Episode #60 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Heidi Swan and A Night In Jail, Homeless-Psychosis-and Schizophrenia

Psychosis.  A Night In Jail is inspired by Heidi's brother's true life story of homelessness, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. He went to jail 18 times. Heidi talks with Dr. Lev about psychosis. Heidi Anderson-Swan is the co-author of A Night In Jail. Adapted as a novella, film and play, this gritty Young Adult fictional story is the first to illustrates Cannabis - Induced Psychosis (a diagnosis in the DSM-5). A Night In Jail is inspired by her brother’s true life as a homeless drug addict with schizophrenia who went to jail eighteen times. With advocates from MomsStrong.org, and led by long-time Schizophrenia Researcher, Dr. Christine Miller, Heidi met with the Drug Advisors for then-Senator Kamala Harris and Senator Dianne Feinstein. As a consultant, she worked with Los Angeles Defense Attorney, Bob Schwartz. In partnership with Behavioral Health Services (a contractor with Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control), she co - sponsored in-person and virtual events utilizing the film and play, A Night In Jail. As a speaker, Heidi has presented for the 2nd Annual Teaching Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Virtual Conference (co - chaired by Stanford’s Bonnie Halpern), Smart Approaches to Marijuana, Alcoholics and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State, NAMI in Long Beach and Solano County, and many other organizations. As a board member of Parents Opposed to Pot, she has been interviewed by Fox.com. NBC-LA interviewed Heidi and Kirk about their short film and its goal to prevent homelessness. Heidi is also on the Advisory Board of Johnny’s Ambassadors.