The Addicts Next Door (New Yorker)
What is the significance of West Virginia pertaining to the article?
This state has the highest overdose rates and is the focus of the article.
What is a public health issue?
Experts agree addiction should be treated as this type of issue, not just a crime.
What is fentanyl?
This powerful synthetic drug is driving most overdose deaths today.
Who is Dr. Jacqueline Cleggett?
This doctor is at the center of Dan’s investigation for overprescribing opioids.
What is the life-saving drug is used by paramedics to reverse overdoses?
Narcan
What is medication-assisted treatment?
These medications (like methadone and buprenorphine) are key to treatment.
What word would be used to describe the crisis?
Ongoing, severe, bad as ever
Which drug does Dan discover is getting overprescribed in his community?
Oxycontin/opiods
What are everyday places where addiction takes place?
Homes, parking lots, or public spaces
What is harm reduction?
This approach focuses on saving lives even if people are still using drugs.
Which two medications are considered the “gold standard” for treatment?
Methadone and buprenorphine?
What is the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)?
This federal agency is involved in investigating the doctor’s prescribing practices.
Who are the “Hope Dealers”?
This group of local volunteers helps connect addicts to treatment and support.
What significance does prescription painkillers / opioids have?
Overprescribing these drugs helped start the opioid crisis.
What is the biggest barrier to treatment besides knowledge?
Lack of access
Which pharmaceutical company aggressively marketed opioids?
Who are our neighbors/ordinary people?
The article emphasizes that addicts are not strangers.
What broader social issues contribute to addiction?
Poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.
This social factor causes people to be judged instead of treated.
Stigma
Which groups also share responsibility for the opioid crisis?