Review by Jlbaird85 -- The United States of Opioids

Jlbaird85 · Post by **Jlbaird85** » 24 Apr 2019, 16:02

[Following is a volunteer review of "The United States of Opioids" by Harry Nelson.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The United States of Opioids: A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain by Harry Nelson describes the harrowing account of opioid use in the United States as well as a brief history of opioid use in the world. Used as an ancient remedy for pain, sleeplessness, and mood and stress reduction, opioids have long been a staple in medical treatment. Opioids (natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic) used for treatment today are problematic for two reasons. First, opioids decrease respiration (breathing), and second, it requires dosing in increasing intervals to maintain the same level of pain relief. These two factors combined have catastrophic results in the form of the high level of overdoses currently occurring in America.

Doctors, pharmacies, regulations (state and federal), healthcare/insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies all play a role in the overprescribing of opioids and the lack of appropriate response to patient addiction. That being said, the opioid problem is nuanced and complex. Harry Nelson outlines a seven-pillar approach that addresses the multi-faceted nature of the crisis on a systemic level. Furthermore, he outlines an approach on an individual level that is a call to action. A call to take responsibility for loved ones, to prevent opioid use, to speak up when we see signs of abuse, and reach out to those who may be struggling.

What I liked most about this book is the comprehensive approach to understanding the opioid crisis. Attention was paid not just to the doctors involved, but also the pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, state and federal regulations, and most importantly, the psychosocial and societal factors that make Americans more likely to abuse substances. I expected to dislike most the chapter on Fixing Addiction Treatment. I was expecting there to be blame placed on practicing addictions professionals for the lack of quality treatment, but that was not the case. A clear, non-biased review of addiction treatment in America was presented along with the history of why addiction treatment lacks clear direction and uniformity. Consequently, there was nothing that I disliked about the book. It was clear, concise, easy to understand, unbiased, and presented a broad picture of the opioid crisis and steps to take to solve it.

This book appealed to me because I work as a mental health and addictions professional. When I saw that a healthcare attorney devised a plan to solve the opioid crisis, I was very intrigued. I was pleasantly surprised with the content and structure of the book. While this book contains medical and clinical terminology, it is explained in such a way that all readers will understand. It is descriptive and organized in a way that makes it easily understood by all. That being said, even mental health, addiction, and medical professionals will benefit from reading this book. There was information presented that was new to me even though I have 10 years of experience in the field. Likewise, it could help other professionals help their clients who are addicted to opioids.

I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a compelling read with a unique perspective as the author is an attorney as opposed to an addictions or medical professional. The author clearly explained complex concepts in a way that is easy for readers to understand. There were a couple minor typographical errors in the beginning of the book, but it did not detract from the book’s readability, and these seemed to be resolved after the first chapter.

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The United States of Opioids
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maggi3 · Post by **maggi3** » 09 May 2019, 23:29

Interesting book. Opioids aren’t something I know much about, so it’s good to know that the author explains these difficult topics well and in an accessible way. Hopefully people take his advice, so we can start to put an end to this crisis. Thanks for the review!

Fazzier · Post by **Fazzier** » 14 May 2019, 03:16

Wow! Such a comprehensive review.

This book seems timely as it addresses drug addiction; in this case misuse of opioids. It's quite unfortunate victims have developed resistance to the drug but I think this book can help create awareness one danger over-prescription of opioids poses.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention!

juliusotieno02 · Post by **juliusotieno02** » 16 May 2019, 00:34

Your review was good since it adequately summarized the book. This book seams very interesting since it addreses adiction which is quite relateble. Thanks.

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 16 May 2019, 03:02

With such a bold and controversial topic, it's good that there is a comprehensive and non-biased book that addresses it. Great review!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 16 May 2019, 07:57

This is definitely a book that needs to be read because of the increasing opioid problem in the United States, and it sounds like the author did an excellent job. Thank you for a wonderful review!

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 16 May 2019, 14:53

Thanks for your nice review on this book which gives the harrowing account of opioid use in the United States as well as a brief history of opioid use in the world. It sound quite alarming about the abuse of opioids by over prescribing.

Jlbaird85 · Post by **Jlbaird85** » 20 May 2019, 15:14

sanjus wrote: ↑16 May 2019, 14:53 Thanks for your nice review on this book which gives the harrowing account of opioid use in the United States as well as a brief history of opioid use in the world. It sound quite alarming about the abuse of opioids by over prescribing.

Thank you! It is a very dangerous thing! Medical Errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States!