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An Empire of Deceit: The Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic

Yasushi Inoue

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Published in Pain Killer: An Empire Of Deceit And The Origin Of America S Opioid Epidemic

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The opioid epidemic has become one of the most pressing public health crises of our time. In 2017, over 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, and two-thirds of those deaths involved opioids. The epidemic has had a devastating impact on families, communities, and the economy. But how did this crisis start? And who is responsible?

Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic

by Barry Meier

4.6 out of 5

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In this article, we will take a closer look at the origins of the opioid epidemic in the United States. We will explore the role of pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and government agencies in fueling the crisis. We will also discuss the impact of the epidemic on individuals, families, and communities.

The Role of Pharmaceutical Companies

Pharmaceutical companies have played a major role in the opioid epidemic. In the late 1990s, Purdue Pharma, a company owned by the Sackler family, began aggressively marketing a new opioid painkiller called OxyContin. OxyContin was marketed as a "wonder drug" that was safe and effective for treating chronic pain. However, Purdue Pharma knew that OxyContin was highly addictive, and they deliberately misled doctors and patients about the risks of the drug.

Purdue Pharma's aggressive marketing campaign led to a dramatic increase in the use of OxyContin. In 1996, only 4,400 prescriptions for OxyContin were written in the United States. By 2002, that number had increased to over 6 million. The widespread use of OxyContin led to a sharp increase in opioid addiction and overdose deaths.

Other pharmaceutical companies also played a role in the opioid epidemic. Johnson & Johnson, Endo Pharmaceuticals, and Teva Pharmaceuticals all marketed their own opioid painkillers. These companies also engaged in deceptive marketing tactics, which led to increased use of opioids and addiction.

The Role of Doctors

Doctors also played a role in the opioid epidemic. Many doctors were too quick to prescribe opioids for pain, even when there were safer and more effective alternatives available. Some doctors were also influenced by the marketing campaigns of pharmaceutical companies, which led them to believe that opioids were safe and effective for treating chronic pain.

The overprescribing of opioids led to a situation where there were more opioids in circulation than there were patients who needed them. This made it easier for people to get addicted to opioids, and it also led to an increase in overdose deaths.

The Role of Government Agencies

Government agencies also played a role in the opioid epidemic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved OxyContin for sale in 1995. The FDA failed to adequately review the safety and effectiveness of OxyContin, and they allowed Purdue Pharma to market the drug as a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA failed to crack down on the overprescribing of opioids, and they also allowed pharmaceutical companies to market their products to doctors and patients without proper oversight.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for tracking and preventing disease outbreaks. The CDC failed to adequately respond to the opioid epidemic, and they did not provide clear guidance to doctors and patients about the risks of opioids.

The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Opioid addiction has led to job loss, homelessness, and family breakdown. Opioid overdoses have claimed the lives of thousands of Americans. And the epidemic has strained the resources of healthcare and law enforcement systems.

The opioid epidemic is a complex problem with many contributing factors. Pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and government agencies all played a role in fueling the crisis. The epidemic has had a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. And it is clear that more needs to be done to address this crisis.

The opioid epidemic is a tragedy that has touched the lives of millions of Americans. It is a crisis that was caused by greed, deceit, and negligence. Pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and government agencies all played a role in fueling the epidemic. And it is clear that more needs to be done to address this crisis. We must hold those responsible accountable, and we must work together to prevent future tragedies.

Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic

by Barry Meier

4.6 out of 5