S2 Ep122: The Architect of Addiction: Arthur Sackler's Legacy

Always the Last to Know

In this episode we delve into the origins of the opioid epidemic by examining the life and decisions of Arthur Sackler, the visionary behind modern pharmaceutical marketing. From his revolutionary promotion of Valium to laying the groundwork for OxyContin’s rise, we explore how Sackler’s innovations fueled a culture of over-prescription. As we untangle the web of profits and pain, discover how his influence set the stage for the devastating opioid crisis that grips the nation today.
Sources
Empire of pain by Patrick R Keefe
Crime of the Century a documentary on HBO
https://www.congress.gov/event/116th-congress/house-event/LC65831/text
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/10/30/the-family-that-built-an-empire-of-pain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9339402/
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-global-resolution-criminal-and-civil-investigations-opioid
https://oag.dc.gov/release/ag-racine-announces-sackler-family-purdue-pharma
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/13/meet-the-sacklers-the-family-feuding-over-blame-for-the-opioid-crisis