Season 1, Episode 17

Reducing the Stigma of Addiction Through Education on Its Development

Aug 15, 2023

Knowledge and understanding of addiction empowers us to respond to those experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) with kindness and compassion. Listen and learn what science tells us about addiction.

As a result of decades of research on addiction, we know that substance use affects the body, brain and behavior. Despite the science, many misunderstandings persist about what makes a person vulnerable to substance use disorder, its progressive nature and how to prevent and treat the disease. Dr. Elizabeth Harwood tackles these misconceptions using science to help us make informed decisions for our families and communities.

Explore more on the topics and themes discussed in this episode:

National Institute on Drug Abuse – This link provides up-to-date information on the science of addiction. You can search by substance.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – This link includes several brochures on how parents/caregivers can talk to their teens about alcohol and other drugs.

Host & Guests

Featured Guest:

Dr. Elizabeth Harwood

Host: Christin D’Ovidio

Episode Transcript

Episode Transcript (PDF)

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Dr. Elizabeth Harwood received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Montana and completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of New Hampshire’s Counseling Center. She joined Rivier University in 2009 and is the Department Coordinator for Psychology. Dr. Harwood has also contributed to her community’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis by speaking on the biological basis of addiction at community events and by helping create the Addiction Studies track in Psychology and Human Services. In 2016, she received the NH Excellence in Education award for Outstanding Teaching in Post-secondary Education.

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