Dopesick Author Beth Macy on the opioid epidemic and reporting from rural America

Dopesick Author Beth Macy on the opioid epidemic and reporting from rural America

What happens when a best-selling author and a seasoned journalist sit down to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time? In this episode of 'Heart of the Matter', Elizabeth Vargas chats with Beth Macy, the brilliant mind behind 'Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America'. Macy’s work has brought the harrowing realities of the opioid epidemic into sharp focus, and their conversation is nothing short of riveting.

Since 'Dopesick' hit the shelves in 2018, the opioid crisis has claimed an additional 100,000 lives in the U.S., a staggering statistic that underscores the urgency of this discussion. Macy doesn't just highlight the grim numbers; she brings to life the stories of families torn apart and communities devastated by addiction. She and Vargas dive deep into the role of pharmaceutical companies in perpetuating this crisis and the desperate need for robust government intervention.

Macy shares poignant anecdotes from her reporting in rural America, giving a voice to those often overlooked in mainstream narratives. This episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to grasp the full scope of the opioid epidemic and what can be done to combat it. Tune in for a conversation that's as enlightening as it is unsettling.