The Habit: Opioid Addiction In America

Summary and Analysis…

Three historians examine the history of opioid addiction in America and how 19th century doctors spurred the nation’s first addiction crisis and the relationship between opioids, race and class.

Excerpted from BackStory Podcast

Opioid addiction is a national epidemic. According to the U.S Department of Health & Human Services, “drug overdose deaths are the leading cause of injury death in the United States.” In this episode, Nathan, Ed and Brian look at America’s long history with opioids – like opium, morphine and heroin. They’ll discuss how late 19th century doctors spurred the nation’s first addiction crisis and how race and class have shaped our perception of addicts and addiction.