Dopesick

Now a major TV series on Disney+

Dopesick is essential - The Times

Unfolds with all the pace of a thriller - Observer

A deep – and deeply needed – look into the troubled soul of America - Tom Hanks

Essential reading - New York Times

Dopesick by Beth Macy delves into the heart-wrenching core of America's opioid crisis, offering a grim and necessary portrayal of how prescription drugs have insidiously taken hold of an entire nation. Macy meticulously traces the origins and evolution of the epidemic, starting with small-town doctors' unsuspecting embrace of Purdue Pharma’s OxyContin. The once trustful relationship between patients and their healthcare providers was corroded as the highly addictive nature of these painkillers was deliberately underplayed.

In her incisive and compassionate narrative, Macy weaves together personal stories of addiction, corporate greed, and regulatory failure. She expands on the impact of OxyContin's aggressive marketing tactics that targeted economically vulnerable communities, already grappling with issues of joblessness and poverty. The devastated lives of those addicted and their families are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, highlighting the systemic issues that allow such crises to flourish.

The author further enriches the narrative by posing critical questions from those like a grieving mother seeking justice and understanding following the loss of her son to addiction. Through exhaustive research and poignant storytelling, Macy reveals disturbing insights into how far-reaching the consequences of unchecked pharmaceutical practices can be, ultimately painting a harrowing picture of greed and human vulnerability.

Dopesick is not merely an exposé but a call to action, urging readers to understand the real human costs behind the statistics of the opioid epidemic. Macy’s urgent and gripping account is a vital read for anyone looking to grasp the full breadth of the crisis and the multifaceted efforts needed to combat it. This book serves as a significant anchor for ongoing conversations about healthcare, addiction, and corporate accountability.