Ep 16. Opioids, Inc.
- June 23, 2020
In Frontline season 39 episode 16, titled "Opioids, Inc.," the show investigates the opioid crisis in America and the role played by pharmaceutical companies in fueling the crisis. The episode delves into the marketing and lobbying tactics used by drug companies to increase the sales of opioids, as well as the resulting impact on patients and communities.
Through interviews with physicians, drug company executives, government officials, and families affected by the opioid epidemic, Frontline explores the origins of the crisis and the ways in which it could have been prevented. The show examines how the medical community's understanding of pain management evolved over time, leading to the widespread prescription of opioids for chronic pain. In particular, Frontline examines the role played by Purdue Pharma and its aggressive marketing campaign for OxyContin, which included downplaying the drug's addictive potential and promoting it for use in a wide range of medical conditions.
The show also investigates the regulatory failures that allowed the opioid crisis to escalate, including the lack of oversight by the FDA and the influence of drug companies on lawmakers and politicians. Frontline explores the efforts by some states and municipalities to hold drug companies accountable for their role in the crisis, including the filing of lawsuits seeking to recover costs associated with the epidemic.
In addition to examining the causes and consequences of the opioid crisis, Frontline also looks at potential solutions for addressing the epidemic. The show profiles efforts by medical providers to reduce the use of opioids for pain management, including the use of alternative therapies such as physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Frontline also explores the potential of harm reduction strategies such as needle exchange programs and the use of naloxone to prevent opioid overdoses.
Overall, Frontline season 39 episode 16 provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at the opioid crisis in America. Through powerful storytelling and expert analysis, the show sheds light on the complex factors that contributed to the crisis and the difficult decisions that must be made to address it.
