Episode
Vancouver’s Unconventional Approach to Its Fentanyl Crisis
33:33
Published: Fri Sep 02 2022
Description
An influx of Fentanyl, a highly lethal synthetic narcotic, has aggravated the opioid crisis in the United States and prompted communities to scramble for ways to lower the skyrocketing rates of overdose deaths.In Vancouver, a Canadian city that has been at the forefront of innovative approaches to drug use, a novel and surprising tactic is being tried: It’s called “safer supply.”Guest: Stephanie Nolen, a global health reporter for The New York Times.Background reading: The mounting toll of overdose deaths has spurred a search for new solutions, and Vancouver has tried more of them, faster, than anywhere else.Why is fentanyl so deadly? How can you ensure that your loved ones, including your children, stay safe? Experts offer tips to talk about opioids with your family.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Chapters
The opioid crisis in Vancouver has become increasingly deadly due to the influx of the highly lethal synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is contaminating all kinds of drugs.
00:00 - 05:59 (05:59)
Summary
The opioid crisis in Vancouver has become increasingly deadly due to the influx of the highly lethal synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is contaminating all kinds of drugs. However, one doctor in the city claims that replacing illicit drugs with pharmaceutical-grade drugs could potentially decrease overdose deaths.
EpisodeVancouver’s Unconventional Approach to Its Fentanyl Crisis
PodcastThe Daily
An addictions medicine specialist recognizes that drug use is a logical response to pain and struggles in patients' lives, and that responding to drug use like a disease is not the answer.
05:59 - 10:21 (04:21)
Summary
An addictions medicine specialist recognizes that drug use is a logical response to pain and struggles in patients' lives, and that responding to drug use like a disease is not the answer.
EpisodeVancouver’s Unconventional Approach to Its Fentanyl Crisis
PodcastThe Daily
Dr. Sutherland's vision of a tightly regulated dispensary at a family doctor's office to provide safe drugs has a wider impact beyond the supply of the drug, creating space in a person's life to address healthcare, housing and family needs.
10:21 - 23:20 (12:59)
Summary
Dr. Sutherland's vision of a tightly regulated dispensary at a family doctor's office to provide safe drugs has a wider impact beyond the supply of the drug, creating space in a person's life to address healthcare, housing and family needs.
EpisodeVancouver’s Unconventional Approach to Its Fentanyl Crisis
PodcastThe Daily
The idea of providing illicit drugs to addicts as a way of reducing overdose deaths is facing pushback in American political circles, but while some people agree with the notion that access to safer drugs could save lives, they still have questions about it.
23:20 - 30:36 (07:15)
Summary
The idea of providing illicit drugs to addicts as a way of reducing overdose deaths is facing pushback in American political circles, but while some people agree with the notion that access to safer drugs could save lives, they still have questions about it.
EpisodeVancouver’s Unconventional Approach to Its Fentanyl Crisis
PodcastThe Daily
In a speech reflecting on the state of the nation, the president decried politically violent rhetoric and efforts to undermine elections while urging Americans to vote in the upcoming midterm elections, framing it as a "battle for the soul of the nation" with the future of democracy at stake.
30:36 - 33:19 (02:42)
Summary
In a speech reflecting on the state of the nation, the president decried politically violent rhetoric and efforts to undermine elections while urging Americans to vote in the upcoming midterm elections, framing it as a "battle for the soul of the nation" with the future of democracy at stake.