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Sheila's Reads
I love to read. I am very eclectic in my reading but I especially enjoy erotica and erotic romance. I also like movies, live theater and concerts, hockey, and counted cross-stitch.
DOPESICK: DEALERS, DOCTORS, AND THE DRUG COMPANY THAT ADDICTED AMERICA by Beth Macy
Timely and informative. Educational and scary. Beth Macy writes of the opioid addiction using Virginia as her base (but this is happening everywhere.) The book is written in three parts. The first on how the crisis came about and was overlooked by many in high government positions but not the doctors and social workers treating those addicted to OxyContin. The trajectory of the addiction was opposite of what was usually seen (small town to big city rather than big city to small town.) The second part was what was happening and how it was being done. The third part was bringing it under control and getting treatment.
I learned a lot reading this book. Not being within the subculture of drug addiction I did not realize how deep it goes. Listening to the news and hearing about Perdue Pharmaceuticals then reading this I realize why the attorney generals of the states opposing the settlement are taking their actions. There is so much destruction that has occurred over the two decades this medication, as well as others, has been on the market. How it spread shocked me and what was done to get it into the hands of patients disgusted me.
I liked the interviews with the addicts, the dealers, the doctors, and those left behind. It showed a story that very few of us hear or live (although maybe more live it than I realize. I admit to being a little sheltered.) I wish that treatment were more humane instead of the all or nothing approach that is taken by many programs. The treatment seems more a punishment. I also wish those who created the problem would be accountable for their actions rather than the little guy who gets caught using or selling.
Much more needs to be done to stop the drugs (even those prescribed by your doctor) from being abused. More needs to be done to help those addicted recover and go on to live their lives but this is a start, being aware of what is happening around us of which we are blind.