From Drug Czar to Advocate: Richard Baum's Insights on Addiction and Policy

This week, Coach Blu speaks to Richard Baum, a former acting drug czar and Georgetown professor, draws on decades of experience in drug policy to offer a thoughtful look at the opioid crisis and broader addiction challenges. In this episode, he discusses how addiction is not just a personal issue, but a public health problem that affects families, communities, and government systems. He explains that effective responses require more than punishment or short-term fixes. Instead, they need a balanced approach that includes prevention, treatment, recovery support, and smart policy. Baum highlights the importance of evidence-based strategies, such as expanding access to treatment, supporting harm reduction efforts, and making sure people struggling with addiction can get help without unnecessary barriers. He also emphasizes that lasting progress depends on cooperation between communities, healthcare providers, and government leaders. By working together, they can create systems that reduce overdose deaths, improve recovery outcomes, and address the root causes of substance use disorders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:58 Richard Baum's Background and Experience 04:45 The Impact of the Opioid Crisis 09:30 Lessons from Personal Stories 12:00 The Role of Policy in Addressing the Crisis 16:04 Medication-Assisted Treatment in Prisons 20:41 Shifts in Law Enforcement's Approach 26:45 Regulation of Treatment Centers 29:07 The Need for Regulation and Expert Oversight 30:07 Underinvestment in the Opioid Crisis Response 34:18 The Importance of Prevention and Education 39:37 Innovations in Drug Policy and Treatment 46:37 Richard Baum's Book and Resources for Change Guest links LinkedIn - Twitter - Resources Inside America's Opiate Crisis (Book) - Richard Baum's Website - Office of National Drug Control Policy - Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go, and click the link below Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. It's time! Skool is in session! Welcome to Addict II Athletes new on line mental health and addiction program! You will find:

You can listen to From Drug Czar to Advocate: Richard Baum's Insights on Addiction and Policy online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

From Drug Czar to Advocate: Richard Baum's Insights on Addiction and Policy is an episode from Addict II Athlete's podcast by Blu Robinson.

This episode is 53:33 long.

This episode was published on Apr 22, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Addict II Athlete's podcast when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.