Dr. Robert DuPont, an expert in drug-abuse prevention and treatment for fifty years, served as the first director of the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) and as the second White House Drug Chief under Presidents Nixon and Ford. Dr. DuPont discusses why it’s important to address not only opioid abuse, but other substances too, and provides a historical perspective on the current epidemic and prior drug crises. He explains how the profile of the typical addict and the use of heroin have changed over time, and the interventions and treatment options available. Dr. DuPont emphasizes the value of cooperation between the criminal justice system, treatment providers, and prevention programs.

In his interview, Dr. DuPont answered the following questions:

00:10 What is your background and your involvement with the criminal justice system?

02:10 Why is it important to address not only opioid use, but also other substances?

02:44 How does the use of prescription drugs differ from when you were the first director of NIDA?

03:55 What is the current role of heroin in the current epidemic?

04:48 How does the profile of the typical addict change over time?

06:03 What is meant by addiction and by substance use?

08:41 Are there sociocultural factors relevant to the use of opioids?

10:00 What types of interventions and treatment options are available?

13:14  Why is cooperation between the criminal justice system, treatment providers, and prevention programs important, and how can further cooperation be achieved?

15:04 What else do judges need to know about the opioid epidemic?