Push for more opioid testing gains momentum; A history of our drug habits

The opioid epidemic continues to torment families and communities across the country. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is the primary driver of overdose mortality in Maryland. Josh Siems was one of the thousands of people in Maryland who suffered a fatal overdose after struggling with substance abuse for years. His friends and family are now pushing for legislation they say will help lawmakers and medical professionals tackle this epidemic.  Plus, Elizabeth Kelly Gray, associate Professor of History at Towson University, traces the history of attitudes toward drugs in her new book, Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America 1776-1914. Her research found shifting perceptions of drugs and drug users. Some ideas foreshadow what we see today, while other seem laughably outdated.Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472