"The aim of this project was to explore factors identified through literature review as influential in the development and progression of the current “opioid epidemic” in the state of Maine, and explore their perception among people who work on the frontline of addiction treatment. The core part of this research was semi-structured interviews with representatives of medical professionals, counselors, therapists, community leaders, law enforcement, and NGOs in the state of Maine. "
Senior project directors: Selma Holden and Netta van Vliet
On addiction:
“ 'Certain individuals use certain substances in certain ways, thought at certain times to be unacceptable by certain other individuals for reasons both certain and uncertain' (Burglass & Shaffer, 1984) " (??)
"This project was very humbling, and at times frustrating, experience. The stories of addiction, trauma, stress, and inequality made me think differently about my own everyday struggle. (...) This project taught me a lesson about how immediate action is not always the most effective.” (54)
After graduation
"I have completed Masters in Public Health (Focus on Epidemiology and Biostatistics as well as Mental Health) at the Boston University School of Public Health (sept 2017-january 2019)
I worked as a research coordinator at Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School (Feb 2019- June 2020). Here I worked with another COA alumni, Dr. Peter Wayne.
Currently, I am working as an Epidemiologist at the Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Healthcare economics at the Charite Medical University Berlin. As of last month, I am also a doctorate candidate at the Institute.
Since the completion of my MPH program, I have mostly engaged in clinical research projects, largely focused on complementary medicine.
Since I graduated, together with a friend, I also led a 2-year reading program for Homless People in the Boston area."
-Weronika Grabowska-
