Review by chultquist -- The United States of Opioids
Posted: 06 Feb 2020, 13:59
[Following is a volunteer review of "The United States of Opioids" by Harry Nelson.]
In his non-fiction work, The United States of Opioids: a Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain, Harry Nelson outlines a brief history the opioid crisis, explaining a series of regulatory policies that helped shape the current landscape of opioids in the United States. Additionally, he defines opioids, explains what makes them dangerous, and then unpacks the role of large pharmaceutical companies and the role these companies had by promoting opioids to fuel profits. Nelson concludes by suggesting government and healthcare policy changes to help reduce the death toll and assist in harm reduction for victims and their families. He leaves readers with the responsibility to take action, providing useful supplementary information and resources about how Americans can contribute to a solution that will end the opioid crisis.
The author’s purpose is twofold: first, to educate Americans in the hope that “with a deeper understanding of the underlying challenge and the options ahead of us, we can stem the tide, save lives, and improve care for people struggling with pain and for people living with addiction” (1), and second, to drive Americans to stop playing the role of the bystander and to help those struggling with addiction. Nelson effectively drives his central points by drawing on “a handful of personal stories (shared with permission) and many insights gleaned from seeing the distinct moving pieces in this unfolding story” (5). Nelson regards himself as “an expert on healthcare regulatory issues” (4) and establishes himself as a reliable narrator based on his 25 years of experience working as a healthcare lawyer in California.
I liked the structure of Nelson’s book. The prose is written concisely and thoughtfully, drawing from a variety of sources both scientific and anecdotal. This strategy keeps the audience engaged. Each chapter is effectively broken into smaller sections indicated by bolded headers. This helps break up dense topics, giving readers the chance to see a broader overview of the opioid crisis and an understanding of how each chapter fits into the whole narrative. Additionally, at the end of each chapter, Nelson provides a comprehensive list of key takeaways. This helps the author maintain a connection with his readers and helps him streamline his point.
I also really liked the analysis Nelson makes about the state of our society in chapter 6. He comments on the rise of anxiety and depression in our society and speculates that increases in mental health problems are stemming from deeper structural forces that are indirectly contributing to the opioid crisis. As a recent graduate, I found this chapter especially interesting and relatable as I see the impact of social media and the effects of a more automated workplace play out frequently. I agree that Americans no longer seek out human-centered interactions which leads to feelings of purposelessness and a lost sense of safety and belonging. This chapter highlights some of these issues, which is critical in starting a conversation to help find solutions to people losing their sense of self. When people re-establish the fact that they are loved and belong in society, the opioid crisis will diminish significantly. To make any significant changes starts with having open and honest dialogue and I appreciate the author raising these key issues. One of the keys Nelson continuously emphasizes is that the opioid crisis does not discriminate. It affects individuals of all socio-economic levels, races, and ages. This chapter helps individuals who may feel like they are immune to the crisis see the relevance of the topic presented.
There was not much I did not like about the book. One small critique would be that I wish there was more anecdotal content dispersed throughout the book. Although Nelson mentions he interviewed many individuals, including victims of opioid abuse as well as their families, there are limited instances where these individuals are quoted. By increasing the amount of first-hand accounts of what it’s like to struggle as a victim, I think the author could have furthered his pathos and the connection with already hooked readers.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. Nelson uses a colloquial tone, appealing to a wide audience, specifically catered for individuals of all ages living within the United States. Although he presents scientific topics, different federal and state policies, and evidence-based approaches used for monitoring and treatment, the book is designed as a resource for individuals with limited prior knowledge on the topic and is an easy book to read cover to cover. I recently graduated from college as a public health science major and I have already recommended this book to three of my colleagues. Everyone should read this book. It is exceptionally well edited and brings us adequately up to speed on an issue that continues to impact our country on a massive level.
******
The United States of Opioids
View: on Bookshelves
In his non-fiction work, The United States of Opioids: a Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain, Harry Nelson outlines a brief history the opioid crisis, explaining a series of regulatory policies that helped shape the current landscape of opioids in the United States. Additionally, he defines opioids, explains what makes them dangerous, and then unpacks the role of large pharmaceutical companies and the role these companies had by promoting opioids to fuel profits. Nelson concludes by suggesting government and healthcare policy changes to help reduce the death toll and assist in harm reduction for victims and their families. He leaves readers with the responsibility to take action, providing useful supplementary information and resources about how Americans can contribute to a solution that will end the opioid crisis.
The author’s purpose is twofold: first, to educate Americans in the hope that “with a deeper understanding of the underlying challenge and the options ahead of us, we can stem the tide, save lives, and improve care for people struggling with pain and for people living with addiction” (1), and second, to drive Americans to stop playing the role of the bystander and to help those struggling with addiction. Nelson effectively drives his central points by drawing on “a handful of personal stories (shared with permission) and many insights gleaned from seeing the distinct moving pieces in this unfolding story” (5). Nelson regards himself as “an expert on healthcare regulatory issues” (4) and establishes himself as a reliable narrator based on his 25 years of experience working as a healthcare lawyer in California.
I liked the structure of Nelson’s book. The prose is written concisely and thoughtfully, drawing from a variety of sources both scientific and anecdotal. This strategy keeps the audience engaged. Each chapter is effectively broken into smaller sections indicated by bolded headers. This helps break up dense topics, giving readers the chance to see a broader overview of the opioid crisis and an understanding of how each chapter fits into the whole narrative. Additionally, at the end of each chapter, Nelson provides a comprehensive list of key takeaways. This helps the author maintain a connection with his readers and helps him streamline his point.
I also really liked the analysis Nelson makes about the state of our society in chapter 6. He comments on the rise of anxiety and depression in our society and speculates that increases in mental health problems are stemming from deeper structural forces that are indirectly contributing to the opioid crisis. As a recent graduate, I found this chapter especially interesting and relatable as I see the impact of social media and the effects of a more automated workplace play out frequently. I agree that Americans no longer seek out human-centered interactions which leads to feelings of purposelessness and a lost sense of safety and belonging. This chapter highlights some of these issues, which is critical in starting a conversation to help find solutions to people losing their sense of self. When people re-establish the fact that they are loved and belong in society, the opioid crisis will diminish significantly. To make any significant changes starts with having open and honest dialogue and I appreciate the author raising these key issues. One of the keys Nelson continuously emphasizes is that the opioid crisis does not discriminate. It affects individuals of all socio-economic levels, races, and ages. This chapter helps individuals who may feel like they are immune to the crisis see the relevance of the topic presented.
There was not much I did not like about the book. One small critique would be that I wish there was more anecdotal content dispersed throughout the book. Although Nelson mentions he interviewed many individuals, including victims of opioid abuse as well as their families, there are limited instances where these individuals are quoted. By increasing the amount of first-hand accounts of what it’s like to struggle as a victim, I think the author could have furthered his pathos and the connection with already hooked readers.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. Nelson uses a colloquial tone, appealing to a wide audience, specifically catered for individuals of all ages living within the United States. Although he presents scientific topics, different federal and state policies, and evidence-based approaches used for monitoring and treatment, the book is designed as a resource for individuals with limited prior knowledge on the topic and is an easy book to read cover to cover. I recently graduated from college as a public health science major and I have already recommended this book to three of my colleagues. Everyone should read this book. It is exceptionally well edited and brings us adequately up to speed on an issue that continues to impact our country on a massive level.
******
The United States of Opioids
View: on Bookshelves