The War on Drugs: Deceptive Pharma; Purdue and the Sackler'sThe War on Drugs: Deceptive Pharma; Purdue and the Sackler's
Addict II Athlete Podcast
In this powerful conclusion to our "War on Drug" series, we confront the opioid epidemic that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and reshaped the landscape of addiction in America. We trace the origins of the crisis back to Purdue Pharma and...
52:55•2 Sept 2025
The Opioid Epidemic: Unmasking Purdue Pharma's Legacy
Episode Overview
- Purdue Pharma aggressively marketed OxyContin as less addictive.
- Doctors became unwitting participants in the opioid crisis.
- The shift from prescription opioids to street drugs like heroin.
- Public scrutiny led to lawsuits against Purdue Pharma.
- John Oliver highlighted the Sackler family's role in the crisis.
“Less than 1% of patients taking opioids actually become addicted. And any drowsiness... you've got to be kidding me.”
Ever wondered what it takes to tackle the opioid epidemic? Well, this episode of the Addict II Athlete Podcast does just that, as Blu Robinson leads us through a gripping exploration of the crisis triggered by Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. With a sharp focus on the deceptive marketing practices that led to widespread addiction, Blu doesn’t hold back in highlighting the immense damage caused by OxyContin.
You'll hear about the aggressive push to market this painkiller, which was touted as a revolutionary solution but ended up fueling one of the deadliest addiction waves in U.S. history. Blu Robinson, a seasoned mental health therapist and addiction counsellor, brings his unique perspective to the table, comparing the opioid epidemic's impact to that of historical tragedies. He unpacks how the pharmaceutical industry's misleading campaigns led to doctors becoming unwitting participants in this crisis, prescribing opioids at alarming rates.
The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the aftermath—how many individuals turned to street drugs like heroin due to unaffordable prescriptions. The episode also features clips from John Oliver’s exposé on the Sackler family, providing a humorous yet sobering look at how deeply ingrained this issue is in society. With anecdotes about personal struggles and broader societal implications, Blu's commentary is raw and unapologetic, making you reflect on the systemic failures that allowed this crisis to unfold.
So, if you're curious about how such a monumental disaster came to be and what steps can be taken towards healing, this episode is a must-listen. What do you think needs to change to prevent future pharmaceutical catastrophes?

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