Dreamland by Sam Quinones, 2. Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari (No Introduction or Conclusion) #1: I would like you to focus on the Xalisco Boys: did they have valid reasons for engaging in the drug trade? Were there any morally valid reasons for them to be dealing heroin? What was ‘in’ the trade for them, and what stood out to you as the legacy of their activities in Dreamland?

QUESTION

1. Dreamland by Sam Quinones, 2. Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari (No Introduction or Conclusion)
#1:
I would like you to focus on the Xalisco Boys: did they have valid reasons for engaging in the drug trade? Were there any morally valid reasons for them to be dealing heroin? What was ‘in’ the trade for them, and what stood out to you as the legacy of their activities in Dreamland?
#2
After reading Dreamland, to what extent (and why) do you believe the pharmaceutical industry and medical doctors should be held accountable for the nation’s opioid crisis?
How would you respond to this article after reading Quinones’ book?
#3
Sam Quinones and Johann Hari both appear to blame elements of modern life on drug addiction.
What are some of the factors that Quinones believes contribute to American drug problems? How do these compare with Hari’s own assessment of drug addiction? Do you agree with them — why, or why not?

ANSWER

The Xalisco Boys and the Opioid Crisis: Exploring Dreamland and Chasing the Scream

Introduction

Dreamland by Sam Quinones and Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari are two influential books that delve into the complex world of drug addiction and its impact on society. In this essay, we will focus on two key aspects. Firstly, we will examine the reasons behind the involvement of the Xalisco Boys, as portrayed in Dreamland, in the drug trade and evaluate the moral validity of their actions. Secondly, we will explore the extent to which the pharmaceutical industry and medical doctors should be held accountable for the nation’s opioid crisis, considering the insights provided by Quinones’ book.

The Xalisco Boys and the Drug Trade

Dreamland sheds light on the activities of the Xalisco Boys, a group of Mexican immigrants involved in the heroin trade in the United States. While their reasons for engaging in the drug trade may vary, some key factors emerge. Economic opportunities were scarce in their home country, leading them to seek better prospects in the United States. Moreover, the Xalisco Boys discovered an untapped market for heroin in American towns and suburbs, where the demand was rising due to the availability of prescription opioids.

From their perspective, engaging in the drug trade provided economic stability and upward mobility, as they capitalized on the demand for opioids. However, it is essential to note that the morally valid reasons for their involvement are subjective (Human-Trafficking, n.d.). While economic desperation might be seen as a valid reason, the detrimental consequences of drug addiction and the devastation caused to individuals and communities cannot be ignored. The legacy of their activities in Dreamland is one of shattered lives, addiction, and the spread of a destructive epidemic.

Accountability of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Medical Doctors

Dreamland extensively explores the role of the pharmaceutical industry and medical doctors in fueling the opioid crisis (Haffajee & Mello, 2017). Quinones exposes the aggressive marketing strategies employed by pharmaceutical companies to promote prescription opioids such as OxyContin. The industry downplayed the risks of addiction and influenced medical professionals to prescribe opioids for chronic pain management.

In light of the revelations in Dreamland, the question of accountability arises. To what extent should the pharmaceutical industry and medical doctors be held responsible for the nation’s opioid crisis? Quinones’ book presents a compelling case that they played a significant role in creating the conditions for widespread opioid addiction. The overprescription and overuse of opioids, coupled with insufficient regulation and monitoring, have contributed to the epidemic.

Responding to this article after reading Quinones’ book, it becomes evident that the pharmaceutical industry and medical doctors should indeed be held accountable for their actions. The marketing practices and lax prescribing habits have perpetuated a crisis that has claimed countless lives and caused immense suffering. Stricter regulations, increased oversight, and comprehensive education on pain management alternatives are crucial in addressing this issue effectively.

Factors Contributing to Drug Problems: A Comparison

Both Quinones and Hari attribute drug addiction to various factors related to modern life. Quinones focuses on the intertwined issues of economic distress, the breakdown of communities, and the overprescription of opioids. He emphasizes how these factors created an environment conducive to the rapid spread of opioid addiction.

On the other hand, Hari’s assessment of drug addiction encompasses broader social factors, including disconnection, trauma, and the failure of the “war on drugs” approach. He argues that societal dislocation, lack of meaningful connections, and the criminalization of drug use contribute significantly to addiction.

While there are overlapping points between the two authors, their emphasis and scope differ. Quinones places greater emphasis on the pharmaceutical industry and economic factors, while Hari’s perspective encompasses a wider range of social and psychological factors (The History and Impacts of Big Pharma – the Side Unseen, n.d.) Understanding drug addiction requires a comprehensive approach that considers both the individual and societal influences.

Conclusion

Dreamland and Chasing the Scream provide valuable insights into the multifaceted issue of drug addiction. The involvement of the Xalisco Boys in the drug trade reflects a complex interplay of economic desperation and the exploitation of a growing opioid market. The pharmaceutical industry and medical doctors, as depicted in Dreamland, bear significant responsibility for the nation’s opioid crisis, necessitating stricter regulations and accountability.

Both Quinones and Hari identify various factors contributing to drug problems, with Quinones focusing more on economic distress and overprescription, while Hari offers a broader perspective encompassing social dislocation and the failure of punitive drug policies. Acknowledging the interplay of these factors is crucial in formulating comprehensive strategies to combat addiction and its devastating consequences on individuals and society as a whole.

References

Haffajee, R. L., & Mello, M. M. (2017). Drug Companies’ Liability for the Opioid Epidemic. The New England Journal of Medicine, 377(24), 2301–2305. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmp1710756 

Human-Trafficking. (n.d.). United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-Trafficking/Human-Trafficking.html 

The History and Impacts of Big Pharma – The Side Unseen. (n.d.). https://commons.princeton.edu/invisible-violence/the-history-and-impacts-of-big-pharma/