Episode 191. Rethinking Our Approach to Drugs and Addiction with Christina Dent

Show Notes

Episode 191. Curious: Rethinking Our Approach to Drugs and Addiction with Christina Dent

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Christina Dent, an author and advocate for health-centered drug policies. Christina shares her transformative journey from a conservative Christian perspective on addiction to a more compassionate understanding through her experiences as a foster parent. The conversation explores the impact of trauma on addiction, the failures of the war on drugs, and the importance of family-centered treatment approaches. Christina emphasizes the need for a shift in how society views and addresses addiction, advocating for policies that prioritize human dignity and community support.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Christina Dent and Her Journey

02:54 The Shift in Perspective on Addiction

09:15 Understanding Addiction Through Personal Stories

15:52 The Flaws in Current Drug Policies

20:04 The Role of Trauma in Addiction

23:33 The Rat Park Experiment and Its Implications

27:42 Influence of 'Chasing the Scream' on Christina's Views

32:46 Rethinking Drug Policies

35:01 The Global Impact of Drug Trafficking

37:05 The Consequences of Incarceration

39:57 The Role of Black Markets

43:20 Addressing Addiction and Accountability

46:39 Legalization vs. Morality

52:58 Victimless Crimes and Trust in Society

01:00:00 Supporting Loved Ones with Addiction

Resources:

Christina Dent's book (Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction)

• https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Discovery-Unexpected-Solution-Addiction/dp/B0CMCDV8VP

End It For Good:

• https://enditforgood.com/

• https://www.facebook.com/EndItForGoodMS/

• https://x.com/EndItForGoodMS

• https://www.instagram.com/enditforgoodms/

Christina Dent's TEDx Talk

• https://www.ted.com/talks/christina_dent_end_the_war_on_drugs_for_good

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V263dVJZlqs

Johann Hari's book (Chasing the Scream)

• https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Scream-Opposite-Addiction-Connection/dp/1620408910/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/141-6574860-1354435?pd_rd_w=259po&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=APDWJM0TS72WSPAA7ATR&pd_rd_wg=I33Xs&pd_rd_r=09afa0b1-369b-45ab-9358-9693901aacc6&pd_rd_i=1620408910&psc=1

Johann Hari's TED Talk:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs

The evangelical Christian fighting to end the drug war | Christina Dent | The Reason Interview

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI9R8rwINUY

Why a Married Conservative Christian Changed Her Mind on the Drug War 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ5ij9Smuhg

Book recommendation (Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Heal)

• https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Addiction-Science-Kindness-People/dp/1494554380

Program: Invitation to Change

• https://invitationtochange.com/

Program: CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)

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