Dopesick
Release Date: October 13, 2021
Run Time: 8 hours & 12 minutes (8 episodes)
Reviewed By: Edwina
“The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma, to a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA.“
Not sure how I didn’t hear about this one earlier, but my neighbor told me about it, so I promised myself to watch this week and I’m so glad I did!
Dopesick, is a fictionalized miniseries drama on Hulu that is based on the book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy. It tells the history of the opioid crisis in this country. Specifically as it relates to OxyContin, and the irresponsible marketing of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family.
The story runs over 8 episodes, showing the strategy used to sell and market the product, the lies that were told about it being non-addictive to doctors, and the reps selling the drugs. We also see as time went on, it was clear there was a problem, but the Sackler family continued to buy their way through continued sales with payoffs and more lies. The non-caring attitude of government agencies, including the FDA, was shocking. Even as complaints continued to mount. The answer from Purdue was to continue to sell and increase doses, only adding to the addiction and crime problems throughout the country. Law enforcement agencies were seen as some being more aggressive than others, but ultimately case law was determined and legal precedent was ultimately recorded.
I would rate this series a 10 out of 10. It is definitely a MUST SEE for any adult to understand the addiction problems we face as a nation and some of the inner workings of pharmaceutical companies that care more about making money than the cost of human life. It was not only educational, but it was done in a way that we could see firsthand through the personal stories of how OxyContin was taking over lives, including those in the medical community.
The cast was wonderful and Michael Keaton was deserving of every award he received for his performance as Dr. Samuel Finnix. He portrayed the real feelings of a truly caring man who is overtaken by the throws of addiction and his journey to become well.
If you do not have this series on your watch list, you need to add it immediately! Each episode is more compelling than the next.
Way Too Beautiful Reviews 