Dark History 157: The Painkiller Problem: How Fentanyl Took Over America
Jan 22, 2025
41:08
Hi friends, happy Wednesday!
Last year I had a surgery so that I could breathe again, and it’s been nice, thanks for asking! I love breathing. But when I was in the hospital, the doctors gave me some really strong pain medication.
I asked what it was, and the doctor told me it was fentanyl. At first I was like..fentanyl??? Doesn't that kill everyone? But after a few seconds hey… this is working really well.
Turns out, Fentanyl has been used in hospitals for a LONG time. It’s used in epidurals, it’s prescribed for cancer patients, and there was a time when doctors were even putting it in LOLLIPOPS.
Last year I had a surgery so that I could breathe again, and it’s been nice, thanks for asking! I love breathing. But when I was in the hospital, the doctors gave me some really strong pain medication.
I asked what it was, and the doctor told me it was fentanyl. At first I was like..fentanyl??? Doesn't that kill everyone? But after a few seconds hey… this is working really well.
Turns out, Fentanyl has been used in hospitals for a LONG time. It’s used in epidurals, it’s prescribed for cancer patients, and there was a time when doctors were even putting it in LOLLIPOPS.
Even though it feels like fentanyl came out of nowhere over the last few years, it has a long and crazy history.
So how did America, big pharma, and a well meaning scientist create the most powerful and deadly opioid in history? WHERE is this stuff even coming from? And how did the fentanyl epidemic become a problem too big to stop?
I appreciate you for coming by, and tune in next week for more Dark History.
Want some cool Bailey Merch?
Shop Dark History Merch: https://www.baileysarian.com
Also, I sometimes talk about my Good Reads in the show. So here's the link if you want to check it out. IDK. lol: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/139701263-bailey
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This podcast is Executive Produced by:
Bailey Sarian & Kevin Grosch and Joey Scavuzzo from Made In Network
Head Writer: Allyson Philobos
Writer: Katie Burris
Additional Writing: Emma Lehman
Research provided by: Coleen Smith
Special thank you to our Historical Consultant: Dr. Patrick Lockwood
Director: Brian Jaggers
Additional Editing: Maria Norris, Julien Perez
Post Supervisor: Kelly Hardin
Production Management: Ross Woodruff
Hair: Luca Burnett
Makeup: Jill Powell
________
Visit https://www.rosettastone.com/darkhistory for 50% off unlimited access to 25 language courses for the rest of your life!
Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://www.Zocdoc.com/DARKHISTORY to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
Personal styling for everyone—get started today at https://www.StitchFix.com/DARKHISTORY.
For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life at https://www.Hungryroot.com/darkhistory and use code darkhistory.
Shop SKIMS best intimates including the Fits Everybody Collection and more at SKIMS.com and SKIMS stores. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.
So how did America, big pharma, and a well meaning scientist create the most powerful and deadly opioid in history? WHERE is this stuff even coming from? And how did the fentanyl epidemic become a problem too big to stop?
I appreciate you for coming by, and tune in next week for more Dark History.
Want some cool Bailey Merch?
Shop Dark History Merch: https://www.baileysarian.com
Also, I sometimes talk about my Good Reads in the show. So here's the link if you want to check it out. IDK. lol: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/139701263-bailey
________
FOLLOW ME AROUND
Tik Tok: https://bit.ly/3e3jL9v
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2nbO4PR
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2mdZtK6
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2yT4BLV
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2mVpXnY
Youtube: http://bit.ly/1HGw3Og
Snapchat: https://bit.ly/3cC0V9d
Discord: https://discord.gg/BaileySarian
RECOMMEND A STORY HERE: cases4bailey@gmail.com
Business Related Emails: bailey@underscoretalent.com
Business Related Mail:
Bailey Sarian
4400 W. Riverside Dr., Ste 110-300
Burbank, CA 91505
________
This podcast is Executive Produced by:
Bailey Sarian & Kevin Grosch and Joey Scavuzzo from Made In Network
Head Writer: Allyson Philobos
Writer: Katie Burris
Additional Writing: Emma Lehman
Research provided by: Coleen Smith
Special thank you to our Historical Consultant: Dr. Patrick Lockwood
Director: Brian Jaggers
Additional Editing: Maria Norris, Julien Perez
Post Supervisor: Kelly Hardin
Production Management: Ross Woodruff
Hair: Luca Burnett
Makeup: Jill Powell
________
Visit https://www.rosettastone.com/darkhistory for 50% off unlimited access to 25 language courses for the rest of your life!
Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://www.Zocdoc.com/DARKHISTORY to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
Personal styling for everyone—get started today at https://www.StitchFix.com/DARKHISTORY.
For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life at https://www.Hungryroot.com/darkhistory and use code darkhistory.
Shop SKIMS best intimates including the Fits Everybody Collection and more at SKIMS.com and SKIMS stores. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.