51 pages • 1 hour read
Beth MacyDopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Dopesick by Beth Macy explores how Purdue Pharma's introduction of OxyContin in 1996 sparked an opioid addiction crisis in rural Appalachia, later expanding to suburban areas. Macy uses interviews, anecdotes, and extensive research to depict the corporate greed and systemic failures leading to the epidemic, affecting countless individuals and communities. The book includes descriptions of substance abuse, violence, sex trafficking, and profanity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Beth Macy's Dopesick receives praise for its thorough research and compassionate depiction of the opioid crisis in America, focusing on personal stories and systemic issues. Critics highlight its compelling narrative and informative nature. However, some find it overly dense with statistics, which may overwhelm casual readers. Overall, it is an impactful and eye-opening read.
Who Should Read Dopesick?
A reader who would enjoy Dopesick by Beth Macy is deeply interested in contemporary social issues, particularly the opioid crisis in America. Fans of Evicted by Matthew Desmond or Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance will appreciate Macy's investigative journalism and empathetic storytelling, which illuminate the human side of this epidemic.