Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 5 Episode 18

Ep 18. July 29, 2018

  • TV-MA
  • July 29, 2018
  • 38 min
  • 7.8  (264)

In the latest episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the host delves into the controversial topic of drug addiction treatment in the United States. Oliver highlights how the opioid crisis is affecting millions of Americans and that the methods of treating addiction are often ineffective.

Oliver begins by calling out the pharmaceutical companies responsible for the overprescribing of opioids and their failure to warn about addiction risks. He also highlights how the lack of insurance coverage for addiction treatment is exacerbating the crisis. Oliver brings attention to the inappropriate use of drug courts, which often provide no treatment options for addiction, instead opting for punishment.

The host then takes a deeper look into the addiction treatment industry, exposing how many centers prioritize profit over patient care. Oliver brings up some of the more egregious cases, such as when a facility paid for patients' insurance premiums so they could overcharge for service. He also brought to light the use of aggressive marketing tactics and how this industry is largely unregulated.

Moreover, Oliver stresses that the few effective treatments for addiction are hard to access for the majority of people struggling with addiction in the US who don't have the means to access them, and that there aren't enough beds in rehab facilities. He draws our attention to the US criminal justice system, which often jails addicts instead of offering treatment. Also, many of the prisons where addicts are sentenced to serve time barely provide basic medical care.

In the end, Oliver emphasizes how addiction is a medical issue, and treatment should be prioritized. He suggests some solutions, including increasing funding for treatment and regulating the industry. The host ends with a message to viewers: "If you or someone you know needs help, please ask for it. It’s not a moral failing to ask for assistance with a problem like addiction — and it is certainly not a sign of weakness."

Overall, the episode sheds light on the failings of the addiction treatment system, from overprescribing of opioids by pharmaceutical companies to the lack of regulation in the addiction treatment industry, to the need for more effective addiction treatment options. Through his characteristically humorous and layered analysis, Oliver provides a comprehensive commentary on a public health crisis that demands a policy response from legislators.

Description
Watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - July 29, 2018 (s5 e18) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Season 5 Episode 18, is available to watch and stream on HBO. You can also buy, rent Last Week Tonight with John Oliver on demand at Amazon, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play online.
  • First Aired
    July 29, 2018
  • Content Rating
    TV-MA
  • Runtime
    38 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (264)