Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America

Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America cover
Good Books rating 4.1
Technical
  • ID: 4390
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781788549363
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2018-08-09
  • Reviews: 2

Dopesick by Beth Macy is a powerful and moving exploration of the opioid crisis that has gripped America. The book delves into how Purdue Pharma aggressively marketed OxyContin, encouraging doctors to prescribe the highly addictive drug to a nation already struggling with pain management. Macy's investigation uncovers the corporate greed and systemic failures that led to widespread addiction and loss of life. Through poignant storytelling, Macy answers the heartbreaking question of a grieving mother who lost her son to the crisis. The book is not just a narrative of tragedy but also a call to action, highlighting the need for accountability and reform in the healthcare system.

Reviews
BJGP · T Hodson · 2019-01-01
unflinching 4.20

The book provides an unflinching look at the opioid crisis, making it a powerful and necessary read.

T Hodson's review in BJGP praises 'Dopesick' for its unflinching look at the opioid crisis, which is predicted to kill more Americans in a decade than HIV has since it emerged in the 1980s. The reviewer appreciates Macy's comprehensive and unvarnished portrayal of the crisis, which is both informative and deeply affecting. They note that the book's detailed accounts of the human impact of the epidemic make it a compelling and essential read. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to contextualize the crisis within broader societal and economic factors, providing a holistic understanding of the issue.


Quick quotes

    Dopesick is an unflinching look at the opioid crisis in the US.

    The book is predicted to kill more Americans in a decade than HIV has since it emerged in the 1980s.

    Macy's comprehensive and unvarnished portrayal of the crisis is both informative and deeply affecting.

The National Book Review · 2018-08-08
informative 4.00

The book offers a detailed and comprehensive history of the opioid crisis, making it a crucial read for understanding the current state of affairs.

The National Book Review's take on 'Dopesick' highlights its detailed history of the opioid crisis, which is now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50. The reviewer appreciates Macy's thorough investigation into the origins and evolution of the crisis, providing a nuanced understanding of the complex factors at play. They also commend the book for its balanced approach, acknowledging both the systemic failures and the individual stories of those affected. The reviewer finds the book to be an essential resource for anyone looking to grasp the full scope of the opioid epidemic.


Quick quotes

    The first section of Macy's book is a detailed history of the opioid crisis in America.

    The book is a crucial read for understanding the current state of affairs.

    Macy's thorough investigation into the origins and evolution of the crisis provides a nuanced understanding.