Cover2 Resources

In October 2018, the Justice Department's Criminal Division created the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO), Strike Force. This team consists of federal agents, prosecutors, and specialists from different government departments. Together, they combine data analytics and law enforcement to spot dangerous prescription patterns and quickly remove bad actors from the Application Region. In its early operation, the ARPO Strike Force brought charges against 60 individuals. Combined, those charged wrote 350,000 prescriptions, supplying 24,000 patients with 32 million pills. With their collaboration, the ARPO Strike Force has streamlined several years worth of traditional work, in a matter of months. Joining us today is Joe Beemsterboer, Sr. Deputy Chief of the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice. Together we discuss the inner workings of this data-driven program that gets results. Tune in this week for a detailed look at this revolutionary program, dedicated to ending the opioid epidemic as soo

Last February, I interviewed Evan Ratliff, author of The Mastermind. The book tells the story of how lone programmer Paul La Roux, built an online drug empire responsible for dumping millions of pain pills into the U.S. La Roux enticed hundreds of doctors to take part in his scheme and wasn’t caught until 2012. During my interview with Ratliff, he speculated on how La Roux’s cooperation with the government to bring down the people in his organization would affect his sentencing. Last month we finally got our answer, as La Roux went before Judge Ronnie Abrams for sentencing. Today, we revisit our story on The Mastermind and talk with Evan Rattliff about the bizarre twists in the La Roux proceedings. For more on the Paul Le Roux story, and the fate of the mastermind, join us on this week’s PPT podcast episode.

For the last few months, I’ve been covering COVID-19’s impact on the opioid crisis. With overdoses up 42% in May alone, it’s projected 75,000 additional lives will be lost to alcohol and drug overdose because of the pandemic. One resource that could help prevent this is a methodology for addiction treatment that has existed for over 45 years but has been relentlessly shunned by the medical establishment. This unique, non-pharmacological treatment is called Neuroelectric Therapy (NET) and I first learned about it last month, after receiving an email from 1A Productions. They had just released “The Final Fix”, a documentary following 5 victims of long-term OUD as they trial NET, in hopes of reclaiming their lives. Joining me on this episode of the Cover 2 Podcast is: The CEO of Izaiah House, Mark LaPalme. One of the five participants in the NET treatment study, Robert Capley. Treatment specialist and NET doubter turned believer, Matt LaRocco. And producer of The Final Fix, Norman Stone. Together, they ta

Over the last 90 plus days, much has changed in our world. COVID19 has forced many of us to endure unfamiliar hardships and inconveniences. But our most vulnerable populations, such as those struggling with OUD, have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus. To better understand the impact of coronavirus on the opioid epidemic, we teamed up with some of the nation’s top opioid epidemic experts and former guests of the podcast: The Co-Director of Opioid Policy Research at Brandeis University, Dr. Andrew Kolodny. New York Times Editorial Writer and Bestselling author of Dopesick, Beth Macy. Former Clinton White House aide, author of American Fix, and recovery advocate, Ryan Hampton. Together, meeting online for last week’s live webinar, we discussed some of the most pressing questions on the current state of the Opioid Crisis: How has COVID-19 affected those struggling with OUD? How has the pandemic changed the way we treat opioid addiction? What has the struggle against coronavirus taught us about figh

In 2018, bestselling author Ryan Hampton spoke with me about his struggles with heroin addiction while working as a White House aide and how he become a national advocate for those in recovery. We hope you can join us on June 25th for a special live webinar to discuss the pandemic’s impact on the opioid epidemic and the odds of recovery in America today.

Late in 2018, Beth Macy, best selling author of "Dopesick", shared the story of how Virginia became the canary in the coal mine for the opioid epidemic in her 5 part series with me. We hope you can join us on June 25th for a special event to discuss the pandemic’s impact on the opioid epidemic and the odds of recovery in America today.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is considered the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder. But it doesn’t work for everyone, and for those unresponsive to MAT, the next use of illicit street drugs could be their last. This month, Staff Sergeant Conor King introduced us to SaferSupply, a program for those who are either not ready for recovery or just unsuccessful with MAT. As a drug investigation expert for the Victoria Police Department of British Columbia, King shares his expertise to break down this game-changing program. Join us on this week’s episode of the Cover2 Resources PPT Podcast, where we explore the potential impact of pharmaceutical-grade drugs on drug-related crime, homelessness, and overdose deaths.

On May 14th Greg received an email from Elaine, a Montgomery County Maryland Resident. She shared the story of her brother Alan who had struggled with addiction, recovery, and relapse for much of his life. Less than a month ago, his unexpected death came as a shock to Elaine. But, she was more surprised to learn that Alan had overdosed many times before, and his history of close calls was well known by several friends. Hoping to stop others from making the same discovery too late, Elaine shares her brother's story on the latest episode of the Cover2 PPT Podcast series. For her full emotional story, join us on the Cover2 Podcast. If you know someone who’s overdosed, make it your business to tell their family. You might save a life!

In today’s episode of the Cover2, PPT podcast, we continue revisiting some of the People, Places, and Things we’ve profiled in earlier episodes. We’re touching base to see how the Coronavirus has changed the way they’re making a difference in the opioid epidemic. Today we’re joined by Angie Ferguson, the Executive Director of Drug-Free Clubs of America (DFCA). This student-lead, in-school, prevention program, rewards students who pass drug tests, become card-carrying members and remain drug-free. We were first introduced to DFCA at a launch rally in Chillicothe, Ohio, back in 2016. There, 1,500 students marched from the gym to the courthouse to show their commitment to being drug-free. Join us on today’s podcast as returning guest, Angie Ferguson, share how COVID-19 has affected Drug Free Clubs of American and its student leaders.

Three years ago, we profiled AnchorEd, an innovative initiative, developed in Rhode Island. This program enables peer recovery coaches to meet with overdose victims before their release from the hospital. In March, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sent everyone into lockdown. To continue helping people with recovery, these programs had to adapt to the new normal of social distancing. As we pivot into a new phase of the pandemic, with communities across the country planning to open up, those in recovery will face new, never before seen challenges. Changes to Ohio TeleHealth guidelines enabled peer recovery coaches to continue connecting with their patients during the lockdown. Brian Bailys, the founder of Thrive Behavioral Health Center, shares how his peer recovery network adapted their services in response to the coronavirus.

Last week, a STAT News article titled “Covid-19 will worsen the opioid overdose crisis if we don’t prepare now,” stated that, “Missing from the national discussion on the coronavirus has been another vulnerable group: patients with opioid use disorder. Despite ongoing public health efforts, the opioid overdose crisis does not appear to be slowing down. The emergency of Covid-19 could worsen it if we do not preemptively develop and implement response plans now.” As we know all too well, social isolation is a key measure for preventing infection and curbing the spread of the virus. Many patients taking medications to treat their opioid use disorder — methadone or buprenorphine — aren’t able to stay home. Government regulations limit how these medications are prescribed and dispensed, often requiring inpatient treatment. Here to talk about what’s being done for those in SUD treatment is Dr. Rick Massatti, the State Opioid Treatment Authority at the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioM

In its latest Strategy Report, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) shared its strategy for building a stronger, healthier, drug-free society. To reach this goal, the ONDCP details three tactics for fighting the opioid epidemic. First, continue to prevent new substance abusers through education and evidence-based prevention programs. Second, improve access to long-term addiction recovery treatment services. Third, reduce the availability of these drugs in our communities. By achieving these goals, the ONDCP will dominate the drug environment, reducing future lives lost to substance use. Today, we're joined by the Director of the ONDCP, Mr. Jim Carroll, the man in charge of executing this strategy. Together, we discuss the highlights of the latest Drug Control Strategy Report. Join us on the latest episode of the Cover2 Resources Podcast for a deep dive into our nation's plan for fighting the opioid epidemic.

In June 2017, Dr. Belma Andric, Chief Medical Officer of the Health District of Palm Beach County, Florida, joined Greg on the Cover2 podcast. She shared a unique pilot program that started Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for overdose victims right in the emergency room (ER). Unlike previous MAT addiction programs, the pilot program included 8 days of house calls to deliver medication and monitor patient progress. The success of that program inspired a new treatment initiative in Palm Beach County, an ER Addiction Stabilization Unit (ASU) specially designed for those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Since its inception, the ASU has treated over 350 patients. Similar to regional centers of excellence that address conditions such as heart, stroke, or cancer care, Palm Beach County now has the first center for evidence-based addiction care. Just two weeks after the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the ASU, Greg met with Dr. Andric and her team. Together, they introduced this ground-b

Since 1995, when the FDA approved OxyContin, igniting an opioid crisis, many bad actors have emerged willing to do almost anything to make a buck off the insatiable demand for opioids in our country. But none less known, and more destructive than Paul Le Roux. Born in Zimbabwe, Le Roux was a loner who became an expert software developer. Then, in 2004 he launched what would become the largest network of internet pharmacies in the world, supplying painkillers to millions of Americans each year. At the height of his operation, Le Roux was distributing up to 100 million doses of painkillers, roughly 25 percent of the annual volume of national drug store chains like Rite Aid. While LeRoux stayed largely under the radar, in 2014, he caught the attention of award-winning investigative journalist Evan Ratliff, launching his research into LeRoux’s little-known underworld. Over the next 4 years, Ratliff wrote: “The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal. The incredible true story of the decade-long quest to bri

Between 2004 and 2011, opioid abuse and dependence among delivering mothers in Ohio grew by 491%. As a consequence, cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), where opioid exposed babies experience acute drug withdrawal following birth, became commonplace. Babies who begin their lives suffering from NAS experience slower than normal development, and can suffer adverse effects from it for years. The Maternal Opiate Medical Supports Plus project (MOMS Plus) was developed to improve care and outcomes for mothers and their unborn babies through wrap-around services, care coordinators, and tailored counseling. The MOMS Plus program, launched in 2017, has already helped over 1,000 mothers get help for SUD and lowered the risk of opioid withdrawal following birth for their babies. Today, Dr. Michael Marcotte and Jennifer Terry from Cincinnati Children's Hospital join Greg to share the highlights of the program.

In 1996, pain became the 5th vital sign in medicine, prompting doctors to rely on opioids for pain treatment. As a result, opioid prescriptions spiked over the next 15 years, causing hundreds of thousands of opioid addictions. While many doctors were educated on opioid prescribing practices, what they didn’t know – and are still learning – were strategies for tapering patients off of these highly addictive drugs. Something Dr. Travis Rieder, a Bioethicist at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, had to figure out on his own while recovering from a nasty motorcycle accident. Dr. Rieder recounts his experience with opioid dependency in his book, In Pain, and joins us today to share his story of opioid dependence, withdrawal, and recovery. Listen to today’s podcast for a first-hand experience of this medical knowledge deficiency, and what must be done to fill the gaps in pain treatment.

In February of 2019, we interviewed Palm Beach Post reporters Pat Beall and John Pacenti, about the trial of former executives from opioid manufacturer Insys Therapeutics. They’d been accused of racketeering, bribing doctors to prescribe their high-powered opioid fentanyl spray, Subsys, to patients who didn’t need it. A year later, the Insys executives have finally received sentences of 1 to 5 ½ years in prison. This is the first time big pharma execs have been convicted and sent to prison for racketeering. It’s arguable whether this sentence achieves justice for the 900-plus lives lost to opioid addiction that began with Subsys prescriptions. But, it does send a clear message to the rest of the pharmaceutical industry. To share their insight into the Insys sentencing, Palm Beach Post reporters, John Pacenti and Pat Beall return to the podcast. Together, we break-down what this case means for the rest of the pharmaceutical industry and the questions that remain.

Last July, Major League Baseball fans were shocked when Tyler Skaggs, a rising star pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, was found dead in his hotel room. The toxicology report indicated Skaggs had oxycodone, fentanyl and alcohol in his system, causing him to overdose. The tragic loss of Tyler Skaggs left many people wondering how his drug abuse went undetected by Major League Baseball. But it quickly became a compelling motivator to change their approach to substance use disorder in the workplace. Last month MLB announced its new drug testing policy, which will include mandatory opioid testing for all players. The current MLB drug program tests players for performance-enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids, and other so-called “drugs of abuse”, including opioids, only if they had “reasonable cause”. The new MLB testing policy shifts way from solely punishing drug abusers, to getting them the help they need, a refreshing change in policy that has never been attempted in professional sports before. To help u

In 2006, Purdue Pharma was under fire for falsely advertising the addictiveness of its opioid, OxyContin. Many families believed that handcuffs were the only justifiable punishment, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) seemed to agree. Yet, somehow Giuliani Partners LLC managed to reach a settlement for Purdue Pharma and it’s top three executives. Effectively telling all of Big Pharma that the deaths of thousands of Americans were just the cost of doing business. However, in August 2019, The Weekly, a New York Times documentary TV series, released an episode profiling a leaked prosecution memo. The memo detailed that government investigators believed Purdue Pharma knew OxyContin was fueling a rise in addiction and had damning evidence to prove it. Why did this memo take more than a decade to come to light? Had its contents been exposed, would it have mitigated the opioid crisis? Who was behind the decision to settle with the drug manufacturer responsible for igniting our country’s worst health crisis in

In 2019 we released 45 new podcasts covering books from best-selling authors such as Dopesick from Beth Macy and American Overdose from Chris McGreal, to important developments such as the MDL and the J&J Oklahoma trial and people making headlines such as Joe Rannazzisi, former head of diversion control from the DEA. As I look back I realize how many amazing people, places and things we were lucky enough to profile on our series in 2019. The one that stood out for me, was episode 250, with Dr. Andrew Kolodny. Dr. Kolodny’ s candid insights into the policy missteps at the FDA that enabled an epidemic to grow out of control for over two decades were a revelation to me and I hope, to our listeners as well. So, as we close out 2019, we’re pleased to re-release an abbreviated version of our interview with Dr. Andrew Kolodny. Today’s guest, Dr. Andrew Kolodny, is an authority on the opioid epidemic. As a Senior Scientist and, Co-Director of Opioid Policy Research at the Heller School for Social Policy and Manageme