In Episode 022 of the D&D Fitness Radio Podcast, we discuss the serious topics of opioid addiction and abuse with veteran DEA Special Agent, John Callery. In 2016, there were at least 64,000 deaths attributed to drug overdoses in the United States. This is a 19% increase over 2015 numbers, with the states of Maryland, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maine and Ohio having some of the largest increases in overdose deaths in 2016. Special Agent Callery outlines the details of why the number of fatalities is increasing. The presence of fentanyl in counterfeit prescription opioids and other street drugs has increased significantly in recent years, contributing to the spike in overdoses. Some of these drugs are so toxic and powerful that even relatively small doses – the equivalent of a few grains of salt – can kill unsuspecting victims very quickly. Exposure to these drugs is also extremely dangerous for emergency responders and law enforcement officers who patrol the streets and encounter drug users.

The DEA is committed to not only enforcing the laws around these substances, but also educating the public on how to exercise extreme caution when dealing with prescription pain medications. The general public might assume that anything prescribed by their doctor must be safe without understanding the risk of addiction and the potentially dangerous circumstances that accompany such addictions. Special Agent Callery provides a wealth of information to help prevent people from unknowingly stumbling into the deadly path of addiction.

For more information on the US Drug Enforcement Administration, visit:

https://www.dea.gov/

More specific information on the Diversion Control Division can be found at:

https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/


The D&D Fitness Radio podcast is available at the following locations for downloadable audio, including:

iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/d-d-fitness-radio-podcast/id1331724217

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/dd-fitness-radio-28797988/

Spreaker.com – https://www.spreaker.com/show/d-and-d-fitness-radios-show

You can reach both Don and Derek at the following locations:

Don Saladino:
http://www.DonSaladino.com
Twitter and Instagram - @DonSaladino
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/donsaladino

Derek M. Hansen: http://www.SprintCoach.com
Twitter and Instagram - @DerekMHansen
YouTube - http://youtube.com/derekmhansen