Not only is the United States battling its deadliest drug epidemic in history, but an increasing number of Americans are also struggling with substance use disorder. According to survey data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 49 million people in the US aged 12 and older – more than one in six – have a substance use disorder.
How can we turn the tide on this growing crisis? Today’s guest, Rodney Wambeam, is a senior research scientist at the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. He has also served as a health and human services advisor to the governor of Nebraska and has devoted much of his life to figuring out how to prevent substance use and abuse.
In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Wambeam shares crucial advice on preventing substance misuse and addiction. His insights are especially vital for parents, grandparents and teachers navigating the challenges of the opioid epidemic, offering hope and practical strategies to protect their families and communities.
MEET THE GUEST
Rodney Wambeam
Rodney Wambeam, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Scientist at the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC) at the University of Wyoming and an adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska in 1999 and served as a policy advisor to Nebraska Governor Ben Nelson. Before returning to Wyoming in 2002, he directed the Evaluation Research Department at the Nebraska Council to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse. At WYSAC, he leads research on substance abuse prevention and treatment across several states, including evaluations of major opioid-related grants and initiatives. He has delivered over 50 keynotes on substance abuse prevention and authored “The Community Needs Assessment Workbook” (2015).
