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589. Why Has the Opioid Crisis Lasted So Long?

Freakonomics Radio

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Understanding the Opioid Crisis: Economics and Societal Factors

This chapter examines the intersection of economics and healthcare policy in the context of the opioid crisis, tracing the evolution of opiates from natural products to potent synthetics. It highlights how social networks and market dynamics exacerbate opioid use, emphasizing the role of prescription practices and public policies. The discussion also connects societal despair and the complexity of medical responses, raising critical questions about the inadequacies of strategies to combat the ongoing epidemic.

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