Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for Americans under age 50. In her new book, Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America, journalist Beth Macy traces the opioid epidemic back to its roots.
She tells the stories of affected families, but also uncovers the corporate greed that fueled the crisis, and the early warnings that went ignored. How can those suffering be lifted out of addiction and illness, and how can we limit the influence of pharmaceutical companies?
Guest:
Beth Macy, journalist at The Roanoke Times for nearly 25 years, and author of Factory Man, Truevine, and Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America
Web Resources:
Vox: The author of Dopesick on how we’re still failing opioid users
Roanoke Times: Longtime journalist Beth Macy traces opioid crisis in 'Dopesick'
Maclean’s: Why people hooked on opioids, especially in the U.S., keep falling through the cracks
