Dreamland: A True Tale of America’s Opioid Epidemic is a non-fiction book written by journalist Sam Quinones. The book explores the origins and impact of the opioid epidemic in the United States, focusing on the small town of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the surrounding area. The book is divided into three parts, with each part covering different aspects of the epidemic, from its origins to its impact on society.
Part One: The Beginning
The first part of the book introduces the reader to the town of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the people who live there. The author provides a brief history of the town, which was once a thriving industrial center but has since declined due to the loss of jobs and the closure of factories. The author also introduces the reader to the people who would become the driving force behind the opioid epidemic, including a man named Rick Singer, who would go on to become known as the “pillbilly kingpin.”
Part Two: The Spread
The second part of the book focuses on the spread of the opioid epidemic beyond Portsmouth and into other parts of the country. The author traces the path of the epidemic from its origins in the pharmaceutical industry, where drug companies were pushing opioids as a cure-all for everything from headaches to back pain, to the streets of major cities like Chicago and New York. The author also explores the role of Mexican drug cartels in the epidemic, which began smuggling opioids into the United States in the late 1990s.
Part Three: The Impact
The final part of the book looks at the impact of the opioid epidemic on society as a whole. The author explores the toll that the epidemic has taken on families and communities, as well as the efforts being made to combat it. The author also examines the role of the media in shaping public perception of the epidemic and the ways in which it has been covered.
Conclusion
Dreamland is a powerful and deeply researched account of the opioid epidemic in the United States. Through interviews with individuals affected by the epidemic, as well as experts in the fields of medicine, law enforcement, and addiction, the author paints a vivid picture of the devastating impact that opioids have had on individuals and communities across the country. The book also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of over-medication and the role that big pharmaceutical companies play in perpetuating the opioid epidemic. Overall, Dreamland is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complex and devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on American society.
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