Aced It

Aced It

The Aced It podcast is the place to go if you‘re trying to find out what‘s new in the health and justice research world, but don‘t have the time, energy, or know-how to decipher all that academic writing. Dr. Danielle Rudes and Shannon Magnuson from the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!) at George Mason University developed the Aced It! podcast to bring relevant research articles to a broader audience by putting them into layperson’s terms sharing the findings and implications in about 15 minutes.

Episodes

June 24, 2025 11 mins

In the final episode of this season, I discuss support groups and treatment for the loved ones of people with SUD and overdose incidents. I review the literature on the coping mechanisms of bereaved loved ones, look at the formation and impact of peer-support groups, review therapy techniques to help people navigate grief after a drug-related death, and discuss the challenges of accessing support in general.

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In this episode, I talk about loved ones, addiction, and overdose in the context of rural areas. First, I review important context and statistics, including how rural Americans are at higher risk of overdose. Then I discuss research on family roles in prescription opioid misuse prevention, risk factors for drug misuse and disease among young people, and how rural women who use drugs perceive their social networks.

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In this episode, I discuss people’s experiences having unhoused loved ones with SUD and overdose incidents. First, I review some important context/statistics about the topic. Then I talk about how family relationships impact people’s paths into and out of houselessness and drug misuse. I also talk about how people perceive and access treatment for drug addiction while they are houseless, and how family support impacts these decisio...

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In this episode, I talk about involving loved ones in drug addiction and overdose treatment. I explain how loved ones actively contribute to the recovery process, and how people receiving treatment feel about involving loved ones in their treatment. I examine some of the barriers that prevent people from engaging in their loved one’s treatment. Finally, I talk about some of the potential pitfalls of including loved ones in addictio...

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May 27, 2025 13 mins

In this episode, I talk about friends’ experiences. First, I talk about friends’ experiences of witnessing an overdose, including some important context. I also look at people’s decision-making about using Naloxone and calling emergency services. Then I discuss the various outcomes people describe after witnessing a friend’s overdose, including their complex grieving process, mental health struggles, and substance misuse.

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May 20, 2025 15 mins

In this episode I talk about intimate partners’ experiences with SUD and/or overdose. I cover how partners and relationships influence drug misuse, the interpersonal dynamics of couples in which one or both people use drugs, and the relationship between substance misuse and relationship violence. I also discuss research on the drug-death-related bereavement experiences of intimate partners, finding that intimate partners experience...

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May 13, 2025 8 mins

In this episode, I explore siblings’ experiences, that is, people’s experiences of being the sibling of someone with an SUD and/or overdose incident. First, I talk about people’s experiences navigating their sibling’s substance abuse issues and life after their overdose. Then I describe the impact of drug-overdose bereavement on siblings’ emotional, physical, and social well-being.

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May 6, 2025 11 mins

In this episode, I talk about children’s experiences, that is, people’s experiences of being a child with an SUD/overdose incident and of being the child of a parent with an SUD/overdose incident. I first review some important statistics about drug misuse by both parents and children. I describe the challenges of being a child of a parent with SUD and of navigating complex grief after a parent dies from an overdose. I also discuss ...

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April 29, 2025 13 mins

In this episode, I talk about parents’ experiences—that is, people’s experiences of parenting while having an SUD and overdose incident and of being the parent of a child with an SUD/overdose incident. I explore how child-related factors might impact treatment accessibility for parents and how substance misuse impacts people’s parenting. I also talk about the challenges of parenting a child with an SUD, and how parents navigate com...

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April 22, 2025 11 mins

In this episode, I introduce the topic of Season 11: SUD, overdose, and loved ones. “Loved ones” includes everyone intimately involved with someone with SUD or an overdose incident—including the family unit (parents, children, and siblings), intimate partners, and friends. I review the various topics/dynamics that we will cover this season, and I give an overview of some of the research on SUD, overdose, and loved ones—including ho...

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April 15, 2025 7 mins

In this insightful episode, we delve into the evolving policy landscape designed to combat the opioid epidemic and its profound impact on communities. We explore the historical shifts in opioid crisis management, highlighting key strategies like Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and the expanded access to naloxone, particularly focusing on the innovative steps taken by states like Ohio. Discover the complexities of publ...

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April 8, 2025 12 mins

Public health interventions are vital in addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid epidemic and substance misuse. These interventions encompass a broad spectrum of strategies aimed at preventing substance use initiation, reducing harm associated with drug use, and promoting access to treatment and recovery services. It’s a team effort—so let’s dive in and explore how we can all play a part in addressing this ongoing cha...

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April 1, 2025 14 mins

Harm reduction strategies play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of substance use and promoting safer practices within communities. We’ll explore innovative approaches like naloxone distribution and safer drug use practices that are saving lives and improving community health. We’ll also discuss new research and reviews that spotlight the urgent need for inclusive and effective interventions. Tune in to learn about t...

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March 25, 2025 9 mins

In this episode, we're diving into the essential topic of treatment and recovery from opioid use. We’ll explore the latest research on how we can better support individuals who have experienced an opioid overdose, including the critical role of medication-assisted treatment and naloxone. We’ll also look at some recent studies that highlight the pressing need for comprehensive support both during and after emergency treatment. Stay ...

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March 18, 2025 8 mins

In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the profound impact of stigma on substance use and overdose risks. Discover how faulting and blame perpetuate harmful attitudes that hinder effective support for those struggling with substance use disorders. Learn about the critical role of compassionate language and person-first terminology in reducing stigma and fostering a more empathetic society. We uncover how shifting attitudes and ...

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March 11, 2025 9 mins

In this episode, we explore the critical challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration, with a focus on the alarming risk of overdose. Drawing from recent studies, we look at the stark reality that those recently released from prison are at a significantly higher risk of overdose, particularly within the first few weeks. Personal accounts reveal the harsh conditions and limited support that exacerba...

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March 4, 2025 13 mins

We explore the critical intersection of opioid use disorders and the criminal justice system. We'll discuss why opioid addiction is so prevalent among incarcerated individuals and the significant challenges they face during incarceration. Learn about the importance of medication-assisted treatment, improved reentry programs, and addressing structural barriers to reduce overdose rates. 

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February 25, 2025 12 mins

In today’s episode, we tackle the complex issue of opioid overdose and its risk factors. We’ll break down insights from two pivotal studies, focusing on what increases the likelihood of overdose and how social and environmental factors play a role. We’ll also discuss the critical importance of naloxone and its role in saving lives. Stay with us as we explore how understanding these factors can lead to more effective interventions a...

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February 18, 2025 8 mins

We confront the staggering impact of the opioid epidemic, by delving into recent research that illuminates its widespread devastation. Drug overdose deaths, now a leading cause of injury death among adults, have surged dramatically in recent years, surpassing 100,000 annually in the United States alone. From the origins of the crisis driven by prescription opioids to the emergence of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, we explore how ...

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February 14, 2025 12 mins

The way things work inside an organization or “how things get done” is what we commonly refer to as the culture or climate of an organization. But culture is more than just that… it is often a facilitator or a barrier to change and reform AND studying it is hard. In this episode, we discuss the many layers of culture and climate and why/how each matters.

For more information, download the one-pager for this episode (PDF)

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