image: kuow.org

I walked into Quinones’ lecture extremely tired, cold, and with a very limited understanding of America’s current opioid crisis- when I left the lecture my perspective had changed entirely. I did not have a chance to read his award-winning book prior to the lecture and was anticipating a lecture that would regurgitate information regarding the opioid crisis I already knew. However, when Quinones began to address prominent issues, such as heroin trafficking and struggles with addiction he had instantly captured the attention of many in the room, the same way he had captured the attention of millions around the globe with his book.

Although I found many parts of his lecture informative and inspiring, there was also an instance where I strongly felt he had overlooked integral causes behind the opioid crisis- the inaccessibility of healthcare, which he brushed over as common people demanding “quick-fixes,” and accused people of demanding such medications or “pills”. The over-medicalization of certain problems is a prominent issue; however, several people lack access to the appropriate healthcare they need, and thus, such “quick-fixes” are their only options, and these options then evolve into addictions. Although there were points of his narrative that I disagreed with, the creation of varying opinions is a very natural thing when discussing such complex issue, especially the ones he has attempted to tackle in his talk. Despite the differences of opinion that may exist, he has effectively brought to light the deadly opioid epidemic and has now given it an international platform and an opportunity for reform.