Ep 6. Opioids

The Business of Drugs season 1 episode 6, titled Opioids, delves into the world of prescription painkillers and their devastating impact on society. The episode starts by exploring the history of opioids, tracing their origins to the opium poppy fields in Afghanistan and their use in medicine for centuries. However, with the rise of pharmaceutical companies and the push for greater profits, opioids became a commodity that could be manipulated and abused for financial gain.

The episode follows a group of journalists as they investigate the pharmaceutical industry's role in the opioid epidemic, speaking with experts, physicians, and patients affected by addiction. They uncover a culture of kickbacks and bribes, where doctors were paid to prescribe powerful painkillers while pharmaceutical companies downplayed the addictive nature of the drugs. As a result, a generation of Americans became addicted to opioids, leading to a surge in overdose deaths and a public health crisis that continues to this day.

The show also examines the illegal drug trade and the role of cartels in the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Viewers will see the dangerous and unpredictable nature of fentanyl as drug enforcement agents work to seize shipments before they can reach the streets.

The episode also looks at the impact of the opioid crisis on communities, including families who have lost loved ones to addiction and overdose. It offers a stark reminder of the human toll of the drug trade and the imperative need to address the crisis from both a policy and societal standpoint.

Through interviews with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and addiction specialists, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the opioid crisis and its devastating consequences. However, it also offers hope and solutions, including increased access to addiction treatment, greater public education about the dangers of prescription drugs, and stricter regulations on the pharmaceutical industry.

Overall, The Business of Drugs season 1 episode 6 provides a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most pressing public health issues facing society today. It presents a nuanced and complex view of the opioid crisis, examining the economic, social, and political factors that have led to its rise and offering potential solutions to address it.