The Origins of the Opioid Epidemic with “Empire of Pain” Author, Patrick Radden Keefe
06/29/21 • 47 min
In this episode of Heart of the Matter, ElizabethVargas interviews bestselling author and investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe about his latest book, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty. In this book, Patrick tells the story of the family responsible for setting into motion the opioid epidemic.
Following his recent testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform about the Sackler family, Patrick joins Elizabeth to discuss the “Don Draper of medical advertising,” how one family created a massive addiction crisis, and what is in store for the Sacklers, who now face numerous lawsuits.
Related reading:
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:
- Your Comprehensive Guide to the Opioid Epidemic — and What You Can Do About It
- Safeguard Against Medicine Abuse: Securing and Disposing Medications
- Send a Letter Now: Increase Access to Addiction Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services
To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
In this episode of Heart of the Matter, ElizabethVargas interviews bestselling author and investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe about his latest book, Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty. In this book, Patrick tells the story of the family responsible for setting into motion the opioid epidemic.
Following his recent testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform about the Sackler family, Patrick joins Elizabeth to discuss the “Don Draper of medical advertising,” how one family created a massive addiction crisis, and what is in store for the Sacklers, who now face numerous lawsuits.
Related reading:
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:
- Your Comprehensive Guide to the Opioid Epidemic — and What You Can Do About It
- Safeguard Against Medicine Abuse: Securing and Disposing Medications
- Send a Letter Now: Increase Access to Addiction Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services
To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
Previous Episode
Top Chef Gregory Gourdet on Reimaging his Relationship with Drugs and Alcohol and Redefining an Industry Bursting with Substance Use
As an up-and-coming chef in Manhattan, Gregory Gourdet found himself surrounded by addictive substances. After finishing an arduous shift at one of the city’s top restaurants, he’d frequently spend the rest of the night partying, fueled by alcohol and cocaine. Eventually, his substance use caught up with him, putting at risk the thing he loved doing most: cooking. It wasn’t until he moved to Portland, Oregon and connected with a community of other chefs who had experiences with addiction that he was able to make the changes he needed. Now Gregory is committed to maintaining his own health, as well as helping others with theirs, whether by sharing nutritious recipes in his new cookbook, Everyone’s Table, or leading a support group of chefs in recovery.
Related reading:
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:
- Alcohol: What Families Need to Know to Protect Young People
- How to Identify Substance Use Disorder & Addiction
- Recovery Support Groups for Addiction: One Size Does Not Fit All
To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
Next Episode
Facing a Family Disease with Congresswoman Madeleine Dean & Son Harry Cunnane
Congresswoman Madeleine Dean thought she understood addiction – but it wasn’t until her son Harry Cunnane was struggling that she came to truly realize what it means when a loved one has a substance use disorder. Now Harry has been in recovery for more than eight years, and the mother and son have written a joint memoir, titled Under Our Roof: A Son's Battle for Recovery, a Mother's Battle for Her Son. With this book, the pair hope to share the lessons they’ve learned about addiction and recovery with other families impacted by this disease.
In the 19th episode of Heart of the Matter, Elizabeth interviews Madeleine and Harry about what they gained from writing Under Our Roof, what it means when people refer to addiction as a family disease, and the importance of amplifying the possibility of recovery – not just the horror of active addiction.
Today, Madeleine continues to serve Pennsylvania’s fourth district, and Harry remains active in the addiction recovery community, even working as a resource director at the same treatment center where he originally sought help.
Related reading:
After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode:
- How to Identify Substance Use Disorder & Addiction
- How to Make a Discharge Plan When Your Child Leaves Addiction Treatment
- Get One-on-One Help to Address Your Child’s Substance Use
To learn more:
Partnership to End Addiction website
Donate today to help us provide free resources to families
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
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