Maia Szalavitz is a journalist who has been featured in publications such as Time, Vice, and New York Times. She was nice enough to come out and speak to our Covering Addictions class. She shared her experience with recovery and how it has influenced her work over the years.

Maia expressed the importance of person-first language with in our writing. She also discussed the need to involve science and evidence to back up your reporting.

I found it very interesting when she mentioned the negative association around marijuana. She explained that the only reason alcohol and tobacco are legal in our society is due to racist history of drug laws.

Maia touched on many topics I have never thought to look deeper into. It was an honor to listen to her experience and wisdom.