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About the Book
A comprehensive portrait of a uniquely American epidemic—devastating in its findings and damning in its conclusions.
The opioid epidemic has been described as "one of the greatest mistakes of modern medicine." But calling it a mistake is a generous rewriting of the history of greed, corruption, and indifference that pushed the U.S. into consuming more than 80% of the world’s opioid painkillers.
Journeying through lives and communities wrecked by the epidemic, Chris McGreal reveals how Big Pharma hooked Americans on powerfully addictive drugs and how corruption in medicine and public institutions let the opioid makers get away with it.
Go to the catalog to borrow "American Overdose" by Chris McGreal
Local Services
"A Way Out" Lake County: Anyone struggling with substance abuse can walk into a police department and say they "want a way out" at any time, day or night. A trained staff member will connect the person with resources and support. No charges will be filed regardless of what substances the person has on them. Find a participating police department.
Find a prescription drug collection box to deposit your unused prescriptions in. Facilitated by your local police department and the Save a Star foundation. Learn more about the program and accepted drug types.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
Outpatient Substance Abuse Program (SAP), Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center
Get Help Opioids Hotline
1-833-234-6343 (1-833-2FINDHELP)
National Substance Abuse hotline
1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)
Further Reading (Local)
Lake County officials look to 'prevent potential opioid addiction' with drop-off disposal program for unwanted prescription drugs // Lake County New Sun
'It's sad the numbers are not going down': Durbin meets with Lake County officials fighting opioid epidemic // Lake County News Sun
North Chicago Police Department receives $600,000 to help combat opioid epidemic // City of North Chicago website
Lake County First Responders Receive Naloxone Donation // Libertyville Patch
Local expert Martin Clancy discusses the opioid epidemic on DPL Podcast // Deerfield Public Library website
Opioid Panelist: "We are in the midst of an epidemic right here" // Daily Herald (subscription required for access)
A Drug That Reverses Opioid Overdoses Has Become Easier To Access // CBS Chicago
Further Reading (National)
The Best Nonprofits for Rehabilitation // healthline
U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Naloxone and Opioid Overdose
Opioid Crisis: 1.9 Billion Pain Pills Flooded Illinois in 7 Years // Illinois Patch
Understanding the Epidemic // Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Class of 2000 'Could Have Been Anything': The high school yearbook is a staple of teenage life. But for some, it reflects the devastating toll of the opioid crisis // The New York Times
