What gives you hope that we can end the opioid crisis?

If you feel like ending the opioid crisis is impossible, listen to our episode "We need everyone's help to end the opioid crisis" for some evidence-based hope.

Episode summary

Ending the opioid crisis may seem like a hopeless or even impossible task. But authors Beth Macy and Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Holly Geyer are full of hope for evidence-based practices to treat opioid use disorder. They argue that everyone is touched by opioid addiction, and that we all have a role to play in combatting it.

Beth Macy is the author of "Raising Lazarus" and Dr. Holly Geyer is the author of "Ending the Crisis: Mayo Clinic’s Guide to Opioid Addiction and Safe Opioid Use."

In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discuss:

• The need for nonjudgmental, evidence-based care. Many people with opioid use disorder (OUD) think they can't get better. Beth Macy argues this is partially because they've never been able to access evidence-based care. Our guests argue that it's time to stop battling against opioids and start battling for the people impacted by them.
• Hope for healing. Ending the opioid crisis may seem like an impossible task, but both of these books offer ideas and solutions for battling and preventing opioid addiction. Beth Macy's book looks at the heroes on the front lines — sometimes in unexpected locations like a McDonald's parking lot. Our guests say that ultimately, we all have a role to play in ending this crisis.

Question for discussion:

• What gives you hope that we can end the opioid crisis?

Share your thoughts, questions and opinions below!