Freakonomics Radio 589. Why Has the Opioid Crisis Lasted So Long?
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May 23, 2024 Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University addiction researcher and former drug policy advisor, dives deep into the persistent opioid crisis. He discusses how economic factors and societal despair interlink to sustain this epidemic. The conversation also highlights the shift from natural opiates to potent synthetics like fentanyl and questions the effectiveness of current regulatory measures. Humphreys presents innovative strategies for tackling addiction, including community support initiatives and unique sobriety programs designed to curtail opioid-related deaths.
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Atypical Epidemic
- The opioid epidemic breaks the mold of typical epidemics, which usually fade away.
- This one persists due to several factors, including the addictive nature of opioids and the pharmaceutical industry's role.
Fentanyl's Impact & History
- Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, causes most overdose deaths, slowing respiration and oxygen to the brain.
- Opioid addiction's history traces back to the Civil War with morphine use by wounded soldiers.
OxyContin's Role
- Purdue Pharma's promotion of OxyContin as less addictive fueled the modern epidemic, leading to widespread use.
- This led to a black market and pill mills, where prescriptions were easily obtained.