The opioid crisis, though widespread, is not without hope. The advent of medications like naloxone has saved thousands of lives, yet the true revolution lies in the development of naltrexone. This pill, a silent hero in the fight against addiction, blocks opioids from attaching to brain receptors, offering protection from relapse.

When I saw the headline “St. Charles County uses millions in opioid settlements to boost jail treatment program,” it highlighted a national issue. Counties are receiving opioid settlement funds, yet many dollars remain unused or poorly allocated. With payments continuing for years, we have a rare opportunity to invest wisely—rethinking correctional treatment and breaking the cycle of addiction, incarceration, and relapse.

St. Louis Author Turns to Film to Expose Overlooked Addiction Treatment

When St. Louis journalist Ben Westhoff met pharmacist Percy Menzies, it wasn’t a casual conversation—it was a challenge. That moment sparked Antagonist: How a Wonder Drug Got Sidelined, Westhoff’s debut documentary about Naltrexone, a medication that blocks opioids and curbs alcohol cravings. The film dives into Menzies’ decades-long fight to bring this overlooked treatment into the spotlight, revealing how big money interests and misconceptions have kept it on the sidelines.

Dr. Fred Rottnek joins Percy Menzies on All Things Addiction to discuss alcohol use disorder—its history, stigma, and treatment. They explore how alcohol-related deaths surged during COVID-19, why medications like Naltrexone remain underused, and how shifting from moral judgment to medical care can save lives. This episode offers hope, education, and evidence-based solutions for treating alcohol addiction with compassion and science.