This account of the opioid crisis in the United States is eye-opening, heartbreaking, and has radically altered the way I see drug addiction.
In a feat of investigative journalism, Macy takes the reader into the heart of Appalachia, where affluent and poor communities alike are struck by the impact of opiods. Digging into the science behind how heroin, OxyContin and other drugs affect the body, Macy explains how addiction can take over someone’s life from a medical perspective and how the individuals are often fleeing the impending perils of dopesickness, rather than chasing the next high.
I found this book insightful, challenging of my own biases and misconceptions, and infuriating. As Macy digs deeper into the story, what’s exposed underneath is an abundance of over-perscriptions, false marketing by pharmaceutical companies, and a fascinating history of how, after the Civil War, those struggling with drugs were patients to be treated and how they eventually turned into the addicts we consider them today.
Superbly written and really interesting, I would definitely recommend Macy’s work. Even if you don’t completely agree with her conclusions, I think she presents a compelling case for how drug addiction is treated in America.
2% Rating: 8/10
Recommend? Definitely
Re-Read? Maybe
Time: 1:32