This is ekon talk, conversations for the curious. Today's guest is author and journalist sam kenones. Sam was last here in january 20 17, talking about opiods and heroine. I want to let parents know that to day's episode will deal with adult themes. Some of which you may want your children to hear, but you may not.
Author and journalist Sam Quinones talks about his book, The Least of Us, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Quinones focuses on the devastation caused by methamphetamine and fentanyl, the latest evolution of innovation in the supply of mind-altering drugs in the United States. The latest versions of meth, he argues, are more emotionally damaging than before and have played a central role in the expansion of the homeless in tent encampments in American cities. The conversation includes an exploration of the rising number of overdose deaths in the United States and what role community and other institutions might play in reducing the death toll.