John Oliver on How Opioid Addiction Is Creating a Massive Public Health Crisis (Video)
The "Last Week Tonight" host delves into the painful truths behind the painkiller dependence that is ruining—and taking—many American lives.The “Last Week Tonight” host delves into the painful truths behind the painkiller dependence that is ruining—and taking —many American lives.
— Posted by Natasha Hakimi Zapata
TRUTHDIG’S JOURNALISM REMAINS CLEARThe storytellers of chaos tried to manipulate the political and media narrative in 2025, but independent journalism exposed what they tried to hide. When you read Truthdig, you see through the illusion.
Support Independent Journalism.
Related Stories
Opinion
The former opioid empire’s bankruptcy deal is delivering up 43 million documents that shed light on the company’s cold-blooded strategy to addict as many Americans as possible.
Editorial Cartoons
Health & Wellness
The University of California’s Opioid Industry Documents Archive opens new windows onto the institutional sociopathy behind the opioid crisis.
Health & Wellness
Current regulation of safer nicotine products like vapes is based on politics, not science. It’s costing lives.
Book Excerpt
Decades before it gripped communities across the United States, the roots of the opioid epidemic began with shifting ideas about palliative care among medical professionals.
Film
Laura Poitras sacks the Sacklers with an ode to activism.
Opinion
The former opioid empire’s bankruptcy deal is delivering up 43 million documents that shed light on the company’s cold-blooded strategy to addict as many Americans as possible.
Editorial Cartoons
Health & Wellness
The University of California’s Opioid Industry Documents Archive opens new windows onto the institutional sociopathy behind the opioid crisis.
Health & Wellness
Current regulation of safer nicotine products like vapes is based on politics, not science. It’s costing lives.
Book Excerpt
Decades before it gripped communities across the United States, the roots of the opioid epidemic began with shifting ideas about palliative care among medical professionals.
Film
Laura Poitras sacks the Sacklers with an ode to activism.