#5 The Music Industry in the Fight Against the Opioid Crisis

Shifting Perceptions

For decades, the music industry has been associated with drugs, alcohol, and rock n’ roll. The glamorization of the addiction in the music industry has left out important conversations around rising overdose rates and the opioid crisis. The lives of famous musicians Amy Winehouse, Prince, and Mac Miller were tragically lost due to alcohol and/or drug implications. However, the music industry has the power to create change internally by creating a culture of awareness. In this episode, we speak with Ace Piva, a certified addictions counsellor and founder of Over the Bridge. We discuss bringing awareness to the culture of substance use, the importance of music in harm reduction efforts, and the current overdose prevention awareness efforts within the music industry.