Exploring Addiction Treatment with Dr. Lauren Grawert, MD
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Dr. Lauren Grawert
In this interview, we delve into the life and work of Dr. Lauren Grawert, an esteemed addiction psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer. Her contributions to mental health and addiction treatment have been invaluable, and her candid approach offers significant insights.
Dr. Grawert has generously shared her knowledge and experiences, which resonate deeply with those facing mental health challenges. Her unwavering commitment to honesty and compassion in her field is both refreshing and necessary.
Section 1.1: Dr. Grawert’s Background
Hello, Dr. Grawert! Could you share a bit about your journey?
Thank you for having me! I'm an addiction psychiatrist based just outside Washington, DC. I’m also a mother of two and married to a pilot. Currently, I serve as the Chief Medical Officer at Aware Recovery Care, which specializes in providing in-home and virtual addiction treatment.
Before this role, I was the Chief of Psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic, where I initiated an entirely virtual detox program for alcohol and opioids during the pandemic, helping approximately one million people access essential care.
Section 1.2: Passion for Advocacy and Writing
While my profession is medicine, my true passion lies in writing and advocacy. I aim to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and addiction and enhance access to treatment. I’m part of the policy writing committee for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), where we recently released a statement on pharmacists' roles in addiction treatment.
I also emphasize the importance of self-care for healthcare providers to combat burnout. My recent articles on these topics have been published in Doximity, and I collaborated with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to create a video focusing on the screening and treatment of psychiatric conditions.
Chapter 2: Hobbies and Inspirations
In this insightful video, Dr. Lauren Grawert discusses the critical role of medication-assisted treatment in addressing addiction. Her perspectives shed light on innovative approaches to recovery.
When I’m not practicing medicine, I enjoy reading and writing about pressing issues in healthcare. I like to highlight the significant gaps I see and propose actionable solutions. Ballroom and swing dancing are my favorite ways to unwind.
Section 2.1: Influential Reads
What three books have profoundly influenced you?
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté
- Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
- This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
Section 2.2: Writing on Various Platforms
I publish articles weekly on Medium, Substack, and LinkedIn. My LinkedIn newsletter is called Hot Topics in Healthcare, and my Substack is titled The White Coat Warrior. While managing multiple platforms can be challenging, I find it rewarding to connect with other writers.
Chapter 3: Connecting with Readers
As a writer, I value honesty, authenticity, and humor. Writing about difficult subjects can be daunting, but it fosters connection. By sharing relatable experiences, such as my humorous take on life’s challenges, I aim to resonate with my readers.
In conclusion, I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey and insights. Thank you for reading, and I hope my experiences can inspire others on their paths to understanding addiction and mental health.
For those interested in reaching out, you can connect with Dr. Grawert on LinkedIn or through her Substack notes.
Thank you for exploring the vital topic of addiction treatment with us.