Synopsis
A comprehensive portrait of a uniquely American epidemic -- devastating in its findings and damning in its conclusions
The opioid epidemic has been described as "one of the greatest mistakes of modern medicine." But calling it a mistake is a generous rewriting of the history of greed, corruption, and indifference that pushed the US into consuming more than 80 percent of the world's opioid painkillers.
Journeying through lives and communities wrecked by the epidemic, Chris McGreal reveals not only how Big Pharma hooked Americans on powerfully addictive drugs, but the corrupting of medicine and public institutions that let the opioid makers get away with it.
The starting point for McGreal's deeply reported investigation is the miners promised that opioid painkillers would restore their wrecked bodies, but who became targets of "drug dealers in white coats."
A few heroic physicians warned of impending disaster. But American Overdose exposes the powerful forces they were up against, including the pharmaceutical industry's coopting of the Food and Drug Administration and Congress in the drive to push painkillers -- resulting in the resurgence of heroin cartels in the American heartland. McGreal tells the story, in terms both broad and intimate, of people hit by a catastrophe they never saw coming. Years in the making, its ruinous consequences will stretch years into the future.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Chris McGreal is a reporter for the Guardian and former journalist at the BBC. He was the Guardian's correspondent in Johannesburg, Jerusalem and Washington DC, and now writes from across the United States.
He has won several awards including for his reporting of the genocide in Rwanda, coverage of Israel/Palestine, and for writing on the impact of economic recession in modern America. He received the James Cameron prize for "work as a journalist that has combined moral vision and professional integrity". He was awarded the Martha Gellhorn Prize for Journalism for reporting that "penetrated the established version of events and told an unpalatable truth".
He is a former merchant seaman.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Stock Image
American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: Your Online Bookstore, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 1541742753-3-32786237
Seller Image
American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: Goodwill of Colorado, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. This item shows limited signs of wear overall with minor scuffs or cosmetic blemishes. No curled corners, bent covers or damage to dust jackets. No highlighting writing in pages. Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and or active. Please note that all items are donated goods and are in used condition. Orders shipped Monday through Friday! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you! Seller Inventory # 466QI00015GR
Stock Image
American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00093706447
Stock Image
American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1541742753I4N00
Stock Image
American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.65. Seller Inventory # G1541742753I4N00
Stock Image
American Overdose : The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 18233629-75
Stock Image
American Overdose : The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 19249569-6
Stock Image
American Overdose : The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 18230315-75
Stock Image
American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: Bookoutlet1, Easley, SC, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Great shape! Has a publisher remainder mark. paperback Used - Very Good 2019. Seller Inventory # IM-10124984
Stock Image
American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_446087904