Neuroscientist Dr. Carl Hart: People Are Dying in Opioid Crisis Because of Politicians’ Ignorance

democracynow.org - President Trump announced Thursday that he is directing the Department of Health and Human Services to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency-walking back his plans, announced in August, to declare it a more serious “national emergency.” The shift means the federal government will not, as of now, direct any new federal funds to address the opioid crisis, which killed 64,000 Americans last year. We speak with Columbia University psychology and psychiatry professor Carl Hart, who argues people are dying because of ignorance, not because of opioids.
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[@randolphsparks8519]

Dr. Hart's work on drug addiction has really helped me to make sense out of how my brother died. Locking people up has not and will solve this

[@ElectedOfficial1]

Randolph Sparks I went through it with my daughter and raised her child until the age of 18. Putting my daughter in prison only gave her more resources and stronger meds. And where did she learn to take all those drugs? Public School, the public bathroom. More kids are using drugs in school than any place else. I was on the front page of my newspaper holding on to my daughter who now is clean and raising two children but has terminal cancer. Will she be able to get the relief she needs? If This Witch Hunt goes on, I doubt it. I used to work at a pharmacy and whenever a drug interaction happened a Red check mark would come up on the computer screen. We were not to give a drug that had an interaction with another drug that patient was taking. What is really killing the people is the drug interactions like Dr Hart was saying.

[@fcllc4217]

And you should be incredibly angry with the US government because if they would legalize ibogaine, your brother would probably still be alive. Ibogaine can CURE up to 91% of all opioid and cocaine addiction.

[@based_mediumchungus1788]

The only way that this opioid overdose crisis is going to end is if we legalize opioids for recreational use. heroin isn't bad at all in moderation. because of its unregulated status it is extremely dangerous. if someone is usually shooting up a 40% batch of heroin and nodding off and then they end up getting a 90% batch of heroin and shoot up their regular dose, they are going to die. but if every batch of heroin is the same purity then it is relatively safe. of course it is still EXTREMELY addictive but an addict is better than a dead person. also when someone is overdosing, people are hesitant to call the ambulance because the police will come and arrest them all for possession. There is so much fentanyl getting cut into stuff. Oxycodone should also be legalized for recreational use. This would benefit both us recreational oxy users and the chronic pain community. Not only can we get our oxycodone without paying insane prices, the chronic pain patients can get their oxycodone without having to go to a doctor and a pharmacist regularly just to get their needed medication. Legalizing them would also reduce the gang-related crime rate. Ever wonder why there are no gangsters on the streets selling vodka and stuff? because why would you buy it illegally when you can buy it from the liquor store. if a meth dealer gets robbed for his meth he will kill the robber. if a legal meth store gets robbed for their meth they will simply alert the police. I will never stop abusing oxycodone. so either legalize it for recreational use, or the chronic pain community will suffer. don't blame me that you can't get oxy, blame the government. people think legalizing hard drugs would increase the user rate but that is simply not true. I ask you this: If the government legalized heroin and oxycodone and meth today, would you start doing them? the majority of people would not. prohibition has never worked at preventing someone from getting drugs. I've been snorting meth since I was 16 and I love it. I have never been addicted. I make a six figure salary and I contribute to society. lets just legalize all of it. c'mon, I thought this was a free country.

[@kmelodyg]

Thank you, Dr. Carl Hart!! We need your voice today as much as possible! Whatever you can do to get these words out there, will help!! As a chronic pain patient who has struggled for 20 years, I personally thank you for your work!

[@warriorwaitress7690]

I love Dr. Hart! When he speaks, I listen. Side note: here in Oregon, we have legalized recreational cannabis. Studies show that in the states which have done likewise, *opioid-related deaths have been **_reduced by one third._*

[@jonreed1365]

Now imagine what would happen if the decriminalized heroin use itself. Portugal did so over a century ago and overdose deaths have decreased by over 90%. I’m a big promoter in legalized cannabis. I just don’t agree with people who think legalizing one drug will solve the abuse of all drugs. Also I hate when someone who says legalize weed but it doesn’t matter about heroin or harder drugs, they should stay illegal. Not saying that’s your particular stance just wanted to point out a few things.

[@phyllisdevries5734]

@@jonreed1365 your information is incorrect. Maybe you should actually do research

[@yunggoosbumps215]

Jon Reed Oregon has recently decriminalized all drugs and legalized medicinal mushrooms. Thoughts if you're still active on this account?

[@yunggoosbumps215]

Hello Warrior Waitress, thoughts on Oregon's current drug advancements in decriminalization?

[@fcllc4217]

@@jonreed1365 Portugal decriminalized all drugs. They didn't legalize them. If you get caught with amounts considered to be for personal use only, they don't prosecute. Anything more and you can be prosecuted.

[@54tristin]

Ok here it is! I’m a Doctor I do Detox EVERYTHING Carl Hart says is 100% correct! Including the racial discrimination aspect of our drug policies!

Bennett Lewis I’m a doctor and I voted for TRUMP and your license should be under review

[@whereitsat14]

I too am a dr and the one thing I know is real Drs. don't get on KZbin comment sections and immediately tell everyone they're a dr. I'm a molecular physicist with a double minor in alchemy. Jus throwing that out there. Any real dr getting on KZbin without useful information should be banned. As if doctors don't spend their time in better ways than this. Gimme a fuckin break. Oh yeah, DR. Hart is legit.

[@Evacer]

+AlwaysFreeOnSunday I'm curious about what you meant by real doctors don't "immediately" get on KZbin and tell people they're a doctor? "Immediately" relative to what? It seems to me to be okay to "immediately" comment after watching a video because that's what most people do and it makes sense as the video is in recent memory. Wtf is your deal? It makes total sense. The fact that minorities are disproportionately arrested is something that's obvious within the community of drug users and people involved in pharmacology. You're foreign to this topic and coming in here to start trouble. Go do some reading.

[@chrisratcliff7466]

Land Of The Me, Home Of The Slave wow. Those are impressive credentials. No troll BS. For real. That's pretty cool

[@SynDeVilvideos]

detox from what needed drugs,,,,

[@dr.jamesolack8504]

Dr. Hart...you've nailed it. The opioid crisis...what a joke! You are a very wise young man. Keep spreading the word, brother.

[@DrewMIATL]

It IS a crisis because fentanyl is killing people at disastrous rates. You’re a doctor? Pathetic.

[@TonyRome402]

Dr. Hart is brilliant; finally someone brave enough to tell the truth.

[@BillyBadnewz]

This guy is the truth and speaking truth!

[@jaelynn7575]

This is a smart man that the gov needs to listen to!

[@saradavidson3054]

I'm sitting here suffering like u wouldn't believe due to PAIN!! I am being FORCED off my pain medicine! This is insane!

[@Sketch1994]

Me too... They have demonized opioids which work but now they are trying to push us towards antidepressants and gabapentinoids, claiming these are safer in the long term. How can they even mention the long term when gabapentinoids have only been used for 16 years and already proven to be ineffective, come with major side effects and is already going rapidly up in abuse... So many pain patients state that it didn't do anything for their pain but they kept taking it for the way it made them drunk... Some say they switched to it from alcohol and people congratualte them for quitting alcohol when they have basically switched alcohol with anticonvulsants... If someone said he stopped alcohol by taking xanax people will scald him, even though it's the same fucking thing. It's a throwback to people treating opium dependence with morphine and morphine dependence with heroin 100 years ago...

[@TizzTv]

@@Sketch1994 that shit is addicting and horrible .. smoke some weed and eat some mushrooms. I’ve taken opioids and it ruined me.

[@Sketch1994]

@@TizzTv I smoke weed daily to dissociate from the pain but it doesn't do much if anything at all. It is also illegal and I will literally face parole and maybe even prison in my country because apart from being illegal I am stuck in a court case from 8 years ago for having a small ammount with some friends. Also it is addictive too just the physical dependence is much lighter. Where I live it is also very expensive and you rarely will find anything good. I have never come across mushrooms here either. Opioids saved my life though. I was literally contemplating suicide to stop the 3 month long sleepless painful agony

[@malcolmcaden1440]

@@TizzTv weed is not a magic drug it dose not all ways work

[@TizzTv]

@@Sketch1994 there’s still other remedies besides weed and opiates. I can’t tell you what would be good for you but Changing your diet helps, along with light exercise, vitamins, and other herbs can help assist to heal your pain. The only thing those pills do is block your pain receptors and damage your liver and does not actually heal/fix your pain.

[@TheRonnierate]

Dr. Hart should be our US drug czar! Positive relief ‼️

[@ChronicPainInTheAss]

Dale Reynolds YES! ABSOLUTELY!

[@aaronzywicki7397]

Yep

[@helenedesforges3483]

This Dr is 200% right , about time someone tell the truth .

[@betseydowning6535]

Why is Carl Hart listed with just his name and not his degree in the Democracy NOW banner across the bottom of the screen? Why isn't he listed as Carl Hart, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Psychology?

[@ssballs]

If you played the video, he was announced as such in the introduction.

[@ireneduke5022]

S T U P I D😱😱

[@fcllc4217]

He's the chair of psychology AND psychiatry at Columbia University!

[@tarico4436]

Recently I had an operation. I needed serious pain relief for about two or three weeks after. I had a hard time getting prescriptions for that relief. I've had surgeries before, ten years prior, and tried to get off those narcs as quickly as possible. I took them for less than two months. So I have a track record of not wanting to become addicted to these prescription drugs. I have a track record of SUCCESSFULLY GETTING OFF of those narcs, and doing so very quickly. But still: my doc and his nurse were very very careful to try to stop me from getting even a smidgen of extra relief this time. I would like to thank all those druggies out there who have blown it, and I have received some of the fallout that they deserve. Thanks a lot. Yes, I got enough pain relief, but just barely.

[@nanettecormier8513]

What a brilliant and eloquent man! It pains me to witness Sessions talking racist trash!

[@pta9191]

Sessions didn't once mention race. He said drugs and crime go hand in hand. Why is that racist? The only one mentioning race was Carl Hart.

[@vishnu2407]

@Anne Austin please read up on what racism is

[@vishnu2407]

@@pta9191 he's studied drug policies and how.they were informed by racial prejudice and how even the implementation of drug laws and policies differs based on race. You should read up on it

[@Dani68ABminus]

Thank you for interviewing Dr. Hart. Another light in a sea of ignorance. It should become more and more obvious to everyone that humanity isn’t divided by race or country of origin, not even by family origin, but by the internal framework that drive our actions. Alterior motives become more and more evident and the predators and parasites among us are becoming increasingly desparate to maintain their pyramid scheme, ie the hierarchical structure under which we all suffer. As within, so without; as above, so below.

[@lesliehandsome4696]

Curious timing. First you destabilize the ACA then declare opioid abuse a "national emergency". How exactly are people supposed to get better? Isn't this not only a healthcare issue (big pharma) but also part of tge prison industrial complex?

[@donaleveck2417]

Leslie Handsome when was the ACA ever stable? It’s run by for profit insurance companies. The ACA is designed to block single payer healthcare.

[@donaleveck2417]

Leslie Handsome what starts as a white drug, ends up as a black drug. Again, the numbers are very small to be call an epidemic in a nation of 333million. This is just to push more drug laws. I’m aware that the government doesn’t care. The government doesn’t care about black on black crime either.

[@lesliehandsome4696]

Doña LeVeck I never said it was stable. It was a cash grab for the insurer's. Their stocks multiplied afterwards. It is purely punitive. It makes no sense why we as such a large nation that pays the taxes we do that our government does not give us better options other than they distract us with not being able to get along to do anything about it. We are a joke that elected a dumbass as president. We are officially a joke.

[@eleanorsanchez9846]

just like they dont care about white on white crime

[@donaleveck2417]

Eleanor Sanchez LOL! I’ve been to the USA. I’m aware that black in black crime is at epidemic levels. Our travel agents warn us to stay out of black neighborhoods.

[@donnafancher6969]

Finally..a man that tells the truth!!! Please keep up the great work. Im a older woman and need pain meds which are prescribed to me. I have many many health problems and my meds have been cut back because of new government guidelines so im back to suffering bad again. I feel helpless and hopelessness.

[@alimohammond3966]

the CIA and the miltary brings all the poppy plants here from Pakistan , u need big machine to bring in all that dope in!

[@dorothycollinsware7445]

A lot of us need pain pills. Please help us the ones who desperately need them, please help us 😭

[@rileykinn3872]

I have a nerve condition from a failed back surgery that causes horrible pain unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I can no longer get the pain medications I need to be functional without screaming and moaning. Dr. Carl Hart makes sense.

[@liveyourbestsoftlife5705]

Yeah right!

[@nicholasperris7730]

This guy is my hero. I been saying the same stuff but it means so much more coming from a doctor

[@Raw_Roots]

The cut back on prescribing to chronic pain patients, sounds like eugenics.

[@kittykittymeowmeow666]

I lost my mom to an overdose and almost exactly 2 years later I lost my big brother to an overdose. Though they didn’t od on opioids but prescription drugs and street drugs are a very serious problem in America. It’s very unfortunate. My big brother was only 35 and he had no kids. He’s just gone because of one night of partying. Breaks my heart to think about how much I miss both of them.

[@fcllc4217]

I'm sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, chronic pain patients are being punished for a problem they had absolutely nothing to do with. People should be angry with our policy makers for taking kickbacks from the deep pockets of the addiction medicine field and from their lobbyists. They should also be angry that there is ONE drug that can CURE opioid addiction and cocaine addiction. Just ten days of treatment with ibogaine can cure 91% of all opioid and cocaine addiction.

[@based_mediumchungus1788]

I wish they would legalize oxycodone for recreational use. then the chronic pain patients can get their meds too.

[@johnlamarca9439]

That's right. With the barrel of a gun. Now you know why we are still in Afghanistan!!!

[@countrygirl4422]

I'm on a low dose of morphine and a low amount of a benzo. I've been on these both for year's. I'm not dead it's because I don't abuse them. I'm getting my benzos taken away. I will have to take an over the counter medication to help me sleep. That's more dangerous than what I'm taking now. This guy is so right on about ignorance. I suffer with chronic pain after working as an certified nursing assistant for 18 yrs. Sad that people like myself will suffer when I got hurt on the job.

[@Jcloz]

What people don't understand is that opiates (and some opioids aka synthetic opiates) are INCREDIBLY safe, and are currently by far the most effective analgesic we have available today. I mean, the original opiate, diamorphine aka heroin, is still the most commonly used opiate in the UK. Other closely related derivative opiates are also used, quite safely, all around the world, especially in the US and Europe. What people don't understand is that when used cleanly, opiates have ZERO possibility of causing physical harm. I'm serious, go look on wikipedia. There is zero bodily harm caused by opiates alone. The harm comes from injecting it (and the disgusting fillers dealers include) unsanitarily, as well as when users don't know the exact dose they are injecting and overdose. When a user (or nurse) knows the exact dose of the opiate, say heroin, overdose is extremely unlikely. And actually, the difference between the therapeutic dose (the dose people would self administer or the be administered in a hospital setting) is much further away from the overdose dose, when compared to something like alcohol (where the dose to feel good is very close to the dose that results in death). Opiates are probably THE ONLY drug that causes zero physical harm, besides cannabis. I can't think of any other. The only danger is overdose. That's it, and it's unlikely to happen when people know what they're getting.

[@shockawha9]

Jacob D pure heroin everyday is safer than a bag of carrots! It’s only illegal because they make more money on morphine.... opium is the best! Hul Gil-plant of joy, used to be prescribed for nearly everything!

[@scottsherman1218]

Completely incorrect.....opioids can be harmful in many ways, primarily due to dose dependent respiratory depression...long term use causes supression of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis, dysregulating the patients endocrine system, as well as the posinility of opioid induced hyperalgesia, a worsening of pain because of the opioids themselves changing the pain perception system of the brain. Please know your facts, and dont mislead people with uninformed opinions.

[@jawass9307]

Legalization doesn't mean EVERYBODY will now start taking drugs!! The opposite is the case...

[@based_mediumchungus1788]

exactly. I wouldn't start doing fentanyl if they sold fentanyl patches in vending machines.

[@islandbirdw]

Why are people with legitimate long term pain issues being confused with heroin. The only relationship is IF patient who is dependent on prescription opioids for pain gets told they will be taken off because doctors fear federal repercussions, they often turn to heroin.

[@switch1237]

This has been a very informative interview.

[@nancymesek]

It works. They have mobile testing vehicles in major cities in The Netherlands in the bar districts. I’ve seen people use them and asked cops about it. The cops were all for it.

[@mrdontpl8y]

Nancy Mesek lock them up.

[@Christian-os3sh]

Most cops are just doing their job when arresting drug users, they don't want to and doesn't if you don't give them a reason to. At least that's my experience in Sweden and particularly Finland. Sweden is one of the most conservative drug policy nations in the EU, probably better than USA still, but yeah.

[@gymnast2890]

Christian Krona They make A LOT of money off prosecuting drug users in the US. Off tiny amounts of misdemeanors to felony possession. It's insane to mix violent & non- violent offenders.....but it's $$$$$$$......always the bottom line in the US.

[@xperrosinsangrex]

Mac G this is what the Dr. Means when talking about ignorance. They will keep on using while locked up, and will keep on using when freed. Congratulations to the drugs for winning the war on drugs.

[@CheckYourPremises]

Nancy Mesek, yeah, we can come up with a bunch of stuff that can be done for junkies. Drug testing/drug injecting sites, food, blankets, clothing and such... what the heck, we can give them free drugs, to save their junkie lives! Now, who is going to pay for it? Something tells me it is coming out of my pocket and other people who work hard, do not abuse drugs and pay taxes. So....

[@OldskolFan]

Exactly, we should listen to people who have studied in this area for many years. Look what works for other countries.

[@mikerivera5314]

This man knows this subject.

[@patrickmcgraw3435]

tv is such a joke. Imagine having a guest on your show and cutting him off mid sentence.

[@MshAhmxiO1]

Unregulated fentanyl has been an issue, shipped in small packages from Mexico & China. Scanning packages in the postal process & boarder control efforts in transport/ shipment would be effective counteraction to the influx of deadly unregulated fentanyl.

[@jodih3023]

I am a user of hydrocodone, the last visit to the Dr I was given 5 mg when I had been using 10mg. I take two or three in 24 hours. I have a degenerative bone disease and fibromyalgia. With this medication, I am able to take care of myself, without I can't get out of bed. I think a lot of these overdoses are not accidents. I have thought that if it gets any harder to get the help I would rather be dead. So an overdose would allow me to go to sleep and not have to fight this fight anymore.

[@lizajane8495]

I was still nursing when I saw the beginning of this wide spread explosion of addiction. In my opinion the introduction of OxyContin to Drs.started this whole mess!! Not saying that there wasn't a problem before,but this drug brought on new addicts from every walk of life.When OxyContin came on the scene,it was presented as a safe,long acting,non addictive opioid and was used initially for cancer patients and severe,debilitating pain sufferers and was very successful among patients.Then the"druggies"learned how to change the delivery of it by removing the outer shell,which contained the time releasing agents and then they had a pure form of opiate or as it is known too as"Hillbilly Heroin"that could be snorted,injected or chewed up and swallowed.Drs.were handing out prescriptions like candy until oops the truth of it hit the shit fan!!! Sadly for the ones who we're or are chronically ill with severe pain and took the med correctly are now being penalized because of the addict and/or dealer!!! Now in the last couple of years we have seen the wide spread use of fentanyl!!! There has to be a way for people who take their meds as prescribed and have some quality of life not be penalized because of the abuser! Drs.are also being penalized for the actions of others and now are scared to prescribe meds for fear of being shut down,heavily fined and possibly lose their license!

[@timheavyable]

The first version had no time release mechanism.

[@mellymels13]

He’s right about the pain aspect, the only ppl that are suffering are pain patients, drug abusers will always find a way but those who are law abiding citizens who happen to have a chronic condition are treated like garbage

[@based_mediumchungus1788]

Thats why we should legalize oxycodone for recreational use. that way the oxy abusers such as my self can get it for much cheaper prices and those law abiding citizens can get their oxy without being treated like garbage.

[@cartesianphantom7396]

I love Dr. Carl Hart!

[@willx_1]

Neuroscientist Dr. Carl Hart knows what he's talking about.

[@eleanorsanchez9846]

i don't care how anyone feels, i am tired of turning the other cheek, of forgiving these evil monsters. it has been 400 yrs plus . these monsters will never change.do not feel sorry i feel this way. im good, i don't hate these demons because that would mean i loved them at one time i just have no use for them. they as a group are not relevant in any way.the best thing is to stay far away from these heathens. do not trust them, they as a group have no integrity ., no soul, no conscious, no empathy. these people do not care about anyone, anything.

[@rationalmale6265]

This man is brilliant. He speaks common sense.

[@kallah4999]

We need to educate people!

[@miahleissa9599]

Yes. This situation is just ridiculous. We have not dealt with drug addiction with an sort of sanity in this country, and it shows. We can change our approach any time. I agree with this Dr. I feel the government is just looking for more people to incarcerate into all their big, fat prisons.

[@suzidunn7743]

What about the people with chronic pain?????? Those people are screwed.... And its not fair....

[@aaronzywicki6384]

Well Treat People Who Have Real Pain So They Don't Have To Go Buy Heroin ,This Insanity As To Stop Now

[@derekkoster7635]

This guy gets it , prohibition is not the answer. Police and courts only make it worse . Let give a sick person a criminal record so it’s even harder to get a job . No one will ever stop drugs , people’s lives suck and they want a escape . If they could buy what they want and the supply is safe you won’t know who is on drugs just like everyone else in America.

[@tomitstube]

truth. this is an excellent example of how racism occurs and goes undetected, how racism permeates our society and how racism *affects everything* we do. it's *IGNORANCE* that is killing us.

[@ericrobinson7184]

Drugs and crime don't go hand and hand...politics and crime do. That's easily provable by even a cursory read of the last 500 years of history.

[@DonTheConPrison2024]

It's got nothing to do with ignorance and everything to do with greed!

[@elinderfler9358]

Dr Hart is 100% right. Too bad Americans are so against ANY kind of harm reduction practice.

[@paulwilson3434]

Make Carl Head of drug testing. Smart dude Here’s to my black brothers and sisters

[@terryglenweaver]

I live with Severe Chronic Pain. Mainly what I see is people NEEDING the Meds and CANNOT get them. If you want to control Opioid use and reduce or eliminate it... STOP THE PAIN FIRST *_OR_* You suffer the consequences instead of the pain sufferer. Currently the Only Ones adversly affected and held accountable Are those Suffering... Not those attacking the Chronic Pain Sufferers. They must be held accountable for their actions also.

[@psycho.dad5252]

I suffer from chronic pain and to keep morons from oding they'd rather I eat a gun barrel.thanks much.

[@malburian]

Thumbs up for Carl Hart. Keep up!

[@youtubesucks3419]

THIS “news program” IS ALSO THE PROBLEM, in part, they CUT THIS MAN OFF…SHAME ON ‘Democracy Now’…no wonder we can’t nearly have the meaningful conversations like we ought to on these complex and sometimes, esoteric issues.

[@stevenfong1928]

He should get a spokes person to speak for him. He'd get more sway from the public to try what he says than by saying it himself. It's obvious he's passionate to fix the problem. He holds a lot of resentment for the past execution on addressing criminalization of opiod use versus funding rehab. Advocating responsible use and purity testing for substances obtained illegally is a tough sell. Punishing one for something they can't help is tough. Helping them recover is even harder.

[@mik55tv22]

He is completely 100% right

[@coppercolored2488]

Good old karma...

[@abbigail3923]

Copper Colored. How are you feeling today More of you demons come out to play I see.

[@liveyourbestsoftlife5705]

Yes isn't it Divine! 😂

[@georgecarter2892]

Mad props to the great Amy Goodman. She always dissects the situation all the way down to it's essence!!

[@IO-co9xg]

Dr Hart should be minister of health! If not in the US, come to Europe and be there minister of health!

[@chillscrill6116]

That’s is what has happend... people who need meds for pain are being denied the medicine they need...

[@ElectedOfficial1]

Dr Hart PHD chair, psychology, democracy NOW accreditation., speaks the truth here.

[@krollpeter]

There is no other developed country in the world with such a high number of drug addicts, by far not.

[@AkuaWalters]

It’s not a world issue though ...... just the us....

[@camman6912]

Akua Walters no Australia has the same problem

[@xperrosinsangrex]

Colombia Is coming up with the same same problem. They started pushing tramadol for everyone in 2015 for every hint of pain. Last year they started showing reports about 47% of Colombians having chronic pain problems. They are pushing this shit, they are softening people's opinion on this bullshit opioids just like they did in the 90's in the us.

[@chestabee3823]

And troops are still protecting the poppy fields in Afghanistan. Nothing will stop this because the govt, courts, jails, doctors and pharma is raking in the money. It's a BUSINESS

[@ljwhitmire200]

I have a loved one who suffers 24/7 because doctors don't understand drugs. My loved one has to jump through crazy hoops just to get barely anything to help her pain. She has tried EVERY alternative for 20+ years suggested by any doctor because she doesn't want the pain killers, but they are the only thing that work. Besides avoiding clogging up prisons with people who don't need to be there, many, many others will be able to live normal lives. Why is the US so far behind the rest of the world?

[@anneturner2404]

100% Dr Hart !!!!!! OPIOID ZEALOT AMERICA 🇺🇸 IS KILLING ME !!! PAIN PAIN PAIN !!!!! I’m dying.......

[@MabelJ47]

Opioid medication therapy should be a right for those whom are suffering in horrendous pain, the FDA approved opioid medication, for long term use, for those who have severe debilitating disease (s) and severe trauma, failed surgeries, etc... The REAL problem is the illegal illicit street drugs being brought in from China and Mexico, so start at the root of the problem= clandestine chemists, illegal drug trade at the boarders, in cargo, by train, by plane, by ships, by boats, etc... that's where the real issue is. It is NOT in a doctor's office!

[@breakonthru7900]

I don't necessarily agree about the race part , I personally believe there's hardly Any doctor's anymore that will prescribe opioids to ANYBODY !!

[@neojb7417]

I heard this on the radio earlier. He's right. But, I do not hold much hope that much of anything is going to change. As we have started clamping down on opioid prescriptions, we will see more heroin use. Perhaps alcohol as well. Perhaps we are going the wrong way. There are a few things prescribers could do. If you are going to a doctor for opiates, that bottle will be gone quickly. Do med checks. Bring your bottle to a nurse weekly, she counts them, and there ya go. We could also make it illegal for all of the cronies making each other rich. The conflicts of interest are rediculous. Almost laughable. They were given permission by our leaders. Unless you have been addicted to something, you will never understand. There is another option that I am not hearing much about. Kratom. I have personally helped many off of pills with it. It is amazing how it can give you your life back.

[@calichef1962]

And yet The Powers That Be have put Kratom on the controlled substances schedule. They have NO IDEA what they are doing and they REFUSE to ask for assistance from those who know how to make this situation better. TPTB are just CERTAIN that they can legislate and PUNISH the addiction out of "them," that is, anyone not white and upper middle class or higher. You know, the people who can afford expensive in-patient drug rehab.

[@neojb7417]

calichef1962 Well, they started to schedule it, federally. I do believe it was the American Kratom supporter that made them chamge their minds. have not heard of a new effort as of recent. A few states and cities have banned kratom themselves. Ck out The American Kratom Association.

[@who-arewe]

Neo Jb74. I'm curious as to the intention behind the "med check" you mentioned. What is the purpose of doing that? How does it help? Curious.

[@neojb7417]

Katrina Tee well, the nurse would count the quantity of medication and compare that to how much should have been taken. I am not saying I am for or against a practice like this. Obviously there are ways around it, it may or may not lead to other behavior out of desparation, who knows.

[@neojb7417]

BLAIR M Schirmer I understand.

[@beam3819]

Stop war on drug addicts. Start using the billions to help people get a job

[@HUMC4L]

Actually, sessions was right on some very key points. If you wanna solve a problem on the black market, people will probably die and you can't sue. What's funny is it's actually a great talking point in FAVOR of legalization. If it's legal, you can sue and don't have to resort to violence

[@tatriceshipp9139]

And he made a great point black people get discriminated against when it comes too needing pain medication for pain. Smh sad

[@christinehuff1036]

This so called war on drugs is hurting chronic pain patients. I am not going to list all my pain issues but since January my pain doctor has been lowering my medication. I am now at the point I can't function and have no quality of life. I have suffered from chronic pain for over twenty years, was bedridden the first three years because I tried everything else and none of those medications worked for me. I had terrible side effects, now after years of being able to function and have some quality of life it's being taken away from me. Now the government gets to decide how much pain I must endure. I have never failed my random drug screens, doctor shopped, I use the same pharmacy. I am so angry at what our government is doing. They are going to drive more people to the streets to get relief from there pain, it's already drove up the sucide rate for people with chronic pain. The government has no right making decisions for myself or my doctor.

[@eBrigid]

Christine, what state are you in? Don't tell me your city, just the state. Is it Oregon by chance? They have lost their minds there. I'm a chronic pain patient too. Cancer and autoimmune. I do feel your pain.

[@christinehuff1036]

@@eBrigid I am in Michigan, I am sorry to hear that you also suffer from chronic pain.

[@sandracmyers]

Oh but how will politicians finance their campaigns with such an easy non billion dollar fix? This guy knows what he's mostly talking about...

[@glw5166]

The problem is most people don't have his discipline. Probably a lot of people out there just like him but they are secretly taking heroin and functioning. He also doesn't seem like he takes it to just get high as a kite. Still, heroin ain't for me but then again I don't drink or smoke either.

[@alexandrerichard6057]

Addicts have a reflex to ask about the drugs somebody overdosed on because the stuff is strong and they want a good hit. A dealer with a rep to sell stuff that people overdose on is a dealer that will make more money because his stuff is considered "heavier" than the competition. For that reason, I think purity tests can backfire.

[@chugalongway01]

Meyer Lanksy said in 1970s that the illicit drug trade, prostitution and gambling would be legal in 20 years because "That is where the money is" ........and he was right.

[@HaloDaycare]

I'm a former conservative but I've kept my assertiveness. Thom Hartmann is a good example of how I think more left leaning folks should be. Please stop looking guilty, trying to be too nice, ect. You can be perfectly loving and understanding while being assertive. Love the channel.

[@GreenOrchid9]

Education of the children and jobs when they graduate, workplace safety, Healthcare andfreedom of speech, charity and the arts

[@mildredbradway477]

Why are you not limiting the abuse on Alcohol, the drugs coming across the boarder. Not everyone e is a drug addict. Some people are living in debilitating pain at no fault of theirs. A bad surgery gone bad because of the surgeon or the manufacturer. Why do we have to suffer because of someone else Error!

[@kenseymour5152]

I sit here in severe pain because I can’t get pain relievers because the war on drugs became a war on pain patients I would never go to the street for pain reliever but stopping the doctors is not the answer

[@3245james]

I hate it when they blame drugs for... everything. Poor community's exist in every society. Drugs do not cause this, CULTURE does. drugs seem to be prevalent in the poorer community's because its literally the only source of relief these individuals can get, they are all in the "know" and this in turn see's them using drugs unashamedly and rightly so. Its literally a case of life experience. Enforcing prohibition is literally attacking your own culture, a part of the culture that cant fight back.

[@hundun5604]

He deserves the noble prize for medicine.

[@deniseemond9263]

Thank you Dr Hart.

[@RonnieMinh]

Totally agree with Mr. Hart. Thanks for giving him a platform to speak.

[@jamsuns19]

Doctor

[@rockinmfer2171]

thank you dr hart finally some intellect about drugs

[@giovannijaimes1686]

Heroins is the most addictive substance mix it with fentanyl and he's saying only 1 out 4 people are addicted it's more at least 2 out 4 or more

[@DrewMIATL]

And he is a fucking LIAR. This guy is a misinformation agent.

[@Ardante11]

@@DrewMIATL Right as I always tell people, NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE STREETS

[@DrewMIATL]

@@Ardante11 FACTS. If these people say that it’s not harmful or addictive, I’d tell them to go smoke one rock or do one line of heroin and report back to me.

[@lxLanarchyxl]

are yall drug addicts? the things hes saying about these drugs being relatively harmless with information and receiving the exact substance you wanted. so yeah

[@Ardante11]

@@lxLanarchyxl no, not addicts. I repeat NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE STREETS. I wish what Dr Hart is saying would work but as usual the Streets will throw wrenches and exploit the process and the people around it.

[@donnydanger273]

After 50 years of a war on drugs that has failed! We should have a prohibition on alcohol again! What the he'll it's the same thing. We should treat drug use as a public health crisis not criminalize it. Now they want to tie the hands of doctors so patients have to suffer!

[@louislark9983]

Phenomenally informative!

[@XX-gy7ue]

street drugs are kept illegal - so that billions of dollars can continue to be made by those who control the flow ! - how is it that a drone can spot a man smoking a cigarette a mile away - but can't spot a poppy field the size of a small country ! - the only way to save people - is to treat people as free adults and make all ' feel-good ' drugs legal - so that those in need of help - can get help - without fear !

[@XX-gy7ue]

K Will , I thought it was obvious that I did ! but nice to hear someone who may be in agreement with acknowledging this truth ! - which is more​ dangerous than anyone can imagine , think of a future with millions of semi-drugged slaves , it's happened before ( the opium wars - the British did it to the Chinese ) right now people are being made slaves to ridiculous prices , soon they'll carry that while doing their masters bidding ! only the middle-class could ruin the God given beauty of certain flowers and their miraculous qualities ! shame on man !

[@johnmackenzie6673]

So u just paint us all with the same brush

[@Unclejamsarmy]

I think we could make drug testing happen in states or cities more friendly to the idea. Obviously it’s not gonna be happening nationally at this point

[@nneichan9353]

The war on drugs needs to be reformed.

[@Seawitch907]

Dr. Carl Hart is a Legend!

[@coolclide7672]

When you take away people's doctors make it to the streets and they end up getting on street drugs and dying because they're not under doctor's care. And they're not offering money to help people to get care for example overnight cure for opioids that could be on Peoples Insurance I have had friends die because they have lost their doctor and went to the streets because they were dying from withdrawal they had no for my help I have lost so many friends because they lost their doctors when they were going to their doctors they were not sick and they were not dying. My friends didn't start dying until they lost their doctors

[@atterovado6463]

they should be legal. Everyone acts like they care so much. If people really cared half as much as they think they do, there wouldn't be any problems left on earth to solve. Its all about human explotation and creating an army of people dependant on another government controlled operation. Its a plant, and if it wasnt illegal no one would bother putting expensive hard to make chemicals in there to increase its weight. if it was legal people would work on treating and preventing the reasons that cause people to use, sometimes legitimately,i might add, these substances in the first place. Also 80% of statistics are wrong or misleading

[@pjamesbda]

We have a social economic model that centers on supply and demand. This is touted as the answer to everything; health care, schools, and environmental protections are all run by profiteers who have every reason to do the opposite of the public good.

[@javierharth3647]

Well Mr. Trump, you have earned yourself a point. You have touched a nerve in the worlds' system where both you can make a difference, and it can make a difference in your presidency. You have my attention. Please disrupt, the world is in a bad need of disruption regarding the ubiquitous opioid addiction. Change my mind, I'm willing!

[@chaschk2]

I have severe nerve pain. I am under treated so I am in pain about 18 hours each day because my pain specialist won’t give me what is needed to control my pain. I get 2 Oxycodone ( 5/325) per day. That barely touches my pain. I am 70 and disabled. It’s insane.

[@malcolmcaden1440]

I’m ex Australian army I was hit with a IED I tried EVERY other thing but noting works like opiates I’m 35 and can hardly walk have chronic pain because of the explosion they tried this shit over here with opiate medicine it backfired big time with a huge amount of people taken there own lives.

[@hanschouwman4536]

As a Dutchman. I can tell you it is true only in health care you get marginalized.I like heroin too. Sometimes a few days in a row. Last weeks only once or twice. I always felt that people tried to tell me I had a problem. I don't see that. I am 52 healthy no health issues. Okay a few pounds too heavy 🤣

[@MIKEDUZZI420]

Oh and everypharmacy in America should be made to at least sell naloxone to ANYONE with or with out a prescription.