Freakonomics Radio 402. The Opioid Tragedy, Part 1: “We’ve Addicted an Entire Generation”
Jan 16, 2020
Alicia Sasser Modestino, a health economist from Northeastern University specializing in the opioid crisis, discusses the devastating impact of pharmaceutical greed and overprescription. She highlights the staggering $80 billion annual cost and the immense loss of life. The conversation covers demographic disparities in addiction, the role of pain as the 'fifth vital sign,' and the challenging transition from prescription opioids to fentanyl. Personal stories illustrate the cycle of addiction, emphasizing urgent societal action and better management of opioids.
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Philadelphia's Opioid Crisis
- Philadelphia has a very high rate of opioid abuse, with twice as many overdose deaths as homicides in one year.
- Roughly 5% of the city's population, or 75,000 people, are addicted to heroin or other opioids.
Early Signs of the Crisis
- Dr. Perrone observed the opioid crisis unfold, initially witnessing overprescription by doctors.
- Patients would request repeated IV opioid doses even for minor issues like migraines.
Pain as the Fifth Vital Sign
- Lobbying efforts led to pain being considered a vital sign, like blood pressure or heart rate.
- This subjective measure influenced more liberal opioid prescriptions.