A Catalyst for Changing Behaviors and Perceptions Around Substance Use Recovery

We had an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Tess Drazdowski, a research scientist with Lighthouse Institute, who joined us to discuss her innovative, important and inspiring work on substance use recovery for emerging adults (ages 18 to 26).  We talked about:  the need for more evidence-based services for this age group, as they are the most likely to use substances and have the least access to treatment.  her experiences teaching child development classes in prisons, which sparked her passion for helping those involved in the criminal legal system.  the efficacy of "contingency management," aka, incentives-based treatment, why it's long been stigmatized and underfunded, and why that's changing.  the "outdated belief" that substance use disorder is moral problem requiring will power, tough lover or waiting for people to hit rock bottom - beliefs that perpetuate stigmas which prevent those needing help from getting it.  people who are “living their recovery out loud” and providing pathways that reduce stigma.