In 2020, 91,799 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States. The age-adjusted rate of overdose deaths increased by 31% from 2019 (21.6 per 100,000) to 2020 (28.3 per 100,000)., making them the leading cause of accidental deaths in the country.
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty is a 2021 book by Patrick Radden Keefe. The book has won the Baillie Gifford prize, an annual British book prize for the best non-fiction writing in the English language.
This investigative journalism work makes the reader believe that the Sackler dynasty and Purdue are responsible for the start of the opioid crisis in the USA. Sacklers knew about the addictive potential of MSContin, and OxyContin but did nothing to prevent inappropriate prescribing and abuse of these. Instead, they promoted the irresponsible prescribing and unnecessary use of these addictive substances. This work details the Sackler's greed, immorality, lies, irresponsibility, and role in overdose deaths.
While drug peddlers run away from law enforcement agencies and remain in hiding, wealthy people make these their friends and confidants to keep their freedom and wealth.
At last, cases were filed against Sacklers and Purdue. However, wealth and the best lawyers helped them walk out free of any criminal charges.
Not sure if there are books telling the other side of the story.
