Aced It

Holistic Approaches

In the final episode this season, I explore holistic, non-pharmacological approaches to addressing opioid use disorder and overdose, including acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness-based therapies, nutrition, and exercise. I highlight evidence showing how these practices support traditional treatments by reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, alleviating pain, and lowering relapse risk. 
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Injectable Medications

In this episode, I explore how long-acting injectable medications, like Vivitrol, Sublocade, and Brixadi, are reshaping treatment for opioid use disorder by reducing daily dosing burdens and improving treatment adherence. I review evidence on their clinical effectiveness, patient experiences, and the practical and ethical considerations involved in implementing these medications in both community and carceral settings.
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Digital and Telehealth Tools

In this episode, I examine how digital and telehealth tools, from smartphone apps and wearable sensors to virtual overdose-monitoring services, are being used to address opioid use disorder and overdose risk. I explore what the research says about their effectiveness, how people who use drugs perceive them, and the challenges of making these technologies accessible, trustworthy, and well-integrated into care systems.
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

In this episode, I explore the growing scientific interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy as a potential treatment for substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction. I trace the historical roots of psychedelic therapy, review emerging evidence on substances like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, psilocybin, and ibogaine, and highlight the challenges of translating promising findings into safe, regulated clinical practice. 
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Safe Supply/Prescribed Alternatives

In this episode, I talk about the emerging practice of safer supply and prescribed alternatives, highlighting how Canada has implemented these programs to reduce overdose deaths and support people who use drugs. I walk listeners through evidence on outcomes, participant and provider perspectives, and key lessons for U.S. states beginning to explore safer supply models. 
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Peer Support and Recovery Groups

In this episode, I talk about how peer support and recovery groups contribute to treatment engagement, overdose prevention, and long-term recovery for people with opioid use disorder. I discuss studies showing that strong involvement in 12-step programs can enhance psychological well-being and that peer-led outreach is effective in connecting individuals to care. I also highlight the value of peer support in emergency departments and the challenges peers face, such as stigma and limited workplace recognition. The episode closes with a reflection on why investing in peer supporters is essential for strengthening overdose response and recovery systems. 
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Outpatient Counseling

In this episode, I talk about the role of outpatient counseling and overdose response in supporting people with opioid use disorders (OUDs). I begin by discussing why outpatient services are central to recovery and how they often function as the first and most common point of care. I review research showing that many outpatient programs still lack access to medications for OUD and often are not fully prepared to respond to overdoses. I examine community-based outreach efforts that connect directly with people after an overdose, including peer-led models that have shown high engagement and strong referral outcomes. I end by discussing how outpatient programs can strengthen recovery through harm reduction, persistent outreach, and person-centered support. 
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Residential and Inpatient Rehab

In this episode, I explore the purpose, structure, and effectiveness of residential and inpatient rehabilitation for opioid use disorder. I discuss why these programs are needed, what treatments they provide, and how individuals experience them. I review research showing that inpatient care can support early withdrawal but does not always lead to stronger long-term outcomes, and I highlight barriers such as limited referrals and long waitlists. This episode closes with a discussion of how inpatient programs can still serve as an important starting point in recovery and an introduction to our next episode on outpatient counseling. 
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Behavioral Therapies

In this episode, I explore the behavioral therapies used to support recovery from opioid use disorder. I walk through the evidence behind the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management. I review evidence on how these therapies work, what research shows about their effectiveness, and where their limitations appear. I also discuss newer integrative approaches, including mindfulness-based interventions, and examine how real-world barriers shape access and implementation. Finally, I lay the groundwork for the next episode, which takes us inside inpatient and residential treatment programs.
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

In this episode, I introduce Season 13 of the ACED IT podcast and set the stage for our focus on how prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies are adapting to the ongoing crisis. I dive into medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), explaining what these treatments are, how they work, and why they matter. I walk through the evidence behind the use of methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, highlight common myths and misconceptions, and discuss what research tells us about MOUD’s lifesaving potential. I close by examining the personal and structural challenges people experience in treatment, including stigma and barriers to access, and I reflect on our collective responsibility to support recovery.
Download the one-pager (PDF).
This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.