In this episode, Professor Goodman Sibeko and Dr David Patton examine how knowledge is created, valued, and used within addiction science. Drawing on his experience as a researcher and advocate for participatory approaches, David challenges traditional assumptions about who gets to produce evidence and whose voices are recognised as experts.

The conversation explores the historical foundations of scientific knowledge, the limitations of relying on a single way of understanding complex human experiences, and the consequences of excluding lived experience from research and policy discussions. David reflects on the growing interest in co-production, the difference between genuine participation and tokenism, and why sharing power is central to creating more inclusive knowledge.

Through practical examples from his own work, he discusses how lived experience can strengthen research, challenge established narratives, and open new ways of understanding addiction, recovery, and social change.

Featured Voices

Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko

ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor.

Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.

LinkedIn: goodmansibeko

Twitter/X: @profgsibeko

Guest – Dr David Patton

Dr David Patton is an Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby whose work focuses on lived experience, participatory research, recovery, and social justice. He leads international initiatives that amplify lived experience voices, including Recovery Atlas and New Central Media, and has over 25 years of experience in higher education.

Time Stamps

[00:00] – Introduction

[00:41] – What Do We Mean by Evidence?

[06:02] – Challenging Traditional Ways of Knowing

[10:23] – Lived Experience as a Form of Knowledge

[16:20] – Beyond Tokenism: The Reality of Co-Production

[18:48] – When Voices Are Excluded

[23:18] – Building Capacity and Leadership

[28:21] – More Than Anecdotes

[33:50] – Relationships, Trust, and the Future of Knowledge Production

[35:33] – Closing Reflections

About the ISSUP Exchange

The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture.

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About ISSUP

ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.