Ep 5. Prescription Drugs

Crime Inc. season 1 episode 5, titled Prescription Drugs, takes a deep dive into the profitable and dangerous world of prescription drug abuse. The episode explores how prescription drugs have become one of the most lucrative illegal businesses in America, with pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and drug dealers all profiting from this epidemic.

Viewers get an inside look at how prescription drug addiction has ravaged communities across the country. The episode focuses on the story of a young woman who became addicted to opioids after being prescribed painkillers following a car accident. She quickly became dependent on the drugs and turned to street dealers for her fix. Her story is not unique, as millions of Americans suffer from addiction to prescription drugs.

The episode also investigates the role that pharmaceutical companies and doctors have played in the epidemic. It reveals how these companies have aggressively marketed their products to doctors and patients, often making false claims about their safety and effectiveness. Many doctors have been accused of over-prescribing these drugs, often in exchange for kickbacks and other financial incentives. Some have even been charged with running pill mills, where they write prescriptions for profit and without regard for patient safety.

Crime Inc. also sheds light on the dangerous and deadly side of prescription drug abuse. Viewers learn how criminals have capitalized on the epidemic, trafficking drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, and Xanax, which can fetch thousands of dollars on the black market. The episode includes interviews with former drug dealers who reveal how they were able to obtain these drugs and sell them to addicts looking for their next fix.

Furthermore, the show highlights the impact that prescription drug abuse has had on society. It reveals startling statistics about the number of overdose deaths and how the epidemic has fueled the rise of other crimes, such as theft and robbery, as addicts look for ways to fund their addiction.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness the work of law enforcement and medical professionals who are trying to combat prescription drug abuse. The show profiles the efforts of DEA agents who are working to shut down pill mills and catch drug dealers, as well as the work of doctors and other medical professionals who are treating addiction and helping patients recover.

Overall, Crime Inc. season 1 episode 5 is a sobering look at the devastating impact of prescription drug abuse. The episode explores the complex web of players involved in this epidemic and the various factors that have contributed to its rise. Through powerful interviews and informative reporting, it provides a comprehensive view of this issue and the efforts being made to address it.