts, but some experts think otherwise.  Drug historian and The Age of Addiction author, Dr. David Courtwright, joins us this week to discuss this period in history, as well as the first incident of iatrogenic addiction (addiction caused by physicians) in the United States, and the widespread use of patent medicines that was taking the nation by storm. This episode is sponsored by True Recovery.

Learn which of America’s founding fathers used opium derivatives, what caused the Chinese Opium Wars and how a young German chemist became the first person to isolate the chemical that would eventually be known as morphine.  Expert Kenaz Filan provides additional historical insight. This episode is sponsored by True Recovery.

Alexander the Great had a pivotal role in bringing the opium poppy to Asia and India.  Expert Kenaz Filan weighs in on some of the flower’s more interesting medical applications during antiquity.  This episode is sponsored by True Recovery. Go to drdrew.com. 

Opioids and the problems they cause are in the headlines daily, but this drug’s global impact actually began thousands of years ago.  In this series, “The History of Opium,” we will explore the substance’s first known use in antiquity and work our way up to the current crisis.  Our first installment features excerpts from an interview with author Kenaz Filan, whose book,  “The Power of the Poppy: Harnessing Nature’s Most Dangerous Ally,” chronicles some of the earliest uses of papaver somniferum, aka the opium poppy.   This episode is sponsored by True Recovery.  If you or someone you care for is dealing with addiction, you know that finding a treatment option that works for you can be extremely frustrating. The truth is, every patient’s needs are different - and constantly evolving.  TrueRecovery.com   And now, DrDrew.com presents “The History of Opium,”     This episode is presented by True Recovery, www.truerecovery.com

Drs. Drew and Bruce tackle the topic of hair loss and discuss the most current treatments.  They are joined by Bill Edwards, CEO of Regenix, who talks about the regimen that Susan Pinsky is finding success with, and hair replacement surgeon, Dr. Parsa Mohebi.  Later, they speak with dermatologist Abel Torres MD/JD, Professor and Chairman of Dermatology at Linda Loma School Of Medicine and dermatologist Dr. Hal Weitzbuch who has successfully treated his alopecia patient, Max, with steroid injections and platelet rich plasma. Get 15 percent off a starter kit at Regenix when you mention Drdrew at checkout.  This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte.

Pathologist Nicole Angemi shares some of her favorite stories from the pathology lab and then challenges Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce to a round of Mystery Diagnosis. Find Nicole at @Mrs_Angemi on Instagram! See the live video and photos on YouTube/Drdrew and play along!  This episode is sponsored by Alliant University CSP.

Steve Kardian, self defense expert and author of THE NEW SUPER POWER FOR WOMEN, breaks down the mind of a predator and teaches women how to recognize them and protect themselves in vulnerable situations. Elizabeth Smart: Questions Answered: with host Dr. Drew Pinsky airs Nov 20 at 10 p.m. after the two part special Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography on A&E.  Go to The Elizabeth Smart Foundation for more details about bringing hope and ending victimization through prevention, recovery and advocacy.  Sponsored by Alliant.edu  

Drew welcomes the popular host of You Are Not So Smart Podcast David McRaney to the show. They discuss the Dunning-Kruger Effect, flat-earthers, the backfire effect and much more. This episode is sponsored by Alliant International University School of psychology and mental health, education and teaching, business and management, and law and forensics. Alliant.edu for details.

Dr. Omid Hamid, who is at the forefront of this research, shares the latest news of how he and scientists are making incredible advancements in the treatment melanoma with a variety of groundbreaking therapies.   This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte and Alliant University CSP.

Duke University Pediatric Neuro-oncologist, Dr. Henry Friedman talks about the latest research and treatments for brain cancers.  Included is a discussion of his colleague, Matthias Gromeier, who is successfully using the polio virus to treat the most virulent brain tumors. You can find Dr. Freidman at the PRESTON ROBERT TISCH TUMOR CENTER. This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte and Alliant CSP. This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte and Alliant CSP.

  Mass murder expert, Dr. Jonathan Metzl shares his insight about what drives a person to commit a heinous act like the shooting in Las Vegas.    This Episode is sponsored by Hydralyte and Alliant University CSP.

Five-time World Champion boxer, Mia St. John shares her passion for helping the mentally ill homeless people and the unique strategies that she and her foundation use to help those who are suffering from it. This Episode is Sponsored by Hydralyte and Alliant University CSP.    

Distinguished neuroscientist talks about his ground-breaking work with Phantom Limb Syndrome, Capgras Syndrome and visual psychophysics. This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte.

Actress Tawny Kitaen joins Dr. Drew to discuss her thirty year odyssey with breast implants.  Implant-free now, she is on a crusade to help women understand the implications of choosing implants.  Plastic surgeon, Dr. Elliott Hirsch is on hand to share his expertise.  This Episode is sponsored by Hydralyte.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!  Dr. Matthew Rettig of UCLA's David Geffin School of Medicine is here on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Foundation to educate us on prostate health and share all the latest research regarding prostate cancer. For more information visit Drdrew.com #savethemales This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte.

  Botched Star, Revision & Ethnic Rhinoplasty Specialist Dr. Paul Nassif joins Dr. Drew to discuss the intricacies of performing facial plastic surgery, advancements in the field and some of his most challenging cases. @DrPaulNassif    Sponsored by Hydralyte      

Author Kate Moore returns for the conclusion of this two part Weekly Infusion Medical Mystery to reveal what caused hundreds of American teenage girls to suffer from debilitating diseases and untimely deaths after working as highly paid artists in local factories.  Sponsored by Hydralyte. Click the banner on Drdrew.com to get 30% off at check out. Use Code: DREWHY. Valid through 12/17

A Weekly Infusion Medical Mystery! Writer Kate joins us this week for the first of two episodes.  In this installment she sets up the mysterious story of several young women who were insidiously poisoned by their employer while working at their "glamorous" and highly coveted jobs.  Learn about the purportedly "harmless" business practices that turned into death sentences for majority of them - even though they were merely teenagers. This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte.

Mary Roach, author of Grunt: The Curious Science Of Humans At War is a bestselling pop science writer and joins us to talk about orgasms, beer aroma wheels, attending mediumship school and a host of other interesting topics!. Sponsored by Hydralyte.com Click on the Hydralyte banner at drdrew.com and use the DREWHY code at checkout for 30 percent off today! 

Pathology Assistant Nicole Angemi returns to discuss the stigmas associated mental illness and the difficulties that many people face while seeking treatment for it.  She talks about her own diagnosis of bi-polar disorder and her experiences with the condition. Can Dr Drew and Dr Bruce guess one of her mystery diagnosis?? This episode is sponsored by Alliant University CSP and Hydralyte.

Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Lisa Palmer join Drew for an in-depth discussion on Emotionally Focused Therapy and ways it can be applied to our everyday lives oaths crossover Dr. Drew Podcast 15.  The three of them then take calls on single parenting, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sponsored by Hydralyte and Alliant University CSP.      

Dr. Joel Salinas. professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, has mirror touch synesthesia, a perceptual condition that affects his senses to the point where he experiences the painful physical sensations of his patients.  Joelsalinamd.com  Sponsored by Drdrew.com and Heal.com    

Dr. Jill Weimer discusses her work on the extremely rare Batten's Disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects children.  Chris Velona joins to discuss his son Sebastian's experience with the illness and his goal to eventually find a cure.  CureBattencln8.org for more.  This episode is sponsored by Alliant University.

  Human personality expert, Dr. Brian R. Little, discusses his new book, Who Are You, Really? and describes how "personal projects" influence our lives and can help us to flourish. BrianRlittle.com Sponsored by Alliant University so go to Drdrew.com and click on the banner for more details.

Dr. Monica Laronda discusses how her team successfully  3D printed bioprosthetic ovaries that enable sterile mice to give birth and how this technology might eventually be used to help humans.     This episode is sponsored by Alliant University and Heal.com

Dr. Drew's favorite guest on his Dr. Drew Podcast. Dr. Allan Schore is on the clinical faculty of the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, and at the UCLA Center for Culture, Brain, and Development. His Regulation Theory, grounded in developmental neuroscience and developmental psychoanalysis, focuses on the origin, psychopathogenesis, and psychotherapeutic treatment of the early forming subjective implicit self. This episode is sponsored by Alliant University. Go to alliant.edu for more.

Scott Flansburg regales us with his astounding mathematical abilities, by using only his brain to make complicated calculations.  This Guiness Book Of World Records Holder shares some of his secrets about numbers with Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce. This episode is sponsored by Refillwise.com Text DREW to 22822 and see what you can save today on everyday prescriptions with or without insurance.

Dr. Stephen Porges, originator of Polyvagal Theory, discusses the evolution of the human autonomic nervous system with special guest Cheryl Arutt PsyD. This episode is sponsored by Aliant.edu and Heal.com

  In 1995, Dr. Ben Williams was diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor called glioblastoma multiforme, which is generally terminal.  He added his own regimen to the standard treatment, and twenty-two years later, he's still alive.  Tune in to learn about what he did to extend his life.   This episode is sponsored by Refillwise.com Text DREW to 22822 and Alliant.Edu.

DNA Analysis for Common Cancers is the topic. Color.com founder Othman Laraki describes how his company can help determine your risk for common hereditary cancers Pponsored by Refillwise,com. Text the word DREW to 22822 and see what you can save today.

Renowned neuroscientist James Fallon talks about his family's violent history and how he discovered that his own brain's anatomy predisposes him to psychopathy. This episode is sponsored by Heal.com and Alliant International University. Go to Drdrew.com for details. 

In an effort to eventually produce transplantable heart muscle, scientists have pioneered a way to grow functioning human heart cells on the cellulose scaffolding of spinach leaves, which closely resembles the organ's veiny structure. Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Dr Glenn Gaudette and Joshua Gershlak join Weekly Infusion  This episode is sponsored by Heal.com

Nelson Dellis transformed his "average" memory into one of the best in the world.  Learn some of his tricks as he regales us with his amazing memory skills.  Nelsondellis.com This week's episode is sponsored by Heal.com

Lauren Marks, author of "A Stitch Of Time" talks about recovering from a on stage brain aneurism at age 27 while performing in Scotland.  She talks with Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce about her recovery and brain function both before and after the rupture.    Thanks to sponsors Alliant University and Heal.com.    

Nicole Angemi returns! Can she stump the doctors? Tune in as Nicole joins Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce to talk about her work as a pathology assistant and she subjects them to another round of Mystery Diagnosis.  Play along at drdrew.com.   This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte & Heal.com

The human-pig hybrid has arrived!  Dr. Jun Wu from the Salk Institute joins Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce to discuss the successful merging of human and pig cells as the first step to growing human organs for transplant patients. Paul Thomas, CEO of Luscinia Health and a special caller join in.. This episode is sponsored by Heal.com, RefillWise.com, and Hydralyte.com.

Authors talk about their book, One In A Billion: The Story Of Nik Volker And The Dawn Of Genomic Medicine which chronicles the desperate tale of a young boy dying from an undiagnosable disease until two doctors took a chance and sequenced his DNA in a last ditch effort to find out what was wrong.  This episode is sponsored by Alliant University and Hydralyte. '8pjb9npt'

Dr. Annie Negrin discusses current issues pertaining to eye health and vision.  They touch on subjects ranging from floaters to ocular migraines.  Dr. Drew gets personal when he discusses his own upcoming Lasik treatment and wife Susan's pending cataract lens replacement surgery. This episode is sponsored by RefillWise.com Type Drew to 22822 and Hydralyte.com.

Dave Pelzer, bestselling author of A Child Called It, describes how his picture-perfect childhood spiraled into a hellish nightmare of physical and psychological abuse when his mother became a raging alcoholic.  Nearly killed by her on several occasions, Dave's case was one of the worst be documented in the state of California at that time.  Dave is now a popular motivational speaker who extols the healing powers of resilience, optimism and hope.   Sponsored by RefillWise.com and Hydralyte.com

Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce are joined by John Brenkus, creator of ESPN's Emmy winning series, Sport Science.  John explains how he and his team use cutting edge science to analyze and predict maximum athletic performance in any given sport.  John is the author of New York Times bestseller, The Perfection Point, and creator/host of The Brink of Midnight Podcast.    Proudly sponsored by Hydralyte.com, RefillWise (Text Drew to 22822) and Bergamet.com! Visit Drdrew.com for more info.