Dopesick

by Beth Macy
Dopesick cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Investigative Journalism
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 4699
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780316551212
  • Published: 2018-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Dopesick by Beth Macy delves into the origins and consequences of the opioid crisis in America, beginning with the introduction of OxyContin in 1996. Through poignant stories of affected families and communities, Macy exposes how greed and a culture of overtreatment with painkillers led to widespread addiction and tragedy. The book highlights the human cost of the epidemic, from high school athletes to the unemployed, and the desperate measures taken by those struggling to cope. /n/n Macy's meticulous reporting uncovers the systemic issues that allowed the crisis to escalate, including the role of pharmaceutical companies and the healthcare system. The narrative is both harrowing and deeply empathetic, providing a comprehensive look at the multifaceted nature of the opioid epidemic and its far-reaching impact on society.

Reviews
The Bibliophage · The Bibliophage · 2020-04-06
compelling 4.50

The book is a compelling and well-researched account of the opioid crisis, offering a deep dive into the personal stories and systemic issues that have fueled the epidemic. It is a powerful and necessary read that sheds light on a critical issue.

The Bibliophage provides a thorough and positive review of 'Dopesick' by Beth Macy. They highlight the book's compelling and well-researched account of the opioid crisis, emphasizing Macy's ability to delve into the personal stories and systemic issues that have fueled the epidemic. The review notes that Macy's storytelling is both powerful and necessary, offering a deep dive into the human cost of the crisis. The Bibliophage praises Macy's investigative journalism, which brings to light the complexities and urgency of the opioid epidemic. They conclude that 'Dopesick' is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of this critical issue, making it an essential addition to the conversation on the opioid crisis.

Quick quotes

    Dopesick is every bit as good as the reviews say it is.

    If the topic interests you, this is definitely worth the time.

    Macy's investigative journalism is both powerful and necessary, offering a deep dive into the human cost of the crisis.

The Guardian · Steve Almond · 2018-08-19
compelling 4.50

The book is a powerful and emotional account of the opioid crisis, highlighting the devastating impact on individuals and communities. It is a poignant and necessary read that sheds light on a critical issue.

In this review, Steve Almond from The Guardian provides a heartfelt and critical look at 'Dopesick' by Beth Macy. He emphasizes the book's ability to evoke strong emotions, from sadness to anger, as it delves into the opioid crisis. Almond praises Macy's thorough research and compelling storytelling, which bring to light the human cost of the epidemic. He notes that the book is not just an exposé but a call to action, urging readers to understand and address the systemic issues that have led to this crisis. Almond's review highlights the urgency and importance of Macy's work, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of the opioid epidemic.

Quick quotes

    It may make you weep; it will almost certainly make you angry.

    Macy’s reporting is meticulous, her storytelling compelling.

    The book is a stark reminder of the human cost of the opioid crisis.

The New York Times · Jennifer Senior · 2018-07-25
harrowing 4.75

The book provides a chilling and comprehensive overview of the opioid crisis, with a particular focus on the role of the drug company Purdue Pharma. It is a harrowing yet essential read that exposes the systemic failures that fueled the epidemic.

Jennifer Senior of The New York Times offers a detailed and critical review of 'Dopesick' by Beth Macy. She highlights the book's chilling account of the opioid crisis, particularly the role of Purdue Pharma in perpetuating the epidemic. Senior notes that Macy's investigative journalism is both thorough and harrowing, providing a comprehensive look at the systemic failures that allowed the crisis to escalate. She praises Macy's ability to humanize the statistics, making the impact of the epidemic personal and immediate. Senior's review emphasizes the importance of Macy's work in understanding the origins and ongoing challenges of the opioid crisis, making it a crucial read for anyone interested in this pressing issue.

Quick quotes

    There's a great deal in 'Dopesick' that's incredibly bleak, but the most chilling moment for me was a quote from one of Macy's journalist sources.

    Macy's reporting is both thorough and harrowing, providing a comprehensive look at the systemic failures that allowed the crisis to escalate.

    The book is a stark reminder of the human cost of the opioid crisis.

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