Dr John Weekes on Understanding and Addressing Substance Use and Addiction within Canada’s Criminal Justice System

Understanding and Addressing Substance Use and Addiction within Canada’s Criminal Justice System

 

This episode of The Flex Factor features John Weekes PhD, an expert in forensic and behavioral sciences, affiliated with Carleton University and University of Saskatchewan. He discusses his extensive work in substance use and addiction within Canada's criminal justice system. John elaborates on the roles of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) and outlines the significant challenges faced by individuals involved in the correctional system, especially concerning substance use. The presentation highlights the alarming costs and devastating impacts of substance use in Canada, and the importance of evidence-based treatment programs. John also emphasizes the need to shift the perspective on substance use from a justice issue to a health and social issue, and advocates for collaborative, person-centered approaches for effective treatment.

 

00:00 Introduction to The Flex Factor Podcast

00:37 Guest Speaker Introduction: John

02:20 Overview of Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

04:24 Substance Use in Canada: A Snapshot

08:18 Challenges in Substance Use Treatment

14:21 Substance Use and Criminal Justice

18:09 Patterns of Substance Use Among Incarcerated Individuals

32:42 Effective Treatment Strategies for Substance Use

36:01 Client Treatment Matching Model

49:42 Global Challenges in Drug Use

50:00 Novel Psychoactive Substances

50:27 Harm Reduction in Prisons

50:49 Personal Reflections and Surprising Changes

52:07 Audience Interaction and Final Thoughts

54:09 The Role of Emotions in Addiction

59:29 Education and Rehabilitation

01:10:41 Moderation vs. Abstinence

01:19:46 Nature vs. Nurture in Addiction

01:33:21 Closing Remarks and Future Directions