Trust in Crisis: The Sacklers and Opioids

This chapter investigates the Sackler family's impact on public trust in the U.S. healthcare system amid the opioid crisis, emphasizing the role of big pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies. It discusses the legal implications surrounding Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers, exploring themes of accountability and the complexities of assigning blame within the epidemic. Furthermore, the chapter draws parallels between the marketing strategies of opioid manufacturers and the tobacco industry, highlighting the cultural and political factors that influence public perception and trust in science.