Betsy, played by Kaitlyn Dever, and Dr. Samuel Finnix, Michael Keaton, discuss her first Oxygen prescription for back pain caused by a workplace injury.
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Betsy, played by Kaitlyn Dever, and Dr. Samuel Finnix, Michael Keaton, discuss her first Oxygen prescription for back pain caused by a workplace injury.
Antony Platt / Hulu
Editor’s Note: This story includes quotes and information originally discussed during a Twitter Spaces event hosted by NPR television critic Eric Deggans and featuring NPR-addicted reporter Brian Mann, Dopesick book author Beth Macy, Dopesick Danny Strong series creator/host and more. Follow them on Twitter, and Read more about NPR’s addiction insurance here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data this week shows that America’s drug crisis continues to deepen, with a fatal overdose killing 100,000 people in the US over a 12-month period.
Drug policy experts say the 28% increase in a year is devastating and unprecedented.
It shows how an addiction crisis that began in the late 1990s – when the healthcare industry and pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma dispensed large amounts of opioid pain relievers – continued to evolve.
Today, many drug overdose deaths are caused by illegal fentanyl and methamphetamines that are smuggled into the US by cartels from Mexico.
But prescription opioids are still a big part of the problem.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 9.5 million people abuse opioids in 2020; the majority (9.3 million) of these people, especially misuse of prescription pain relievers.
The following are quotes from members of the Twitter Spaces panel discussing Dopesick – The Hulu limited series describes the opioid epidemic — and outlines some of the challenges that deepen this crisis, with suggestions for how to get in and help.
Dr. Samuel Finnix (Michael Keaton), in the Hulu limited series, Dopesick.
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Dr. Samuel Finnix (Michael Keaton), in the Hulu limited series, Dopesick.
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Two big factors have made the recent opioid crisis worse
Like many other things, the pandemic has profoundly impacted the opioid crisis over the past two years. COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of daily life and made it difficult for many people to find treatment and support.
According to SAMHSA’s 2020 Health and Drug Use National Survey, the coronavirus outbreak has not only adversely affected the mental health of many Americans, but has also exacerbated the problem of alcohol and drug abuse. from their previous.
Beth Macy, author of Dopesick.
“There is a treatment gap,” she explains. “Only 12% of people have [Opioid Use Disorder] have been able to access care in the past year. That is a crime. “
Another big challenge? Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
NPR’s Brian Mann reported that Overdose deaths soar during pandemic because many drugs are laced with fentanyl – a Why the drug addiction crisis in the US is flared up again.
Most of the street drug supply in the country is contaminated with fentanyl, and it is extremely dangerous.
“People can try a pill that looks like a pharmaceutical-grade painkiller at a party or from a friend or buy it on the street, and one pill might be enough to kill them,” says Mann. Mann said.
“Between fentanyl and the pandemic,” he added, “the story has sadly grown darker.”
Dr. Samuel Finnix (Michael Keaton), center, during group therapy.
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Dr. Samuel Finnix (Michael Keaton), center, during group therapy.
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How you can help in your community
For their part, members of the Sackler family insist they did nothing wrong as they profited more than $11 billion from the sale of opium. They agreed contributed more than $4.3 billion to an opioid settlement.
Author Ryan Hampton is a recovery activist who has written a new book on Purdue Pharma, entitled Unstable. Now, he works to inspire others to join in and speak out about the addiction crisis.
“I only encourage people who… are touched and have an emotional reaction to Dopesick, get involved in your community,” says Hampton. You can do a lot of things. “
Some of the billions of dollars in payments from drug companies under consideration are expected to cover the cost of treatment and support services — but much of that funding is still dwindling.
Another result from the popularity of Dopesick The smallest thing is that it can help reduce stigma against people who are experiencing addiction.
“It’s been a huge achievement for a lot of people that I’m talking to who have seen the show,” Mann said. “They see that addicts are human. They’re caught up in a national crisis. If viewers come out of this with more compassion then that’s a big step forward.”
Hampton said advocates remain hopeful that the money given to the community as part of Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy settlement can support broader change.
For those looking to channel their energy into action, Hampton, have the following suggestions:
- Talk to Members of Congress and Your State Legislators
- Find out what public services exist in your community and share your skills and strengths. Find ways you can contribute.
“People are a little more awake and people are ready to start taking some action in their communities,” he added. “But we shouldn’t – and this is happening in the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy right now – trade corporate accountability for real public health solutions.”
Policy changes, such as making it easier for programs to set up mobile methadone services and funding the purchase of fentanyl test strips (allowing users to avoid unintentional exposure to the potent synthetic substance) are was conducted at the federal level.
Resources for people dealing with addiction
You should consult your doctor when possible for help with a substance use disorder and proceed with caution. The addiction treatment industry is rife with scams and low-quality expensive facilities.
For free, confidential help from public health agencies and to find substance use treatment information, use the following resources:
Emily Alfin Johnson and Arielle Retting adapted this story for the web.
