Introduction: A Global Wake-Up Call for Prevention Professionals
In the ever-evolving landscape of substance misuse, the challenge is no longer just the substances themselves—it’s the systems profiting from addiction. On the Pathways to Prevention podcast, I sat down with Dr. Aaron Weiner, a licensed psychologist and fierce prevention advocate, to unpack the latest threats, trends, and truths shaping our field.
This conversation is a must-listen for prevention professionals around the world. From manipulative marketing to gamified vaping devices, Dr. Weiner doesn’t hold back. He brings clarity, compassion, and actionable insight into what we’re really up against—and what we can do about it.
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The New Face of Addiction: Manipulation Disguised as Innovation
Dr. Weiner opened our eyes to how deeply the “addiction for profit” model has embedded itself into everyday products and platforms. We’re not just fighting substances anymore—we’re fighting entire industries engineered for escalation.
Consider this: A vape device now exists that includes a virtual pet. The only way to feed it? Take hits off the vape.
Let that sink in.
As Aaron put it, “You literally have to kill yourself or your pet dies.”
This is not satire. It’s a real product marketed to youth.
These industries thrive on vulnerability:
- Gaming vapes packed with arcade-style games.
- Flavored nicotine pouches branded like candy.
- Psychedelics and cannabis sold under the banner of wellness, often to veterans and trauma survivors.
In every case, the goal is not moderation—it’s lifetime customers.
Prevention Works—But Can We Keep It Going?
Despite these disturbing trends, there is real reason for hope.
We’re seeing:
- Youth substance use declining in many areas.
- Overdose deaths dropping year-over-year for the first time in over a decade.
- Evidence that prevention works, plain and simple.
But there’s a catch.
Prevention programs are under threat from shifting funding landscapes and changing federal priorities. As Aaron shared, “Without the backing to do prevention work, you can’t do prevention work.”
The takeaway for all of us? Celebrate progress—but don’t get complacent. Stay vocal. Stay active. Stay funded.
The Rise of “Wellness” Substances: Psychedelics, Cannabis, and the Hope-Hype Divide
There’s a new narrative spreading fast: substances like cannabis and psychedelics are not just safe—they’re healing. For veterans, trauma survivors, and young adults, the promise of relief can feel magnetic.
But Dr. Weiner urged caution: “The marketing is way ahead of the research.”
He broke down the risks of:
- Psychedelics marketed as miracle cures, without the therapeutic context they require.
- Cannabis derivatives like Delta-8 and semi-synthetics, hitting the market with little regulation or research.
- Influencer-driven hype that overshadows clinical realities.
As a veteran myself, I get it. We crave healing. But real recovery doesn’t come from a single experience—it comes through process, people, and time.
So, What Can We Do? Focus on Emotional Literacy and Real Connection
If substances offer escape, prevention must offer something deeper: belonging, purpose, and emotional resilience.
Aaron laid out three powerful, research-backed strategies anyone can use:
- Validate feelings, don’t dismiss them. Telling kids “it’s not that bad” may silence them. Listening builds trust.
- Equip youth with self-awareness tools. Meditation, therapy, and safe conversations can all help them process hard emotions.
- Invest in their circle of influence. Help kids take action on the things they care about. That’s how you build confidence and coping skills.
We also discussed the importance of modeling this as adults. Prevention isn’t just a message we deliver—it’s a lifestyle we demonstrate.
The Shame Factor: Why Silence Keeps People Stuck
Shame is often the hidden driver behind addiction, secrecy, and despair. Whether you’re a teen hiding vaping or an adult wrestling with a relapse, shame thrives in secrecy.
Aaron said it best: “If you want someone to feel safe with you, you need to be safe with them—not just say you are.”
As prevention leaders, we must:
- Create spaces where mistakes aren’t met with judgment but with compassion.
- Separate behavior from identity (“That wasn’t a great choice” vs. “You’re a bad kid”).
- Normalize emotional conversations, even the hard ones.
Prevention as a Daily Practice
This episode wasn’t just eye-opening—it was energizing. It reminded me that prevention isn’t a program. It’s a posture. A daily decision to show up, listen deeply, challenge harmful systems, and offer better ways forward.
As Aaron encouraged, don’t waste energy doom-scrolling or feeling helpless. Focus on your circle of influence—your home, your school, your community.
That’s where change begins.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
This summary barely scratches the surface. Trust me, you’ll want to hear this full conversation with Dr. Weiner.
