Sharon LANG
asked
Lydia Kang:
I have read many of your books now, spending my time reading whilst Vic, AU was in stage 4 lockdown for three months. You helped me get through the pandemic! My question is quite personal and I know it’s been a horrible year in the US, as well as the rest of us. Do you believe that the current trend to demonise opiates has parallels with attitudes to alcohol abuse which led to Prohibition and immense repercussions?
Lydia Kang
Hi Sharon,
I'm so glad that my books have eased this tough year for you. Thank you so much for reading!
As for your question, oof, it's a very good one. I'm not sure I have the historical background to answer it properly. I think there are definite parallels between Prohibition and the current drive to minimize opioid deaths and the large numbers of people addicted to them, such as improving public health in general. But I think there was a heavier emphasis on the demonization of alcohol and personal behaviors back then; nowadays, people recognize opioid addiction as a disease, and how the pharmaceutical industry and prescribing habits meant those drugs were unnecessarily foisted on too many people. Prescription opioids are not considered bad, per se (they are incredibly useful, if used properly). I'm not sure if that answers your question!
Take care, and Happy New Year!
I'm so glad that my books have eased this tough year for you. Thank you so much for reading!
As for your question, oof, it's a very good one. I'm not sure I have the historical background to answer it properly. I think there are definite parallels between Prohibition and the current drive to minimize opioid deaths and the large numbers of people addicted to them, such as improving public health in general. But I think there was a heavier emphasis on the demonization of alcohol and personal behaviors back then; nowadays, people recognize opioid addiction as a disease, and how the pharmaceutical industry and prescribing habits meant those drugs were unnecessarily foisted on too many people. Prescription opioids are not considered bad, per se (they are incredibly useful, if used properly). I'm not sure if that answers your question!
Take care, and Happy New Year!
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