Review of The United States of Opioids
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Tabuya Dube
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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 – A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain by Harry Nelson is a non-fictional work that examines the opioid crisis in the United States of America. The author is a healthcare lawyer and as such has had a front-row seat – if you will – in witnessing the devastation of the opioid crisis which has enabled him to pen this insightful and empathetic read. He introduces the book by outlining the grim history of the opioid crisis. In the ensuing chapters, the author leaves nothing to assumption as he delves into a succinct discussion of what precisely opioids are and why they are problematic. He then goes on to discuss issues around the regulation of opioids and factors that have led to the failure of the healthcare system in stemming the crisis. The author also discusses other societal factors which sometimes predispose people towards opioid addiction. Lastly, Mr. Nelson deliberates on alternatives to opioid use as well as a multi-pronged approach to effectively address the crisis.
This book is not only diagnostic but also makes a meaningful attempt to put forward a comprehensive solution to stemming the opioid crisis. The author admits that the solution to this crisis is not an easy one and must involve everyone and not just the healthcare sector. Social support systems at the family and community level are key points of intervention where prevention can happen. He highlights the importance of schools, workplaces, and other community-based organizations as vital points of entry for preventative intervention.
The book gives credible, well-researched information, and the author makes an admirable attempt to discuss the opioid crisis in an objective and non-partisan manner whilst still drawing the reader in with the personal stories of those that have been affected by it. The author wisely steers away from focusing on who is to blame for the crisis, choosing rather to emphasize the need to proactively address the failures in the healthcare system and pharmaceutical industry which have exacerbated the crisis. I especially liked the fact that in spite of the subject matter being dire, the author closes the book by giving the reader hope that all is not lost. We are not powerless in the face of this crisis; rather everyone has a role to play that can make a difference. There is absolutely nothing that I disliked about this book.
I have given this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The book is professionally edited and well written with each chapter seamlessly building on information from the previous one. The errors I found are negligible and do not detract from the quality of the book.
The United States of Opioids – A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain is a solemn read. I would say that this book is suitable for everyone because the tentacles of this opioid crisis have been far-reaching. In fact, as the author has pointed out, the opioid crisis has affected people from all walks of life - whether directly or peripherally – irrespective of social class/status, ethnicity or age group. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to ending this crisis and this book gives much-needed information on understanding the crisis and how each person can contribute towards stemming it. More specifically, however, this book would be an invaluable information resource for people working in any capacity with individuals at risk of; or actually experiencing opioid addiction.
******
The United States of Opioids
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The United States of Opioids – A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain by Harry Nelson is a non-fictional work that examines the opioid crisis in the United States of America. The author is a healthcare lawyer and as such has had a front-row seat – if you will – in witnessing the devastation of the opioid crisis which has enabled him to pen this insightful and empathetic read. He introduces the book by outlining the grim history of the opioid crisis. In the ensuing chapters, the author leaves nothing to assumption as he delves into a succinct discussion of what precisely opioids are and why they are problematic. He then goes on to discuss issues around the regulation of opioids and factors that have led to the failure of the healthcare system in stemming the crisis. The author also discusses other societal factors which sometimes predispose people towards opioid addiction. Lastly, Mr. Nelson deliberates on alternatives to opioid use as well as a multi-pronged approach to effectively address the crisis.
This book is not only diagnostic but also makes a meaningful attempt to put forward a comprehensive solution to stemming the opioid crisis. The author admits that the solution to this crisis is not an easy one and must involve everyone and not just the healthcare sector. Social support systems at the family and community level are key points of intervention where prevention can happen. He highlights the importance of schools, workplaces, and other community-based organizations as vital points of entry for preventative intervention.
The book gives credible, well-researched information, and the author makes an admirable attempt to discuss the opioid crisis in an objective and non-partisan manner whilst still drawing the reader in with the personal stories of those that have been affected by it. The author wisely steers away from focusing on who is to blame for the crisis, choosing rather to emphasize the need to proactively address the failures in the healthcare system and pharmaceutical industry which have exacerbated the crisis. I especially liked the fact that in spite of the subject matter being dire, the author closes the book by giving the reader hope that all is not lost. We are not powerless in the face of this crisis; rather everyone has a role to play that can make a difference. There is absolutely nothing that I disliked about this book.
I have given this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The book is professionally edited and well written with each chapter seamlessly building on information from the previous one. The errors I found are negligible and do not detract from the quality of the book.
The United States of Opioids – A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain is a solemn read. I would say that this book is suitable for everyone because the tentacles of this opioid crisis have been far-reaching. In fact, as the author has pointed out, the opioid crisis has affected people from all walks of life - whether directly or peripherally – irrespective of social class/status, ethnicity or age group. Everyone has a role to play when it comes to ending this crisis and this book gives much-needed information on understanding the crisis and how each person can contribute towards stemming it. More specifically, however, this book would be an invaluable information resource for people working in any capacity with individuals at risk of; or actually experiencing opioid addiction.
******
The United States of Opioids
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Without Redemption by David Griffith
