Sam Quinones, “Dreamland: The True Tale of American’s Opiate Epidemic” (Bloomsbury Press, 2015)

Sam Quinones, “Dreamland: The True Tale of American’s Opiate Epidemic” (Bloomsbury Press, 2015)

Picture the early 2000s: a time when headlines screamed about drug-crazed addicts breaking into pharmacies, all in search of something called OxyContin. But what was it about this drug that drove people to such desperate measures? In this episode, Marshall Poe sits down with Sam Quinones, the author of 'Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic', to uncover the gritty details behind this crisis.

Quinones shares his journey as a crime reporter and how it led him to write about the opiate epidemic that has gripped the United States. He dives into the rise of cheap heroin from Mexico and Colombia, and how over-prescription of painkillers like OxyContin fueled the fire. Quinones doesn't just stop at the statistics; he brings to light personal stories and community efforts that are making a difference.

He also stresses the need for individualized pain management strategies, highlighting how a one-size-fits-all approach can often do more harm than good. Whether you're trying to understand the roots of the epidemic or looking for ways communities can combat addiction, this episode offers a wealth of information and real-world insights. Tune in for a conversation that's as informative as it is eye-opening.