How do you save lives when addiction is still viewed as a moral failing?

In Part 2 of Linda Oxendine's conversation on Addiction Talk: Expert Insights, Linda explains how CORE North Carolina began challenging stigma and bringing harm reduction, Narcan education and addiction awareness directly into the community.

Linda discusses working with faith leaders, educating families about substance use disorders, and breaking down the misconception that someone experiencing addiction can simply decide to stop using.

She also explains why trust is essential when working with Native American communities and why helping someone doesn't always begin with treatment or abstinence. Sometimes it begins by meeting a person where they are, keeping them alive and walking alongside them until they're ready for something different.

Linda's message is simple but powerful: addiction isn't a moral failing, and recovery cannot be forced.

But did this approach actually work? In Part 3, Linda reveals what happened after years of community outreach—including lives saved from overdose and measurable changes in her community.

Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers, a leading provider of addiction and mental health services.

Addiction Talk is brought to you by American Addiction Centers. If you or someone you know needs help, call 866-407-4130, or visit our website at AmericanAddictionCenters.org