Hard-hitting facts and heartbreaking stories tell the tale of America’s brutal battle with deadly synthetic opioids.
In five chapters plus a short introduction, readers learn about the scope of the addiction crisis that the influx of synthetic opioids has exacerbated. The author traces the use of fentanyl and other drugs from their original
medical origins to become the leading cause of the rising number of overdoses and deaths. Each chapter answers common questions surrounding these drugs and their impacts. Chapter 1 explains the drugs’ physical effects and the chemical reactions that cause overdoses to occur before diving into the opioid crisis itself and how fentanyl entered the scene. Chapter 2 turns the lens on synthetic opioids and what makes them so uniquely dangerous, while Chapter 3 examines the drugs’ economic and social costs. Chapter 4 describes available treatments and prevention methods such as Narcan, methadone, and therapy. The author finishes by presenting various strategies for handling the crisis, such as providing more funding for treatment, reducing stigma, and cutting off the supplies of opioids from doctors and illicit dealers alike. Nakaya frames addiction as a disease and users as people deserving of treatment, not scorn. Personal accounts illustrate the fact that addiction can strike anyone. Text boxes offer useful additional context. This clear and compassionate approach to a complex and painful subject is a valuable resource.
Both distressing and useful academic material. (picture credits, source notes, organizations and websites, further reading, index) ( Nonfiction. 12­18)