Ep 15. Episode 74

In this episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the host delves into the increasing issue of drug addiction in America. Oliver first breaks down the origins of opioid addiction and how pharmaceutical companies fueled the epidemic through the over-prescription of drugs like OxyContin and Purdue Pharma's push for doctors to prescribe the drug for pain management despite concerns about the drug's addictive qualities. He explores the history of Purdue, detailing how its owners, the Sackler family, and numerous government officials have been implicated in the current opioid crisis.

Next, Oliver looks at how the drug crisis has affected the criminal justice system and how mandatory minimum sentences intended to combat drug use have had the opposite effect of imprisoning non-violent drug offenders who often receive harsher sentences than violent criminals. The segment takes a close examination of the prison-industrial complex and how private prisons profit from mass incarceration. Oliver highlights how this criminalization of addicts, along with a lack of access to medical treatment, perpetuates the cycle of addiction.

Oliver also touches on the limited availability and cost of anti-overdose medications like naloxone. The segment points out the absurdity of allowing people to die from overdose because of the high cost of the drug or lack of access to it. Oliver calls for greater availability and accessibility of the life-saving drug.

In a lighter note, Oliver also touches on the upcoming presidential election and focuses on the fact that Washington DC is not a state and therefore has no representation in the Senate. The segment chronicles DC's long fight for statehood and the push from residents and lawmakers alike for DC to receive equal representation in government.

Finally, Oliver addresses the issue of internet trolls and how easy it is for people to create online personas with very little accountability. He stresses that internet anonymity should not be an excuse for harassment or spreading hate speech and calls for social media platforms and tech companies to take greater responsibility for the content they promote.

Throughout the episode, Oliver's signature humor is on full display as he tackles serious issues with comedic flare. As always, the show combines in-depth research and a sharp wit to keep viewers informed about the pressing issues of today's society.