Review of The United States of Opioids
-
Blossy20
- Posts: 74
- Joined: 24 Aug 2021, 05:07
- Currently Reading: Understanding the business of health care
- Bookshelf Size: 56
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-blossy20.html
- Latest Review: Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer
Review of The United States of Opioids
[Following is a volunteer review of "The United States of Opioids" by Harry Nelson.]
The United States of Opioids by Harry Nelson is a non-fiction that describes in great detail the opioid crisis in the United States of America. This book successfully paints a vivid and accurate picture of the opioid menace in the United States. The author begins his exposition by stating the statistics reflecting the victims of the crisis, and it is quite shocking. Harry proceeds to narrate the stories of some of the victims which includes A-list celebrities. The stories are so enthralling; it is a must-read.
Harry explains how the United States government combatted the crisis in the 20th and 21st centuries; this was done mainly through legislation such as the Controlled Substance Act and the prosecution of negligent/ corrupt/ criminal physicians and pharmaceutical companies. Harry gives examples of the prosecution of such physicians and pharmaceutical companies such as Charles Linder, MD, Purdue Pharma, Insys Therapeutics e.t.c. The story of Purdue Pharma and The Sackler brothers is quite titillating, a tale of fraud, corruption, power and addiction; a most delightful narrative. The author sets out a comprehensive and practical litany of solutions to the Opioid adversity such as the regulated use of cannabis, research into safer pain therapeutics, the use of psychedelics e.t.c.
The United States of Opioids is the most detailed text on opioids that I have ever come across. Harry impresses his audience with accurate and in-depth facts and figures which would leave a reader feeling well-informed. Through the infusion of personal stories into the text, Harry ensures that the work is very relatable to his audience; he achieves this by telling stories about victims of the opioid crisis and about physicians/pharmaceutical companies that encourage the menace. The structure of the text is very organised; the author adheres to the standard structure of a non-fiction. I love the fact that Harry uses simple and concise language to clearly pass the message to the audience. He simplifies technical concepts so that the layman can clearly understand the idea being conveyed; for instance, Harry explains how the abuse of opioids affects the human brain in such a way that every reader will easily understand. I love how the author provides various practical solutions to the opioid disaster, he elucidates them in such a way that encourages implementation. This book is objective and honest, clearly describing the crisis but still encouraging the readers with pragmatic answers; it is indeed a masterpiece.
The only negative aspect of this book is that I found a few grammatical errors. However, I consider these errors to be very minor, hence it is correct to conclude that this book is professionally edited. Consequently, I rate The United States of Opioids
4 out of 4 stars. I did not rate it lower than this because the book is a comprehensive classic on the opioid menace that is going on in the United States, and the few grammatical errors found in it, were of no significance as they did not in any way dent the pleasant experience I had with this book.
I recommend this work to healthcare providers and government officials that are involved with the administration of drugs and management of drug abuse in any society. As well, I recommend it to victims of drug abuse and their loved ones. Anybody that is interested in the use, marketing, sale, abuse of drugs and how to help addicted people, is encouraged to read this book.
******
The United States of Opioids
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The United States of Opioids by Harry Nelson is a non-fiction that describes in great detail the opioid crisis in the United States of America. This book successfully paints a vivid and accurate picture of the opioid menace in the United States. The author begins his exposition by stating the statistics reflecting the victims of the crisis, and it is quite shocking. Harry proceeds to narrate the stories of some of the victims which includes A-list celebrities. The stories are so enthralling; it is a must-read.
Harry explains how the United States government combatted the crisis in the 20th and 21st centuries; this was done mainly through legislation such as the Controlled Substance Act and the prosecution of negligent/ corrupt/ criminal physicians and pharmaceutical companies. Harry gives examples of the prosecution of such physicians and pharmaceutical companies such as Charles Linder, MD, Purdue Pharma, Insys Therapeutics e.t.c. The story of Purdue Pharma and The Sackler brothers is quite titillating, a tale of fraud, corruption, power and addiction; a most delightful narrative. The author sets out a comprehensive and practical litany of solutions to the Opioid adversity such as the regulated use of cannabis, research into safer pain therapeutics, the use of psychedelics e.t.c.
The United States of Opioids is the most detailed text on opioids that I have ever come across. Harry impresses his audience with accurate and in-depth facts and figures which would leave a reader feeling well-informed. Through the infusion of personal stories into the text, Harry ensures that the work is very relatable to his audience; he achieves this by telling stories about victims of the opioid crisis and about physicians/pharmaceutical companies that encourage the menace. The structure of the text is very organised; the author adheres to the standard structure of a non-fiction. I love the fact that Harry uses simple and concise language to clearly pass the message to the audience. He simplifies technical concepts so that the layman can clearly understand the idea being conveyed; for instance, Harry explains how the abuse of opioids affects the human brain in such a way that every reader will easily understand. I love how the author provides various practical solutions to the opioid disaster, he elucidates them in such a way that encourages implementation. This book is objective and honest, clearly describing the crisis but still encouraging the readers with pragmatic answers; it is indeed a masterpiece.
The only negative aspect of this book is that I found a few grammatical errors. However, I consider these errors to be very minor, hence it is correct to conclude that this book is professionally edited. Consequently, I rate The United States of Opioids
4 out of 4 stars. I did not rate it lower than this because the book is a comprehensive classic on the opioid menace that is going on in the United States, and the few grammatical errors found in it, were of no significance as they did not in any way dent the pleasant experience I had with this book.
I recommend this work to healthcare providers and government officials that are involved with the administration of drugs and management of drug abuse in any society. As well, I recommend it to victims of drug abuse and their loved ones. Anybody that is interested in the use, marketing, sale, abuse of drugs and how to help addicted people, is encouraged to read this book.
******
The United States of Opioids
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer
