Aced It

The Stories We Tell: Pop Culture

In this episode, I explore how pop culture, through movies, television, music, and social media, shapes the way we understand drug use and overdose. I highlight how these portrayals often simplify or distort reality, reinforcing stereotypes and stigma. The episode also examines how these narratives influence public opinion, policy responses, and individuals’ willingness to seek help. Ultimately, it emphasizes that the stories we consume do not just reflect reality; they actively shape it.
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.

The Stories We Tell: Social Media

In this episode, I talk about how social media shapes the way people understand drugs, addiction, and overdose, highlighting both the risks and opportunities of these platforms. I break down how online spaces can spread stigma and misinformation, but also provide support, community, and harm-reduction information for people navigating substance use. I also explore how social media influences public narratives, and how it can be used more intentionally to share accurate information and improve responses to the overdose crisis.
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.

The Stories We Tell: News Media

In this episode, I talk about how news media shapes the stories we hear about drugs and overdose, and why that matters for public understanding and policy. I break down how media coverage determines which overdose stories get attention, how people and communities are portrayed, and how narratives can be amplified, even when they aren’t strongly supported by evidence. I also explore how advocates and people with lived experience can use media to challenge dominant narratives and push for more effective, compassionate responses.
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.

The Stories We Tell About Drugs and Overdose: Overview

In this episode, I introduce listeners to Season 14 of Aced It, and I talk about how stigma shapes the way we understand drugs, overdose, and addiction, and why the stories we tell about these issues matter. I break down what stigma is, how it operates, and how it influences everything from help -seeking to overdose risk and responses. I also explore how language and narratives can either reinforce blame and exclusion or promote compassion and effective policy solutions.
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.

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.