The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole Rigaku

In this episode, Michael speaks with Kevin Ofchus, - a former Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. DEA and is now CEO of Host Nation Perspectives of SouthWest Asia, as well as Associate Fellow at Narrative Strategies. His projects have covered a wide range of areas focused on countering Afghan insurgency and violent extremism via intelligence and counter-intelligence, threat finance, counter-terrorism, rule of law initiatives, and post-conflict stabilization. This is part two of a two part series with Kevin.
Join us as we delve into the growing problem of fentanyl production and distribution in Mexico. We explore the current state of the epidemic and discuss the various opinions on whether these cartels should be designated as terrorist organizations. We also examine the role of congressional action and political will in tackling this issue, and the need for a more robust international presence to combat the production and distribution of fentanyl. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the opioid crisis and the challenges facing Mexico as it attempts to address the problem.

To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, Michael speaks with Kevin Ofchus - a former Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. DEA and is now CEO of Host Nation Perspectives of SouthWest Asia, as well as Associate Fellow at Narrative Strategies. His projects have covered a wide range of areas focused on countering Afghan insurgency and violent extremism via intelligence and counter-intelligence, threat finance, counter-terrorism, rule of law initiatives, and post-conflict stabilization. This is the first part of a two-part series with Kevin.
This episode focuses on how he got into this field and the importance of building strong tribal affiliations in order to create an environment that supports the rule of law. We also discuss the international community's approach to separating drug trafficking as a law enforcement initiative and insurgency as another, and the potential implications of this decision. We delve into the challenges of managing the situation in Afghanistan, including issues of corruption, lack of clean water, and the current relationship between Afghanistan and the Taliban. Lastly, we examine the US embassy's role in the Afghan stabilization program and explore the concept of ghost soldiers.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, we delve into how drug abuse disproportionately affects young people in America. We discuss the devastating consequences of drug addiction, and how it can ruin lives and destroy families. We also explore the role that schools can play in preventing drug abuse and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
We speak with Rockwell “Rocky” Herron, Drug Abuse Prevention Ambassador and former DEA Agent. Since 2007, Rocky has delivered more than 700 presentations To over 140,000 students in schools around the world focusing on cultivating awareness in our youth about the current drug threat. In this conversation, Rocky focuses on:
His experiences working at the DEAStrategies he uses to get through to at-risk youth about drug abuseThe pivotal role a family unit and community play in the effective prevention of drug abuse in adolescents
Join us as we strive to raise awareness about this critical issue and work towards solutions to keep our children safe and healthy.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

As the debate around harm reduction continues, it is important to remember that there are mental health strategies those suffering from substance dependencies can use with the help of a professional.
In this episode, Michael speaks with Shaudi Adel, Clinical Director at Centered Mind Therapy. The mission at Centered Mind Therapy is to connect clients with a provider that will help them discover healing and build a balanced life. Check out more about the program here: https://centeredmindtherapy.com/


This episode covers:
A Breakdown of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)How Harm Reduction Programs Influence the Treatment of those with addictionCan A Harm-Reduction Approach Work Effectively when Paired with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Silverman. Scott was was once a substance abuser near suicide. He has since turned his life around to become a crisis coach and family navigator, helping at risk individuals also turn their lives around. He is currently the CEO/Founder of Confidential Recovery and Author of The Opioid Epidemic.

He is also the founder of second chance, a nonprofit human services agency that assists economically disadvantaged individuals and families, transforming their lives to become self-sufficient and contributing members of society.

This episode covers

Scott’s story with substance abuse
How and why he wrote his book: The Opioid Epidemic
How Decriminalization can have unforeseen ramifications
How the Opioid Epidemic has changed since he published his book

Get Scott’s Book Here: https://www.amazon.com/Opioid-Epidemic-What-Destroy-Family/dp/1736745603

To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

Today’s guest is Barbara Jacobs Fistanic, Clinical Director of the Outpatient Program at Harmony Place Drug Addiction Treatment Center. She has been part of the co-occurring mental health and addiction treatment fields since 1992 with various roles in Social Work. In this episode, she speaks with Michael and Jen about:

How she’s seen substance abuse trends change throughout her careerThe difference between rehabilitation and harm reduction?How mental health relates to potential substance abuse behaviors
Barbara’s Website - https://www.lcsw.org/


To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.