#230 | The Opioid Crisis

 Over the past twenty years, over half a million Americans have died of opioid overdoses.In this episode, we'll explore how this happened, who is responsible, and ask ourselves whether the USA will ever be able to kick its addiction to prescription opioids. Origin of "opioid"Opioid overdoses in the US vs Western EuropeWhat caused the boom in opioid use in the United States?Morphine & heroin during the American Civil WarThe arrival of OxyContinPurdue Pharma sales representatives' tactics to sell the drug to doctorsIncreasing the doses for patientsThe "less than 1% of patients become addicted" claimPeople start abusing the drugSenior executives are aware but do nothingThe cycle of addiction that doctors sawMoving onto heroin & fentanylWhy fentanyl is so powerful and dangerousWho has been held responsible for the opioid crisis?The Sackler Family (and its quest for immunity)Opioid prescriptions are down, but overdoses are upIs a solution for the opioid crisis possible?Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/opioid-crisis ---You might like:🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership 📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter---Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية