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Back to To the Point

To the Point

A Deadly Epidemic and New Rules for Drug Addiction

"Drug abuse" has long been criminalized, but drug addiction is now recognized as a medical problem, and it's taking a staggering toll. Overdose deaths from opioids — prescription painkillers, as well as heroin -- are breaking records. Doctors and the pharmaceutical industry have both been part of the problem.

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By Warren Olney • Mar 31, 2016 • 33m Listen

"Drug abuse" has long been criminalized, but drug addiction is now recognized as a medical problem, and it's taking a staggering toll. Overdose deaths from opioids — prescription painkillers, as well as heroin -- are breaking records. Doctors and the pharmaceutical industry have both been part of the problem. They're also considered essential to finding the right solution, which recognizes the problem not as the consequence of a character flaw but as a medical condition. Will new rules from the Obama Administration be enough to get the epidemic under control?

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Jenny Hamel

    KCRW

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

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    Gideon Brower

    Independent Producer

  • KCRW placeholder

    Maia Szalavitz

    neuroscience journalist

  • KCRW placeholder

    Patrice Harris

    American Medical Association Board of Trustees

  • KCRW placeholder

    Edward

    former opioid addict

    NewsNationalPolitics
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