# Shattering Stigmas: Changing The Narrative Of Opioid Abuse Disorder (Podcast)

**Podcast Episode**  
Audio Player

00:00 | 42:40

**Traktion Talks: Healthcare & Technology**  
Shattering Stigmas: Changing The Narrative Of Opioid Abuse Disorder  
Jan 14, 2025  
Season 3  
Episode 1

**As the opioid crisis rages on in the U.S., a Phoenix-based company is hoping to change the way society views drug addiction.** In our first episode of a new season of Traktion Talks we sit down with Nick Stavros, CEO of [Community Medical Services](https://communitymedicalservices.org/), a leading provider of evidence-based, compassionate opioid addiction treatment. In our wide-ranging conversation we talk with Nick about a number of issues, including:

- Why treating every individual holistically and with respect is so critical to successful outcomes.
- How they practice a philosophy of harm reduction and why they believe it's the most effective way to achieve positive long-term results.
- What role the community plays in what they do, and how CMS has successfully addressed misperceptions about what they do.
- The rise of technology in healthcare, and how they've used it to add value for patients and keep their staff focused on delivering the very best treatment possible.
- Where Nick sees CMS into the future, and what he'd like the company's legacy to be.

### Referenced in this episode:

[Community Medical Services](https://communitymedicalservices.org/)  
[Nick Stavros](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-stavros-a5565b23/) (LinkedIn bio)