Ep 10. Boston Benzo Bust

In the tenth episode of the fifth season of Drugs, Inc., titled "Boston Benzo Bust," viewers are provided with an in-depth look at the alarming increase in benzodiazepine abuse in the United States. The episode specifically focuses on the city of Boston, Massachusetts, as law enforcement officials work tirelessly to shutdown the illegal trafficking of benzodiazepines, commonly known as "benzos."

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the rise in benzodiazepine abuse in the United States. According to experts interviewed on the show, this increase in abuse is largely due to the fact that benzodiazepines are a highly addictive substance that are often prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. When taken improperly, benzodiazepines can be deadly, leading to respiratory failure and other serious health problems.

The focus then turns to the city of Boston, where law enforcement officials are struggling to keep up with the illegal trafficking of benzodiazepines. The episode provides viewers with an inside look at the work of the Boston Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as they work to bust drug dealers and shut down illegal drug operations in the city.

Viewers are introduced to a range of characters throughout the episode, including drug dealers, addicts, and law enforcement officials. One of the main characters is a former drug dealer who has turned his life around and now works as an outreach worker, helping other addicts get clean and sober. The episode also interviews families who have been affected by the epidemic, including parents who have lost children to benzodiazepine overdoses.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the various ways that benzodiazepines are obtained and sold on the black market. For example, one of the drug dealers interviewed on the show explains that he would often get large quantities of benzodiazepines from pharmacies located in nearby states, such as New Hampshire and Vermont. The dealers would then sell the drugs on the streets of Boston for a significant profit.

The show also delves into the consequences of benzodiazepine abuse, including the toll it takes on users' health and well-being. Viewers are introduced to several addicts who have suffered serious health problems as a result of their abuse of benzodiazepines. One user explains that she has suffered from seizures and has had to be hospitalized multiple times as a result of her addiction. Another user recounts an incident where she blacked out while driving and crashed her car, narrowly avoiding a serious accident.

The episode ends on a hopeful note, as law enforcement officials continue to crack down on illegal drug operations in Boston. Viewers are shown footage of several recent drug busts, as well as interviews with law enforcement officials who are committed to taking down drug dealers and keeping the streets of Boston safe.

Overall, "Boston Benzo Bust" is a sobering look at the devastating impact of benzodiazepine abuse in the United States. Through interviews with experts, law enforcement officials, and addicts themselves, the episode provides viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the issue and the steps being taken to combat it.