#1379 - Ben Westhoff

Nov 7, 2019

Ben Westhoff, an award-winning investigative journalist and author of "Fentanyl, Inc.", dives deep into the dark world of opioids and the fentanyl crisis. He explores the complex history of fentanyl, its emergence in rave culture, and the troubling impact of synthetic drugs. Westhoff discusses personal experiences with addiction, the role of Narcan in overdose prevention, and innovative treatments such as psychedelics. He highlights the intersection of drugs, hip-hop culture, and societal change, urging a reevaluation of drug policies.

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ANECDOTE

Rave Deaths

Joe Rogan was scared by the number of deaths at raves attributed to ecstasy.
Ben Westhoff investigated and found the deaths were due to adulterated drugs, primarily fentanyl from China.

INSIGHT

Fentanyl's History

Fentanyl, invented in the 1950s, is a powerful opioid originally used in hospitals.
It is still used medically for procedures like colonoscopies and epidurals during childbirth.

ANECDOTE

Fentanyl's Illicit Use

In the 80s, a chemist named George Marquardt started making fentanyl for recreational use.
Its use stumped authorities until a scientist testing racehorses connected the drug to similar deaths in humans.

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PiHKAL

A Chemical Love Story

Alexander T. Shulgin

Ann Shulgin

PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved) is a book by Alexander and Ann Shulgin that details the chemical structures and subjective effects of a wide range of psychedelic compounds. The book is known for its detailed accounts of the Shulgins' personal experiences with these substances, offering a unique perspective on the subjective effects of psychedelics. It's a significant contribution to the field of psychopharmacology, though its accessibility has also raised concerns about potential misuse of the information. The book's comprehensive approach to documenting the chemical and subjective aspects of these compounds has made it a controversial yet influential work in the field. It remains a valuable resource for researchers and those interested in the history and effects of psychedelic drugs.

Fentanyl, Inc.

How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic

Ben Westhoff

In this book, Ben Westhoff conducts a four-year investigation into the world of synthetic drugs, from black market drug factories in China to users and dealers on the streets of the U.S. and harm reduction activists in Europe. The book reveals the origins and spread of Fentanyl, including its initial development by Belgian chemist Paul Janssen in 1959, and how it has evolved into a lethal synthetic opioid. Westhoff's research involves undercover infiltration of Chinese drug operations, analysis of darknet marketplaces, and interviews with various stakeholders, including police officers, politicians, and drug users. The book highlights the global drug addiction crisis, the challenges of harm-reduction initiatives, and the ongoing efforts to combat the Fentanyl trafficking network.

Chasing the Scream

The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs

Johann Hari

In 'Chasing the Scream', Johann Hari delves into the origins and consequences of the war on drugs. The book spans nine countries, where Hari interviews a diverse range of individuals, including addicts, dealers, scientists, and policymakers. Hari explores the early figures in the drug war, such as Billie Holiday and Harry J. Anslinger, and discusses modern-day alternatives to prohibition, including decriminalization and legalization policies in countries like Portugal and Uruguay. The book argues that addiction is not a disease but an adaptation to environment and advocates for a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitation and connection-based solutions.