Review of The United States of Opioids

ROSEY-ANN · Post by **ROSEY-ANN** » 10 Aug 2021, 17:06

[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 by Harry Nelson is a non-fiction book of ten chapters. Harry brings enlightening insight into the problem of opioid abuse in the United States Of America. Harry, an experienced lawyer on healthcare-related matters does a comprehensive analysis. The book tells us that the death toll from excessive opioid use is staggering, with 33,000 people dying from an opioid overdose in 2015 alone. He warns that the opioid crisis worst days are ahead. Opioids abuse affects every segment of society. He offers solutions to the crisis at different levels of society. Harry emphasizes the importance of action at a community level.

Harry highlights problems within the healthcare system which allowed the overprescribing of opioids instead of alternatives. He proposes the use of informed consent. Harry laments that federal laws have been prohibitive to further research. Research that may provide answers. Answers that tell us of the efficacy of cannabinoids. The author also suggests the resolution of the deeper issues that lead people to abuse opioids.
Harry also clearly shows how the policymakers allowed the crisis to escalate due to insufficient funding. Harry also raises concerns about the level of oversight being provided by the FDA. He says there exists a revolving door where some can go in and out of treatment facilities once they can afford it. However, for the have-nots, their death is the more likely outcome.

There are a number of positive aspects of this book. I found the use of data effective. Effective in supporting the author's analysis of the impact of opioid abuse. I thought the inclusion of the experiences as told by those impacted by the opioid crisis made the book relatable and empathetic. I loved the fact the author provided a short summary of each chapter at the beginning of the book. It is refreshing to read the solutions to the systemic problems that the author suggests. I appreciated the fact that the author was able to provide a balanced and comprehensive analysis of the problem of opioid abuse and overuse. Though the author made critiqued policy decisions, the role of physicians, pharmacists, marketing companies, drug companies, this was done in a balanced and respectful way.

I found very few negatives about the book. The major concern for me is that the flow of the book could have been better. It may be that the arrangement of chapters should have been different.

I thought the book was well written and comprehensive in approach towards the issue of opioid abuse. I thought the author did an excellent job of bringing insight into the issue of opioid abuse. As result a I rated it a 4 out of 4.

The book should appeal to a wide variety of audiences. I would especially recommend the book to persons who want to learn more about the impact of opioid abuse in the United States. The book would be a good read for those in the legal profession, lawmakers, families who have been impacted by the crisis.

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The United States of Opioids
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Jagiine · Post by **Jagiine** » 25 Aug 2021, 17:44

This is an important issue that people don't tend to think about. I like that it shows how people suffer from the disparities in the system and doesn't villainized one party or person. It's a big problem that requires a big conversation.

Muna Chizzy · Post by **Muna Chizzy** » 25 Aug 2021, 19:47

I don't really know much about opioid abuse, i think i will learn a great deal from this book. Thanks for the educating review.

ROSEY-ANN · Post by **ROSEY-ANN** » 26 Aug 2021, 16:55

Jagiine wrote: ↑25 Aug 2021, 17:44 This is an important issue that people don't tend to think about. I like that it shows how people suffer from the disparities in the system and doesn't villainized one party or person. It's a big problem that requires a big conversation.

An important issue indeed. Thanks!!

ROSEY-ANN · Post by **ROSEY-ANN** » 26 Aug 2021, 17:02

Muna Chizzy wrote: ↑25 Aug 2021, 19:47 I don't really know much about opioid abuse, i think i will learn a great deal from this book. Thanks for the educating review.

Neither do I. I found it informative as well. Your welcome.

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 27 Aug 2021, 15:17

The author raised some important issues, and I am sure that the book is very educational for many people. I loved reading your thorough review!

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 27 Aug 2021, 18:12

It would be interesting to see how the statistics have changed since the pandemic. This is an important issue to address—not only for the immediate problem but also to uncover systemic issues in the healthcare system. Thank you for your take on this read.

ROSEY-ANN · Post by **ROSEY-ANN** » 28 Aug 2021, 14:34

Raluca_Mihaila wrote: ↑27 Aug 2021, 15:17 The author raised some important issues, and I am sure that the book is very educational for many people. I loved reading your thorough review!

Indeed! I learned alot from it. Thanks for your kind words.

ROSEY-ANN · Post by **ROSEY-ANN** » 28 Aug 2021, 14:38

MsH2k wrote: ↑27 Aug 2021, 18:12 It would be interesting to see how the statistics have changed since the pandemic. This is an important issue to address—not only for the immediate problem but also to uncover systemic issues in the healthcare system. Thank you for your take on this read.

It would be interesting indeed. Yes, knowing the systemic issues may also lead to the issues being addressed. Your welcome.