About this episode

Dr. Sarah Wakeman discusses the misconceptions surrounding addiction and the need for compassionate, evidence-based treatment.

Addiction affects millions of people, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized medical conditions. This week on SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney sits down with Dr. Sarah Wakeman, a nationally recognized addiction medicine specialist, Harvard Medical School faculty member, and leading advocate for evidence-based addiction treatment. Dr. Wakeman shares how her experiences treating patients revealed a troubling reality: people struggling with addiction are often treated very differently than those with other chronic illnesses. Together, they explore why addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and what needs to change in healthcare, policy, and public perception. The conversation also dives into alcohol use, women's unique health risks, pregnancy, breast cancer, and the growing body of research on how alcohol impacts long-term health. This episode is an eye-opening discussion about stigma, recovery, compassion, and the power of treating addiction with science instead of judgment. Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for…

People in this episode

Host: Mary Alice Haney

Guest: Dr. Sarah Wakeman

Topics covered

• addiction
• healthcare
• women's health
• stigma
• recovery
• evidence-based treatment

Keywords

• addiction
• health
• women's health
• stigma
• recovery
• alcohol use
• chronic illness

Sponsors

Ka'Chava, Osea

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harvard Medical School

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