Addiction: A Story of Stigma, A Story of Hope | Scott McFadden | TEDxColoradoSprings

Scott McFadden is a Licensed Addictions Counselor, who also identifies as a person in long term recovery from heroin and other drugs. He shares a harrowing story of incarceration and a long journey to recovery while explaining the dynamics of addiction and the labels, shame, and stigma which have become the greatest obstacles to turning around the opioid epidemic. He shows us the need to talk to one another to overcome the secret places where shame resides. This is a story of vulnerability and hope! Scott McFadden, a Licensed Addictions Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, has worked in the mental health treatment field for ten years, in roles as varied as therapist, clinical director, executive director, and member of the National Assn of Drug Court Professionals. He has both personal and professional experience with Medication Assisted Treatment and volunteers on the steering committee of the Coalition for the Prevention, Addiction Education and Recovery in Colorado Springs. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx