#19 - Opioid Epidemic - Part 1 - The Beginning

Tom & Ben decided to examine more in-depth the opioid epidemic currently happening in the United States. Because of the amount of information that needed to be covered this will actually be a two part episode. This is part 1; where they delve into "How we got here?" in regards to the opioid epidemic. The guys discuss a brief history of opium and opioids tracing back farther than you likely imagined it would be. The history is interesting and winds a path to the present day. Looking at more recent history, the guys examine four catalysts that helped create a perfect storm and lead to the current proportions of the opioid epidemic. In next week's episode, the guys will examine "Where we are?" and "Where do we go from here?" in relation to the current climate of the opioid problem in the US.