# Why Those With Addiction Don't "Just Change" - Opioid Crisis Reality for EMS

An episode of [Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles - Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1500168983), 27 Oct 2025, 1 h 00 min.

Audio: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/t9t7whpx93aqgch3/Why_Addicts_Don_t_Just_Change_-_Opioid_Crisis_Reality_for_EMS9g7ng.mp3

Death is the Bottom: Why EMS Must Rethink Opioid Use Disorder Treatment "Nobody told me that the bottom had a basement and the basement had a trap door." This powerful quote from a grieving mother reveals the tragic reality: for patients with opioid use disorder, rock bottom isn't recovery—it's death. Dr. Jason Hoppe, a medical toxicologist from the University of Colorado, joins us to challenge how EMS providers think about opioid overdoses. The one-year mortality rate after an overdose requiring Narcan? A staggering 6-7%—worse than the one-year mortality after a STEMI. Yet we invest far less in these patients than cardiac emergencies. This episode covers the evidence-based treatments that actually work (methadone and buprenorphine have incredibly low numbers-needed-to-treat to save a life), how EMS can initiate life-saving treatment in the field, and why "tough love" and waiting for patients to "hit rock bottom" is a dangerous myth. Learn how just an extra 6-minutes on scene could save lives, why patients on buprenorphine need MORE pain medication during trauma, and how breaking the stigma starts with you. Ready to make a real difference? Discover how EMS providers are uniquely positioned to interrupt the deadly cycle of opioid use disorder. Want to build unshakeable confidence on scene? We have developed a program to help paramedics go from self-doubt and imposter syndrome to calm competent providers others look to in crisis. If you want to learn more about The Loud & Clear Fellowship course reach out via email at ross@emspodcast.com or through our contact page at emspodcast.com or via DM on IG @emsloudandclear Want to stay ahead of the top 1% in EMS and build real confidence in the field? 👉 Book a call to get personalized guidance, improve decision-making under pressure, and grow your skills as a paramedic: emspodcast.com/free-coaching-call 📰 Join our weekly newsletter for exclusive EMS insights, leadership strategies, real-life scenarios, and tools designed to help you stay sharp, confident, and ahead of the curve: https://loudandclear.kit.com/d45b012fae Guest/Cast/Crew information- Guest- Jason Hoppe, D.O. Hosts - Ross Orpet, Will Berry Catch up with us after the show • Instagram- @emsloudandclear • YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@EMSLoudandClear • Website- www.emspodcast.com American Burn Association / ABLS: Enter the ABLS giveaway by June 30, 2026; the winner will be selected July 1, 2026. Loud & Clear listeners also get 10% off ABLS Now through August 31, 2026. Details: https://bit.ly/aba-loud-clear

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