Review of The United States of Opioids

[LindoM]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Wow, this is the only adjective I can think of after reading The United States of Opioids: A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain by Harry Nelson. It is a comprehensive book talking about the opioid epidemic in America. Nelson covers the complexity of drug addiction, highlighting the many facets such as society, the healthcare system, technology, pharmaceutical industry, the media and their contribution to the crisis.

This book is emotionally packed, and certain parts touched me more than others. There was no part of the book I disliked, so the review below will cover aspects that elicited emotions in me, the parts I enjoyed and general comments. Then, I will share my recommendations and the rating for the book.

Certain parts of the book were painful to read because of all the anger they elicited within me. However, despite these emotions, I could not take my eyes off the pages. Chapters that confirmed the massive role pharmaceutical companies have in creating the problem triggered my anger the most. I think this is because I do not understand why pharmaceutical companies in America market and create a need for a drug. Branding the drug makes it look as if these drugs are for profits rather than helping individuals. So, by default having drug reliance is better for company profits. Also, this puts into question the legal protection pharmaceutical companies have in America. I also wonder how all this is legal and how lawyers can defend such companies, especially when they know that they or those they love and know could one day succumb to the charm of their drug.

This book reminded me of the saying - “money makes the world spin”. It is shocking that it affects people’s lives to this extent and makes you wonder where businesses draw the line between profit and protecting people. I had even more questions the more I read this book, which sadly I would never have the answers to because of the sensitivity and secrecy of the topic.

Next, I will discuss the parts of the book I enjoyed. Firstly, I liked the scientific article layout of the book. This layout made digesting the information easier and allowed the author to include interesting subheadings. Secondly, I enjoyed how the author incorporated summaries at the start of the book and at the end of each chapter. In the beginning, the summary flowed smoothly into each other, which reiterated how connected everything is. While at the end of each chapter, the summary highlighted the main points. Thirdly, I enjoyed that Nelson included stories of real people in the book. Chapters including the stories of these people were difficult to read because of how ordinary their lives were until one unexpected moment. Lastly, the part I enjoyed the most is that the author outlined all the aspects involved in the opioid problem; this makes it possible to create strategies to fix the problem. Then he followed this with solutions and a step-by-step outline on how an ordinary civilian can spot an overdose and help the person in need.

It was a bit weird reading about the involvement of the healthcare system in the opioid epidemic because usually, hospitals have laws that protect their patients. I also find it surprising that the reason doctors prescribe this medication is that there is no alternative. I find it strange that doctors can refer patients to physiotherapists, dieticians and other specialists that work within the hospital - but the hospital has yet to hire a herbalist or eastern medicine specialist as a consult to those patients in chronic pain. It makes me wonder when this system of drugging the patient rather than treating them began. Moreover, it makes me wonder how no one saw this epidemic coming; if the solution is to medicate the person rather than treat the root of the problem, this creates the perfect environment for dependency. Therefore, I wonder what the future would look like for most drug companies.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone because it spreads awareness. Also, we are all equally vulnerable to an opioid addiction because of our brain chemistry or might know someone who knows someone that is addicted. The book also does not contain mature language and sexual acts, thus, making it more ideal for a wider audience.

In conclusion, this book is an exceptionally edited eye-opener on the complexity of drug abuse. There were hardly any grammatical errors, so you could better focus on the information presented. The book shows that not only are the laws and the criminals to blame for drug use increasing - but so are we. By shunning those with drug addiction instead of fighting for them as we would any other vulnerable group, we create an extra layer of shame that makes it harder for those in need to get help. The book is highly thought-provoking, and there was nothing I disliked, so I give it a 4 out of 4 stars. In addition, the book contained practical ways to solve the crisis on an individual level which makes the reader feel less helpless, especially if you know someone going through addiction. Also, it is a reminder that we are all human at the end of the day, and we make mistakes, but these mistakes should not define anyone, and no one is more prone or less prone to end up victim to drug abuse.

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The United States of Opioids
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[Ruchi Raina]

Pharmaceutical companies have been making money off people's helplessness for a long time now. Hospitals have now turned into businesses rather than healthcare systems. Thanks for the enlightening review.

[kdstrack]

Books like this one help to educate and inform people before they are in a situation where they need pain medication. As a patient (especially if we are in pain), we so readily say yes to whatever the doctor prescribes. As you explain, it is so easy to get hooked on these pills. Thanks so much for this informative and educational recommendation. Great writing!

[Kaushiki Parihar]

It is a comprehensive book talking about the opioid epidemic in America. This sounds such an educational read. Thanks for the amazing recommendation.

[LindoM]

Pharmaceutical companies have been making money off people's helplessness for a long time now. Hospitals have now turned into businesses rather than healthcare systems. Thanks for the enlightening review.

Thank you for stopping by! I couldn't agree with you more! It is rather scary how many things in society put profit over everything else. But happy for the brave souls exposing this and paving a way to some change.

[LindoM]

Books like this one help to educate and inform people before they are in a situation where they need pain medication. As a patient (especially if we are in pain), we so readily say yes to whatever the doctor prescribes. As you explain, it is so easy to get hooked on these pills. Thanks so much for this informative and educational recommendation. Great writing!

Thank you so much for the praise and elaborate comment. I agree! I'm glad books like these exist, and I hope more awareness could be given to everyone from an early age.

[LindoM]

It is a comprehensive book talking about the opioid epidemic in America. This sounds such an educational read. Thanks for the amazing recommendation.

Thank you! It really is and the structure makes the information easy to digest! I hope you enjoy it if you do decide to give it a read.