Author and journalist Maia Szalavitz - winner of this year's 2025 ASAM Media Award - sat down to talk about her career covering addiction and public policy, as well as her most recent book Undoing Drugs: How Harm Reduction is Changing the Future of Drugs and Addiction - 🏅 ASAM Awards & Recognition 👉 Maia Szalavitz Official Website 📕 Undoing Drugs: How Harm Reduction is Changing the Future of Drugs and Addiction...
Jun 25, 2025•13 min•Ep. 41
ASAM President Elect Tim Wiegand, MD, FACMT, FAACT, DFASAM, sat down with us at this year's 56th ASAM Annual Conference to discuss his road to addiction medicine and why he wanted to get involved in a leadership position with ASAM. - 🏅 ASAM Awards & Recognition
Jun 21, 2025•22 min•Ep. 40
Grab your tissues for this moving and powerful episode! Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani, DO, MPH, FAAFP, FASAM, joins host, Zach, to talk about her path to and passion for practicing addiction medicine. During the conversation, she shares stories and experiences that have been impactful on her journey and shaped both how she practices medicine – emphasizing the critical component of compassion – and her perspectives on addiction. Dr. Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani attended Boston University, where she earned...
Sep 18, 2024•30 min•Ep. 39
Alta DeRoo, MD, MBA, FACOG, DFASAM, joins host, Zach, to talk about her experience in the US Navy (USN) and her path to practicing OBGYN and addiction medicine. She discusses the intersection of general medicine or primary specialty practice and addiction and shares her perspectives on stigma related to addiction. Dr. DeRoo explains the potential challenges of transitioning from active duty to veteran status and how these can sometimes lead to substance use, addiction, or mental health issues. F...
Sep 05, 2024•44 min•Ep. 38
Lipi Roy, MD, MPH, FASAM, shares what piqued her interest in the field of addiction medicine and how she expanded her work into media outreach and appearances. Dr. Roy talks about creating her YouTube channel, Health, Humor, and Harmony , how she started her company, SITA MED , and what it takes to prepare for a media appearance. She describes her experience as chief of addiction medicine at Rikers Island Correctional Facility in New York and discusses why she feels so compelled to speak about t...
Aug 23, 2024•33 min•Ep. 37
Petros Levounis, MD, MA, DFASAM, talks with our host, Zach, about why he chose to practice addiction medicine, including an impactful experience at the Betty Ford Center (now Hazelden Betty Ford) as a medical student. He shares his thoughts regarding stigma and his extensive writing about addiction. Dr. Levounis speaks about how his fields of study and interest (including sociology, medicine, mental health, and addiction) intersect and the ways treatment can be both unique to the individual and ...
Aug 09, 2024•33 min•Ep. 36
Marianne Fingerhood, DNP, ANP-BC, joins us to share her journey into the field of addiction medicine and discuss the importance of providing medication treatment for addiction within a primary care setting. She talks about the essential role nurse practitioners (NPs) play in treating addiction, how crucial it is for NPs to have proper support, and the benefits of a professional community. Marianne touches on the dynamics of having a husband, Dr. Michael Fingerhood , who also treats addiction. Sh...
Jul 26, 2024•24 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD, shares her personal journey from growing up as a child of parents who struggled with addiction to becoming a clinical psychologist and author. She discusses her documentary, Utter Nonsense , her books, Mainlining Philly and Aftershock , and her podcast, Mind Over Mayhem . Dr. Utter offers insights on addiction, harm reduction, and her experiences in Philadelphia; addresses stigma around addiction; and offers advice for the next generation of mental health ...
Jul 12, 2024•39 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Jason Kirby, DO, MBA, FASAM, shares what led him to the field of addiction medicine and describes a particular turning point in his career path. Dr. Kirby discusses the importance of individualized treatment, the similarities between fitness and recovery communities, and how his interest in human behavior influenced his career journey. He stresses the critical importance of self-care among physicians and other care providers, the benefits of physician health programs , and addre...
Jun 28, 2024•49 min•Ep. 33
In this powerful episode, ASAM’s 2024 Training Directors Award recipient Dr. Scott Teitelbaum shares his own journey with addiction and recovery. He discusses the importance of compassionate care, addresses stigma around addiction, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing addiction as an illness while also acknowledging the often hurtful behavior associated with it. Dr. Teitelbaum talks about the critical need for early training on addiction, reflects on his life’s journey thus far, and offe...
Jun 14, 2024•25 min•Ep. 32
In this episode, Dr. James Baker , MD, MPH, describes his experience with addiction both as an emergency physician and as a father who lost his son, Macky, to an opioid overdose. Sharing Macky’s story throughout, Dr. Baker emphasizes the evolution of his own feelings toward those who suffer from addiction, from anger to gentle compassion, and shares what inspired him to write This Monstrous Obsession: Hard Lessons Learned About Addiction . Dr. Baker describes his experiences helping Macky access...
May 28, 2024•34 min•Ep. 31
In another special episode, we are joined by 2024 ASAM Media Award recipient Teri Sforza. Teri describes her journalistic approach as that of an "accountability reporter." In this conversation, she shares her journey to the field of addiction reporting and her thoughts about the need for potential legislation and oversight related to the addiction treatment industry. Teri discusses her work as a lead reporter on the award-winning series, Rehab Riviera . She also addresses how she has perceived s...
May 14, 2024•33 min•Ep. 30
Stephanie Weiss, MD, PhD, FASAM, joins us for this special episode recorded at ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference . Dr. Weiss shares her experiences attending ASAM’s conferences over the past few years, including the virtual conference in 2020 when she was a Ruth Fox Scholar . She talks about her extensive educational journey and the surprising path to her current job at NIDA . She also discusses her work regarding kratom, kratom use, and how that use differs in the US versus other countries. Dr. Wei...
May 03, 2024•19 min•Ep. 29
Alexander Zotos, MD, FASAM, joined our host, Zach, live from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference in early April. In this special episode, Dr. Zotos explains how his mentors and patients influenced his decision to pursue the field of addiction medicine. He talks about how perceptions surrounding addiction have evolved over time and efforts of the Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine (TNSAM) to challenge the stigma associated with addiction. Dr. Zotos shares his thoughts on the importance of holistic...
May 03, 2024•8 min•Ep. 28
In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, we are joined by George Koob, PhD, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) . Dr. Koob talks about his background and career journey, along with major insights made through his research, including regarding alcohol withdrawal. He addresses stigma related to alcohol use (or abstinence from) and offers advice for the next generation of researchers and clinicians in this exciting and dynamic space, with so much potential f...
Apr 30, 2024•22 min•Ep. 27
For this special episode recorded live at ASAM’s Annual Conference , Kelly Ramsey, MD, MPH, MA, FACP, DFASAM, talks about her journey into the field of addiction medicine and how her early experience dispelled myths she previously heard about people who use drugs. She addresses stigma related to addiction, the prevalence of xylazine in the illicit drug supply*, and the need to recognize and treat appropriately polysubstance drug use and overdoses. Dr. Ramsey also discusses her thoughts about the...
Apr 25, 2024•19 min•Ep. 26
Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD, joined us from the ASAM 55th Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, which took place April 4-7, 2024. In this special episode, Dr. Utter talks about her experiences at conference over the years and the relationships she has built over time at this annual event. She also describes some of her favorite memories from conference, what she loves about attending, and why she thinks others should attend, as well (spoiler: Connections! Meet-ups! Yoga! Beautiful location!). She em...
Apr 25, 2024•12 min•Ep. 25
This episode of the Treat Addiction Save Lives Podcast features Anthony Albanese, MD, DFASAM. ASAM’s 2024 Annual Award recipient, Dr. Albanese reflects on personal memories about how he learned about addiction and aspired to be an endoscopist because of video games like Space Invaders and Pacman. Dr. Albanese discusses his approach to medicine, focusing on the mind-body connection. He also talks about the emphasis he places on addiction medicine education and its importance in challenging the st...
Apr 16, 2024•32 min•Ep. 24
Dr. Jasleen Salwan stopped by to speak with our host, Zach, at ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference . In this special episode, she talks about her journey into the field of addiction medicine and how it marries together her interests in both individual and population health, and mental and physical health. Dr. Salwan expresses how grateful she is for her mentors who have inspired her along the way and to be practicing in the addiction medicine space. She speaks about her experiences at ASAM’s conferenc...
Apr 15, 2024•21 min•Ep. 23
Ian Latham, MD, sat down with our host, Zach, at ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference . In this special episode, he speaks about his journey into the field of addiction medicine and his experience as an addiction medicine fellow at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Latham divulges what he enjoys about attending ASAM’s annual conference and his impressions from this year’s conference, in particular. He talks about the benefits of being a Ruth Fox Scholar and offers advice for other fellows or anyone thin...
Apr 15, 2024•5 min•Ep. 22
Dr. Jasmine Douglas joined us live from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference . In this episode, she shares a personal connection that brought her into the field of addiction medicine and her excitement about starting an addiction medicine fellowship this summer. Dr. Douglas also shares her thoughts about attending ASAM’s Annual Conference and perspectives regarding stigma related to addiction. She discusses why she believes in holistic care when treating individuals with addiction and offers advice to ...
Apr 15, 2024•10 min•Ep. 21
Dr. Chad Elkin joins us from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference for a very informative conversation! He shares his experiences at ASAM conferences over the years and why he finds attending beneficial. He talks about his path into the field of addiction medicine and founding National Addiction Specialists . Dr. Elkin, soon-to-be president of the Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine (TNSAM), discusses advocacy and other efforts happening in the state with regard to addiction and treatment. He descri...
Apr 13, 2024•24 min•Ep. 20
Dr. Kwadwo Owusu-Boaitey joined us live from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference . Dr. Owusu-Boaitey, who is in his first year of residency, shares how he became interested in the field of addiction medicine. He also shares the highlights from his experience at ASAM’s conference, generally and as a Ruth Fox Scholar . He discusses the emphasis he places on treating patients holistically and the importance of all members of the care team in treating addiction. He also reflects on the state of stigma aro...
Apr 13, 2024•11 min•Ep. 19
Dr. Michael Baca-Atlas joins host, Zach, from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference . After sharing his favorite breakfast food, Dr. Baca-Atlas talks about his journey into the field of addiction medicine and his pathway to currently focusing on the intersection of primary care, mental health, and substance use disorder (SUD). He discusses being a former Ruth Fox Scholar and the opportunities that experience provided. Dr. Baca-Atlas also shares his perspectives on the stigma surrounding addiction and th...
Apr 10, 2024•15 min•Ep. 18
Dr. Cara Poland joins host Zach from ASAM’s 55th Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. She shares her journey into the field of addiction medicine and her personal reasons for feeling so passionate about the field. Dr. Poland discusses her thoughts about why alcohol use disorder (AUD) is generally seen as less serious than other substance use disorders (SUD), such as opioid use disorder, and the importance of FDA-approved medications for addiction, kindness, and compassion in treatment. She talks ...
Apr 10, 2024•16 min•Ep. 17
Dr. Nzinga Harrison joins the podcast and shares her journey into medicine – and psychiatry and addiction medicine, in particular – including how being raised by activist parents impacted her career path. She also emphasizes that mental health issues and substance use disorders are chronic conditions and the importance of separating the person from the symptoms of their condition or illness. Dr. Harrison shares the inspiration behind her recently-released book, Un-Addiction: 6 Mind-Changing Conv...
Apr 02, 2024•30 min•Ep. 16
In another special episode of the Treat Addiction Save Lives Podcast, we are joined by Jonathan Stoltman and Ashton Marra, co-founders of Reporting on Addiction , a collaboration of the Opioid Policy Institute and 100 Days in Appalachia , along with addiction science experts, professional journalists, and journalism educators, with the goal of improving reporting on the topic of addiction. Jonathan and Ashton share how they became focused on promoting responsible reporting around addiction, from...
Mar 22, 2024•49 min•Ep. 15
In this special episode, we are joined by journalist Aneri Pattani. Ms. Pattani shares how her interest in the field of mental health journalism grew from a personal experience during her college years. She discusses how reporting on mental health and addiction has traditionally fallen under the crime beat and has therefore generally failed to cover the public health aspect of the larger story. She talks about mental health and addiction as systematic issues that should be reported in their larg...
Mar 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 14
In this episode, Dr. Nick Christian sits down with host, Zach, for a second time and talks about his experiences making music and touring with a country music band and how music fits into his life as an addiction medicine provider. He talks about moving to Austin, Texas, for his residency, where he knew he would be surrounded by other musicians. There, he connected with a band called Fertility House and released an album, Dust . Dr. Christian discusses his involvement with Humans of ATX, promoti...
Mar 05, 2024•22 min•Ep. 13
Dr. Gabrielle Jones is the recipient of the 2024 ASAM Award for the Promotion of Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, and Justice in Addiction Medicine . She joins the Treat Addiction Save Lives Podcast to discuss her experiences working with young people and how those experiences brought her into the field of addiction medicine. Dr. Jones shares her thoughts on the importance of community and connectedness throughout the treatment and recovery process while recognizing each individual’s uniqueness. ...
Feb 19, 2024•35 min•Ep. 12
