a16z Podcast 16 Minutes on the News: The Opioid Crisis
Aug 4, 2019
Jorge Conde, a general partner at a16z and a bio and technology expert, dives deep into the opioid crisis. He discusses how opioids impact pain and pleasure receptors, shedding light on the complexities of addiction. The conversation touches on the responsibility of major companies in the crisis, the role of investigative journalism, and innovative pain management solutions. They also explore the effects of social context on addiction and how technology could help tackle these issues. It's a thought-provoking look at a pressing societal challenge.
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How Opioids Work
- Opioids target opioid receptors within cells, leading to pain relief and addictive effects.
- These receptors also control breathing, explaining why overdoses cause respiratory failure.
Addiction as Biological Dependence
- Opioid addiction stems from biological dependence, not weakness.
- Tolerance develops as receptors adapt, requiring higher doses and increasing addiction risk.
Reasons for Opioid Prescriptions
- Patients receive opioids due to a policy shift where no pain is acceptable, strained healthcare systems, and easy access to prescriptions.
- Alternatives like physical therapy take longer and may involve more short-term pain.