In this session, we will address a topic we should have never had to discuss: opioids, addiction, and our current opioid crisis. We will begin with the science underlying how these drugs work (you may be surprised) and what drugs are available in the class of analgesics, both narcotic and non-narcotic forms. We will delve into how the opioid crisis occurred and who the guilty parties may be (you decide!). Then we will chat about exciting research going on RIGHT HERE into non-addictive opioids (big shout out to Dr. Vanderah and company in Medical Pharmacology, and my boss, who is a BOSS!). Then, we will touch on the ethics of giving the opioid overdose antidote to anyone who needs it. Would you believe that SOME PEOPLE (sniff, sniff) think it is immoral to rescue an overdosed person? We will have access to the very paper that suggests this and you can go nuts over their opinions. However, save the tomato throwing for a frat party or something!
The Joy of Drugs 