This week’s episode of “Behind the Blue” features an episode of the “Talking FACS” podcast. Hosted by Mindy McCulley of the UK Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Program, “Talking FACS” is a production of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

On this special guest episode, Alex Elswick, Ph.D., extension specialist for substance use prevention and recovery, discusses a critical and timely issue — the alarming rise of stimulant use alongside the ongoing opioid crisis, a phenomenon some experts refer to as a “twin epidemic.”

In this interview, Elswick unpacks startling data: stimulant use, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine, has spiked dramatically across the nation and in Kentucky, becoming a major contributor to overdose fatalities alongside opioids. This conversation sheds light on evolving drug use patterns, including the shift from injection to smoking, and explores the social perceptions and challenges surrounding treatment for stimulant addiction. It’s a sobering yet vital discussion that underscores the complexities of substance use disorders and the urgent need for innovative solutions.

You can find more episodes of the “Talking FACS” podcast through a variety of podcast providers, such as Spotify and Amazon Music.

“Behind the Blue” is available via a variety of podcast providers, including iTunes and Spotify. Become a subscriber to receive new episodes of “Behind the Blue” each week. UK’s latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists and writers will be featured, along with the most important news impacting the university.

“Behind the Blue” is a joint production of the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare. Transcripts for this or other episodes of “Behind the Blue” can be downloaded from the show’s blog page.

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