Ep 3. The Black and White of Heroin

In season 3 episode 3 of This is Life with Lisa Ling, titled "The Black and White of Heroin," the focus is on the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. Lisa Ling travels to Huntington, West Virginia, a city that has been particularly hard-hit by the crisis, to see firsthand how the community is coping with the devastating effects of addiction.

Ling meets with families who have lost loved ones to overdoses and individuals who are struggling with addiction themselves. She also speaks with law enforcement officials and healthcare professionals who are on the front lines of the fight against opioid abuse.

Throughout the episode, Ling explores the complexities of addiction and the many factors that contribute to its prevalence. She investigates the role that pharmaceutical companies played in promoting opioid use and how the medical community has responded to the crisis.

Ling also examines the impact of the opioid epidemic on marginalized communities, such as those living in poverty or dealing with mental health issues. She sheds light on the ways in which addiction disproportionately affects these communities and how systemic factors can also contribute to the problem.

Ultimately, "The Black and White of Heroin" is a sobering look at the devastating toll of addiction and the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. Ling's reporting provides a nuanced understanding of the issue and highlights the need for compassionate solutions that address both the individual and the societal factors that contribute to addiction.