The Shameful Case of the Sacklers (Part 2): Oxy Rising

Here in Part 2 of The Shameful Case of the Sacklers, I talk about the development of OxyContin and the shady practices used by Purdue to push the drug on the American public.
Much of the information for this series comes from the book "Empire of Pain" by Patrick Radden Keefe.
Part 1: • The Shameful Case of T...
Part 3: • The Shameful Case of t...
Patreon: / georgrockallschmidt

[@misterbrickest]

This series is absolutely amazing. As a 20 year opiate addict starting with pain meds including Oxycontin it never ceases to amaze me how those in power who pushed addictive medicine down our throats in the pursuit of infinite profit, label addicts as "scum of the earth" whilst we pay for their extravagant lifestyle. I am now finally off heroin, but only with the help of methadone, which itself gets horrible press. I find it funny how so many stigmatize methadone while never knowing anyone who's benefited from it or used it themselves. Almost everyone I know in the program is very grateful for. I know I am. Half of my friends I used with are dead. The reality that people need to accept is that the War on a Drugs fosters an environment in which people like the Sacklers thrive. Cartels thrive. Corrupt police who get off on dominating the weak and minorities thrive. Addicts suffer while everyone else benefits and our families, friends and communities are encouraged to ostracize us. It's horrific.

[@EbonyPope]

While I agree that most of the practices described are really worthy of condemnation I believe however that it's a good thing that Oxycodone isn't limited to cancer patients. Opioides are the only thing that helped me when I had a herniated disc and are a useful medication when it comes to neuralgia. I couldn't even get up nor more without severe pain that the normal person isn't even able to grasp. Neuralgic pain can be so severe that you want to end your life especially if it's chronic. I wanted to jump out of the window just to make it stop. My point is that it's a very valuable substance in combating pain just like any other Opioids. Until now there is no real alternative. It's just that the application was bit by bit handled more loosely. It's a shame that it is being misused.

[@mobilemarshall]

@@EbonyPope You're copy pasting this all over posts it has no relevance to lol. Obviously opioids are useful and it's nice that they're not limited to cancer patients. I have to assume there was something in the video saying that it should only have been for cancer patients based on your post you keep pasting. Nobody is saying that opioids are bad, they were just over prescribed and too easy to get/abuse. Doctors are just people and they are easily corrupted, so when they had a new drug that the company was pushing to prescribe to everyone doctors were all too happy to just give everyone opioids. It's good that it's not limited to cancer patients but I think you would agree that there should have been much better protocol for deciding who really needs it than just telling doctors to hand it out to anyone. The fact that this was so openly prescriptible is what's responsible for the problem.

[@GrahamMilkdrop]

Yes it is horrific. People understand the dehumanisation process when it is pointed out to them but somehow it continues to be a successful strategy for keeping people isolated and afraid. 'Those aren't people, they are addicts, drug fiends, substance abusers' The image that such a label conjures up is of someone who has no social value, is a drain on society, a danger to the community and has no redeeming features. Yes, I know people who commit crimes to fund their addictions and have antisocial personality traits but I also know people who'd never steal from or harm anyone and who are productive and caring yet are dependent on drugs in order to function. Labelling functionally denies that anything but the worst example exists. It is stigma and shame that drives people to hide their problems, to lie to protect themselves and eventually withdraw from society and further into addiction and it is entirely manufactured, deliberately, by those who seek to impose their will and influence onto us and to deny us the possibility of developing genuine community bonds. The 'war on drugs' was and continues to be a war on community. I too am on a methadone prescription and am engaging with support in order to reduce my heroin use in a way that will be sustainable.

[@EbonyPope]

@@GrahamMilkdrop Hope you'll get completely off of it. I'm going through oxycodone withdrawal at the moment. Substituting should only be there to help you to taper off. Wish you all the best.

[@esecallum]

why dont YOU use your brain? worlds knowledge at your fingertips yet you waste all you time on instagram and twitter and facebook. you own fault.

[@Bozar069]

Its funny because around 2000 I had some things happen that led to me dealing with chronic pain since. My doctor adviced against pain meds and I am forever grateful.

[@Moonewitch]

You had a great doctor!

[@Henskelion]

Richard Sackler sounds like a real life Paul Verhoeven villain.

[@piotrmroczkowski2324]

You mean a giant telepathic bug?

[@Hermy1138]

...and we are all Bob Morton

[@KnuckleHunkybuck]

Dead or alive, he's coming with me.

[@MrEebs100]

OCP Vice President, Dick Sackler

[@mikew8880]

We need a POLITICAL PESTICIDE. From an agriculturalist viewpoint, the wealthy and powerful "elite" are merely an invasive species that must be eradicated. They don't pay taxes, they don't go to jail, they don't contribute to society in any meaningful way. They are an over privileged strain on society that consumes more than it produces. It's time to hunt/remove the wealthy and powerful like you would any invasive species threatening the livelihood of the greater established population. Too many boars in your crops, hunt them down. Too many wolves in your urban centers, hunt them down. Too many mountain lions devastating your livestock, hunt them down. Too many deer spreading Lime disease, hunt them down. Too many insects in your political system, hose down the field with a formidable pesticide, then let the soil recover.

[@timothywalsh866]

This is great investigating journalism and storytelling

[@Cubelarooso]

Is it investigative journalism? I haven't read Empire of Pain, but it sounds like he's just reporting what the book says. It's great storytelling, but that's all the more reason not to misidentify it.

[@Diptera_Larvae]

I find it interesting that Ronald Reagan who is known for starting the war on drugs was the same administration that approved an untested drug that went fuel one of the worst drug epidemic in the US. Helped by Reaganomics to create the kind of environment that prioritises money over everything thing else. Great video as always Georg!

[@Btvstudio]

because the war on drugs was a war on minorities.

[@dawgwiddaglasses]

You know what they say, Ronald Reagan is the devil.

[@barbiquearea]

I thought Richard Nixon was the one who initiated the war on drugs and Reagan just picked up where he left off?

[@sillonbono3196]

Best example of government incompetency ever. We want to get rid of dangerous drugs, entire country ends addicted to drugs.

[@EbonyPope]

While I agree that most of the practices described are really worthy of condemnation I believe however that it's a good thing that Oxycodone isn't limited to cancer patients. Opioides are the only thing that helped me when I had a herniated disc and are a useful medication when it comes to neuralgia. I couldn't even get up nor more without severe pain that the normal person isn't even able to grasp. Neuralgic pain can be so severe that you want to end your life especially if it's chronic. I wanted to jump out of the window just to make it stop. My point is that it's a very valuable substance in combating pain just like any other Opioids. Until now there is no real alternative. It's just that the application was bit by bit handled more loosely. It's a shame that it is being misused.

[@Pigpigpigpigpigpigpigpigpigpig]

I love that you're doing this. Oxy addiction wrecked my life. I'm good now, but damn near half my life is over. Anyways, thanks. Everyone should know about this.

[@granudisimo]

Let me guess, your doctor was one of the many doctors bought by the company, to prescribe oxycontin as painkiller for as many patients as they thought they could get away with?

[@petercarioscia9189]

Same. Got prescribed oxy and subsequently became helplessly addicted to opiates...for 12 years. I was too damn ashamed to asK for help from my friends and family. I've only fairly recently gotten help. 14 months sober today, started my life over at age 35....

[@pauly260]

God bless you brother. Try as hard as you can not to get bored, it makes it easy to slip back. Keep looking forward, it gets better from here.

[@CybershamanX]

I'm right there with you, buddy. I wrote about it in my own comment under this video. But you don't have to read it since you LIVED IT, too. I really like these videos Georg does, but, DAMN IT, do they piss me right the hell off sometimes. I am so BEYOND pissed that these Sackler fucks basically got off scott free without the ability for others to go after them. It's stipulated in the verdict, I believe. Or the settlement or whatever. It doesn't matter, but, God, I'm so angry. There has GOT to be a way to get these people. Even if it's just a firm or even a single lawyer on a crusade, I don't want these people living the rest of their lives without a care in the world. I want them to at the very extreme least be CONSTANTLY harassed until their dying day. They just can NOT get away with this. The laws in our society dictate that there should be consequences for doing things that harm others, so there has GOT to be some way. Anyway, I'm sorry for the time in your life that you lost. Again, I can totally empathize. Please take care and I wish you and yours the best. 🙂

[@EbonyPope]

While I agree that most of the practices described are really worthy of condemnation I believe however that it's a good thing that Oxycodone isn't limited to cancer patients. Opioides are the only thing that helped me when I had a herniated disc and are a useful medication when it comes to neuralgia. I couldn't even get up nor more without severe pain that the normal person isn't even able to grasp. Neuralgic pain can be so severe that you want to end your life especially if it's chronic. I wanted to jump out of the window just to make it stop. My point is that it's a very valuable substance in combating pain just like any other Opioids. Until now there is no real alternative. It's just that the application was bit by bit handled more loosely. It's a shame that it is being misused.

[@frozenbinarystudio]

I had major surgery last year so my mum took care of me. I was prescribed Percocet for pain. Having been addicted to morphine before, and my last major surgery led to me being sent home due to withdrawal symptoms. I was terrified of being addicted again. My mum didn't get why I was so insistent to be given the lowest dosage she can give me. I ended up recovering with medical cannabis and a VERY low dose of percs. I got through the month long recovery rapidly, the worst pain was in the first 3 days. Opiates and opioids terrify me. Watching this video series has helped my fear be less paranoia and more of a real concern.

[@clairenollet2389]

I was working in a hospital when OxyContin came out. I read all about it, and the idea that it couldn't be abused because it was time released prompted me to observe, "Yeah, but people just have to crush it up and snort it, and there goes your time release feature. Every time-release cold medicine capsule says not to crush it, after all. This is going to be addictive as hell." Not that I had an objection to people with severe pain getting relief; far from it. I just felt that Purdue was lying about the addiction issues. Within a year or two of the drug's release, an observant and ethical pharmacist in Philadelphia had uncovered a pill mill dispensing prescriptions for OxyContin, and brought the DEA down on the doctor. Purdue Pharma knew from the get-go that this drug was trouble.

[@erynlasgalen1949]

By the time I was handling the Oxycontin pain meds for my mother, the formulation had changed. The pills would not cut, crush, or melt. Anybody who wanted to get the full dosage to abuse rather than control pain has to be highly motivated. Maybe it would boil up in a spoon. But that would be not taking them as directed for sure. There is some truth to what Richard Sackler was saying, in the those who abuse the drug for recreation are the bulk of the problem. Legitimate chronic pain patients have reason to be bitter.

[@Cuinn837]

@@erynlasgalen1949 I am prescribed plain Oxycodone for severe pain, but I have to live in fear that it will be taken away because of all this talk about Oxycontin abuse. If it ever happens, I will be forced to choose between suicide and street drugs. I cannot simply live with this kind of pain. I don't want to blame the addicts, who have their own kind of pain, but it can be hard not to.

[@richardmillward3898]

There is a netflix series called The pharmacist, all about him.

[@shermans8236]

@@richardmillward3898Painkiller is another one aswel I think

[@peaceandlove544]

​@@Cuinn837oh Lord!! Can you not cut down slowly and use something not addictive?

[@CybershamanX]

I hate the typical run of the mill pretentious "drama documentaries" out there. 😕 But Georg injects just the right amount of humor in the right spots while also presenting SO MUCH information in a nice package. In fact, if it wasn't for the humor, it would be even more depressing than the subject already is. You see, this REALLY hits close to home, because I've suffered from serious chronic pain for years now (and NOT your typical "old football injury" kind, either; it's VERY BAD). And rather than address the root cause, I've been given a gradual yet always steadily increasing amount of oxy (both immediate and a new(ish) extended release version of Oxycintin called Xtampza) over the years. Today, it's at the point where not only can they not give me any more, but my body is so used to it now that it doesn't really help with the pain anymore. In fact, it's so bad I can barely write this comment. Add in being paralyzed from the waist down along with a few other medical issues and my life is almost literally a living hell. 😞 Also, a while back I had to warn an older gentleman (I have to be careful, because I'm turning 53 this month 😉 ), who was in the same hospital room as me, to not take the oxy they were giving him for sleep. (For SLEEP!) I asked him if he was in any pain and he said he wasn't really, but it just helped him go to sleep. I was, like, "NO! Do NOT take it just to fall asleep!" He wondered why and I filled him in on my sad tale. He said he just liked it. (Well, of COURSE you did, my elderly friend!) I don't know if he took my advice, because I left that same day, but he seemed to understand what I was trying to say. I hope he did, at any rate. It still gives me chills that the hospital was just doling out oxy like that. For freaking SLEEP, no less. Well, I did recall he had a little pain at one point and they probably saw that in his chart and just authorized it in case he needed it to help him sleep. You know, because it's not addictive and all that. He'd be just fine, right? 😕 Anyway, thank you for making this video, Georg. While I'm not sure if we can really do anything about the Sacklers at this point, we can certainly at least vote for politicians who promise to address problems like this going forward. Still, it's (SPOILER ALERT) infuriating that the Sacklers essentially got off scott free. Jesus, it pisses me off so freaking much. You know, I'm not one to wish physical harm on anyone regardless of what they've done, but, damn it...these people... I wouldn't shed a single tear if something unfortunate were to happen to them. It's even more maddening that while they have got to know that someone out there in the world wants to do harm to them, I'll bet they will just go on throughout the rest of their decedent and disgusting lives without constantly looking over their shoulders. They couldn't even care one iota less. In fact, they are likely simply miffed at the whole "minor inconvenient hullabaloo". A hullabaloo that left thousands of dead (and many still suffering) bodies in its wake. Evil has had several names over the centuries of human history and for a time that name will be "Sackler". Pardon my French, but FUCK THEM. Fuck them hard and in an extremely unpleasant way. (Sorry. I'm just really angry right now. 😞)

[@ReaperCH90]

You are rightfully angry. I hope your situation improves, or at least doesn't get worse.

[@therealbearminator]

Best wishes! Thank you for sharing part of your story

[@CybershamanX]

Thanks, guys. It's tough going, but I'm hanging in there. Barely. 😕 Just contacted Cleveland Clinic and hopefully they will be able to fix me. We shall see. Wish me luck! 😀

[@EbonyPope]

While I agree that most of the practices described are really worthy of condemnation I believe however that it's a good thing that Oxycodone isn't limited to cancer patients. Opioides are the only thing that helped me when I had a herniated disc and are a useful medication when it comes to neuralgia. I couldn't even get up nor more without severe pain that the normal person isn't even able to grasp. Neuralgic pain can be so severe that you want to end your life especially if it's chronic. I wanted to jump out of the window just to make it stop. My point is that it's a very valuable substance in combating pain just like any other Opioids. Until now there is no real alternative. It's just that the application was bit by bit handled more loosely. It's a shame that it is being misused.

[@mobilemarshall]

@@EbonyPope You're copy pasting this all over posts it has no relevance to lol. Obviously opioids are useful and it's nice that they're not limited to cancer patients. I have to assume there was something in the video saying that it should only have been for cancer patients based on your post you keep pasting. Nobody is saying that opioids are bad, they were just over prescribed and too easy to get/abuse. Doctors are just people and they are easily corrupted, so when they had a new drug that the company was pushing to prescribe to everyone doctors were all too happy to just give everyone opioids. It's good that it's not limited to cancer patients but I think you would agree that there should have been much better protocol for deciding who really needs it than just telling doctors to hand it out to anyone. The fact that this was so openly prescriptible is what's responsible for the problem.

[@Ayoayoayoayoayoayoa]

Watching this on a train and I'm concerned at how upset I look to all of the other passengers. This is so fucking horrifying. The number of lives ruined is unfathomable. I'm loving the level of research in this series.

[@MrJohndoakes]

If you love this, look up Thalidomide, a West German drug that is used for AIDS and cancers now, but in the late 1950s was an over-the-counter drug for anxiety, morning sickness, etc. Pregnant woman took it, and it produced malformed children with small limbs when it didn't kill the fetus outright. It was yanked off the shelves in 1961. We have done this many times with drugs, but with the Sacklers, it was a deliberate for-profit campaign to use pain to rake in millions. All of them should be shot.

[@DR3ADER1]

And yet, to me, it's funny, because it's more a tale of betrayal, the destruction of one's good name and how the idiot spawn of the Noble King's traitorous bastard Brothers pissed all of it away. The world already lost the Opium War long before Issac Sackler was even born. We're only seeing the outcome of this farcical clan feud. Getting caught up in the damage done to those addicted is itself, a distraction. The real antagonists and protagonists of this tale are that of the Sackler family and their own good name getting dragged through the mud as a result of greed, malice, ruthlessness, misguided intentions and plain old incompetence.

[@camhamster3891]

It always kills me when settlements addressing such horrific and far-reaching behavior involve no admission of fault.

[@mepulley7913]

What will be worse is when Perdue's case goes to SCOTUS. We all know how "Justices" like the "Hospitality" of their "Friends" extended to them.

[@chiarasulis3575]

Pseudo addiction is addiction when it applies to pain killers, basically. Purdue is effectively the most successful pusher ever.

[@aaronchef82]

As a recovering addict of street level narcotics, this scares me more than revisiting the drug block for a high that will never happen again. Now I work in insurance, and funny enough, drugs are the largest portion of time/effort/premiums.

[@rabudman]

Congratulations on a James Corbett quality level - detailed deep dive on this subject. Remarkable job. I've known about these scams for decades but you've highlighted a miraculous amount of detail.

[@Harrier_DuBois]

Damn Georg you are really putting the work in on this, this could be on TV. Great documentary.

[@thecreator625]

No, it wouldn't ever be on TV because it tells you the truth.

[@NIL0S]

Oh yes. What I'm addicted to is when Georg goes all out investigative journalism. Give it to me.

[@Cubelarooso]

Is it investigative journalism? I haven't read Empire of Pain, but it sounds like he's just reporting what the book says. It's quality content, but that's all the more reason not to misidentify it.

[@reginac5488]

It amazes me the evil that surrounds us without any restraint or accountability.

[@DustedVeins]

So sad to hear about Georg's car exploding when he tried to start it next week, if only he could have released part 3 first.

[@Laotzu.Goldbug]

0y v3y!

[@frozenbinarystudio]

It was so sad he will found in his blown up car with 52 self inflicted shots to the face. Tragic. I wish it isn't going to happen.

[@Hero101010]

Why are you being so antisemitic? 🤡

[@Herfinnur]

This is possibly the most strangely inspiring video I’ve seen! There’s a couple of fiction and non-fiction movies, books and TV series to be mined here for sure, but more importantly with your narration coupled with the 80’s broadcast footage and the Twin Peaks-y drone music in the background you’ve created a for me wholly new “Evil 80s nostalgia” -genre that I personally want more of: fiction; music; action figures; scratch-and-sniff-boards, you name it!

[@danielflanard8274]

It puzzles me why true crime is so big but these stories aren't explored very often.

[@saebelorn]

I get that it's entertaining but it's not just a vehicle for new monopoly spinoffs, it's also trying to tell you something

[@ladyreverie7027]

I love when you said he was a "little boot". I immediately got the Caligula reference!

[@jasondaveries9716]

yeah that was a good one

[@Menjoood]

Damn Georg, this is going to be your magnum opus, isn't it?

[@KnuckleHunkybuck]

He's just slow-playing us up to that. His magnum opus is coming around 2025, and I eagerly await it.

[@nicanornunez9787]

Why 2025? His movie?

[@xGatoDelFuegox]

It doesn't hold a candle to COLLABORATOR (202X)

[@craigg75]

This is an outstanding docu series on these criminals. Great work Georg!

[@uremawifenowdave]

I’m currently withdrawing from OxyContin after being prescribed it for years and years. It’s brutal.

[@peaceandlove544]

You can do it!!! Sauna, grounding, water, vitamins, prayer, exercise

[@vallivergano239]

Hope you're ok??

[@marklindsey4112]

Really love your recent output on the wealthy and their ... ahem ... 'foibles'.* So well researched and lucidly put. Thank you. *i.e. despicable corruption

[@AlexOrozco-Social-Pariah]

I love that Mike Flanagan did his homework amazingly in his latest netflix series where he actually used Purdue and the Slacker family as his inspiration for the main story. Pretty on point with this evil family and their heirs.

[@siloalapei2448]

This makes me side eye doctors and the entire health system even more than I ever did.

[@cugan83]

This is really great work Georg. Absolutely horrifying.

[@maxbramwell.1598]

Are you related to Steve?

[@EbonyPope]

While I agree that most of the practices described are really worthy of condemnation I believe however that it's a good thing that Oxycodone isn't limited to cancer patients. Opioides are the only thing that helped me when I had a herniated disc and are a useful medication when it comes to neuralgia. I couldn't even get up nor more without severe pain that the normal person isn't even able to grasp. Neuralgic pain can be so severe that you want to end your life especially if it's chronic. I wanted to jump out of the window just to make it stop. My point is that it's a very valuable substance in combating pain just like any other Opioids. Until now there is no real alternative. It's just that the application was bit by bit handled more loosely. It's a shame that it is being misused.

[@mobilemarshall]

@@EbonyPope You're copy pasting this all over posts it has no relevance to lol. Obviously opioids are useful and it's nice that they're not limited to cancer patients. I have to assume there was something in the video saying that it should only have been for cancer patients based on your post you keep pasting. Nobody is saying that opioids are bad, they were just over prescribed and too easy to get/abuse. Doctors are just people and they are easily corrupted, so when they had a new drug that the company was pushing to prescribe to everyone doctors were all too happy to just give everyone opioids. It's good that it's not limited to cancer patients but I think you would agree that there should have been much better protocol for deciding who really needs it than just telling doctors to hand it out to anyone. The fact that this was so openly prescriptible is what's responsible for the problem.

[@nineteenfortyeight]

"Richard was a little boot." 🥂 You're doing gods' work.

[@vulekv93]

Caligula? I don't get it?

[@M1Account]

Some of your best work, looking forward to part 3.

[@n3v3rg01ngback]

It wasn’t a war “on” drugs. It was a war “of” drugs, and oxy won.

[@Juanfcilantro]

Hearing these intro songs you use always brings a smile to my face. Keep up the good work! I'm surprised you don't work for a TV or Media company, this is professional documentary work, but I respect your desire to stay independent and fully in control of your art.

[@VersusArdua]

U r a real 1, Georg

[@GimmePaypalKid]

I was 20 when I got hooked on pain pills during a period of intense back and neck pain as I underwent university exams - a year later I was on heroin. I'm in recovery now (5 years later) and in a much better place, but I'm glad these scumbags are getting the bad publicity they deserve. I'll always take full responsibility for the actions I've taken, but these guys are scum for what they've done to millions of people, including their marketing of valium.

[@hansjuker8296]

You ever suck for smack?

[@TheFilmFatale]

Damn. Thank you for this. To assemble this tragedy all together…I’ve seen the pieces but have missed noticing the whole structure. Deeply appreciate your work and skill in assembling this scathing and eye-opening series. Eagerly awaiting the third part…

[@DJBritt]

Georg you rock, thanks for sheddiing light in the dark corners 🌞❤️‍🔥

[@halilzelenka5813]

“Addicted to morphine? Try smack!” 😂

[@1pcfred]

Dilaudid is divine.

[@hangonsnoop]

Love the Zappa samples.

[@Btvstudio]

This is a great go along with Dope Sick. Awesome job!

[@DynamicUnoTea]

Great job! Excellent research! 👍 I had 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed and my dentist prescribed Oxycontin. I took it the day of my surgery as directed and my stomach was like wtf is this shit? And then the next day I took the next prescribed dose and again my stomach said it did not like this crap. So I stopped taking it. I told an acquaintance at the time this story and she offered to buy the rest of the bottle off me. That was super shady so I told her that I threw it out already. I hadn't though. When I tossed it out, I made sure to open the bottle and dump out the individual pills in the kitchen trash. I didn't want anyone finding an in tact bottle of clearly addictive shady pills.

[@donnadrane4977]

Was also prescribed Oxy when I had a tooth pulled. I was told I could either use a combo of Tylenol and Motrin or the Oxy. The Oxy did nothing for my pain.

[@peaceandlove544]

Sadly that junk into the water stream and soil

[@Iguazu65]

Brilliant documentary. I read Gerald Posner’s book “Pharma”. It was dense with details and enthralling. Your 3 part documentary is superb. Covers the Sackler families’ history, context and culture perfectly.

[@brushstroke7190]

I knew a bit about it already from my work in pharmacy and clinical research, but this was chilling. The titration strategy for adversely-affected patients also applies to other drugs (e.g. SSRIs).

[@EbonyPope]

While I agree that most of the practices described are really worthy of condemnation I believe however that it's a good thing that Oxycodone isn't limited to cancer patients. Opioides are the only thing that helped me when I had a herniated disc and are a useful medication when it comes to neuralgia. I couldn't even get up nor more without severe pain that the normal person isn't even able to grasp. Neuralgic pain can be so severe that you want to end your life especially if it's chronic. I wanted to jump out of the window just to make it stop. My point is that it's a very valuable substance in combating pain just like any other Opioids. Until now there is no real alternative. It's just that the application was bit by bit handled more loosely. It's a shame that it is being misused.

[@the1from234]

@@EbonyPope are you sure you are making an unbiased argument?

[@mobilemarshall]

@@EbonyPope You're copy pasting this all over posts it has no relevance to lol. Obviously opioids are useful and it's nice that they're not limited to cancer patients. I have to assume there was something in the video saying that it should only have been for cancer patients based on your post you keep pasting. Nobody is saying that opioids are bad, they were just over prescribed and too easy to get/abuse. Doctors are just people and they are easily corrupted, so when they had a new drug that the company was pushing to prescribe to everyone doctors were all too happy to just give everyone opioids. It's good that it's not limited to cancer patients but I think you would agree that there should have been much better protocol for deciding who really needs it than just telling doctors to hand it out to anyone. The fact that this was so openly prescriptible is what's responsible for the problem.

[@wexfordgirl1]

Just found your channel and have to write to thank you for an amazing series. This is an incredible piece of work. I have tweeted it out and hope that it is shared as widely as is possible. Thank you again even if my blood pressure could probably use a Purdue product right now.

[@SnazzBot]

Congratulations on the series it's essentially a film.

[@BahomaVidyaChannel]

This is pretty disturbing. On the other hand, there's nothing quite like downing a couple of Oxy's with a nice cup of Hiptang in the morning.

[@brendajackson13]

"...and his idiot successors piss away the opportunities left to them"😂😂

[@JollyWailmer]

I'm not at all surprised George is a Zappa fan pleasant surprise to hear his music not expecting it

[@cl8804]

That doesn't really mean that he's a fan, though.

[@JollyWailmer]

@@cl8804 true

[@TraceVandal]

Love this new style of video, stick it to every corrupt POS out there man! We are here for it!

[@ReaperCH90]

This will be my watch before sleeping

[@codyw518]

Got sucked in. Nice work Georg.

[@YouFeudTV]

Georg... you are outstanding. Both parts are so well made... amazing research. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@layneinchains848]

Superb, fascinating, can't wait for part 3.

[@retter2critical]

GREAT WORK! LOVE THIS SERIES!

[@sillonbono3196]

Thank you Georg, thank you so much for doing this.

[@steviekngstn]

This is the best content iv seen in an age... so well cut too..

[@charliekelly1154]

This family is literally responsible for the addiction of millions of people and collateral effects and damages that follow, and they are not held responsible, but a black kid on the corner of any city gets busted for possession with intent to sell, gets up to 6 years in Prison, That's the reality in America.

[@CybershamanX]

@Conan You're in the wrong community, buddy. Take your anti-BLM drivel elsewhere. You are not wanted. Oh, and go ahead and rant all you want because you are now blocked. 😜😘

[@liamgilchrist8008]

your the one making it political, sadly its just reality and your living in a delusion where 'evil' blm members lurk behind every comment

[@Laotzu.Goldbug]

Look into the Sassoon family and the Opium Wars. Same type of people.

[@EbonyPope]

While I agree that most of the practices described are really worthy of condemnation I believe however that it's a good thing that Oxycodone isn't limited to cancer patients. Opioides are the only thing that helped me when I had a herniated disc and are a useful medication when it comes to neuralgia. I couldn't even get up nor more without severe pain that the normal person isn't even able to grasp. Neuralgic pain can be so severe that you want to end your life especially if it's chronic. I wanted to jump out of the window just to make it stop. My point is that it's a very valuable substance in combating pain just like any other Opioids. Until now there is no real alternative. It's just that the application was bit by bit handled more loosely. It's a shame that it is being misused.

[@yikana7535]

@Conan But whether they get away with it is impacted by their skin colour. Reality is there are racist institutions who aren't as 'colour blind' as you seem to be. This family did something terrible of course amd commenting on the intersections of similar situations helps to understand the reality of the situation evem more. You're tired of hearing race brought up in this but imagine how tired black people are having their lives politicised and racialised in the western world? You're right in saying the drug dealers regardless of race are in the wrong however seem to get annoyed that despite commiting similar crimes one person of a certain race and class can get away with it and other person of a different race and class cannot. Reality is nuanced, crude and less appealing to amybody's ideology. Just got to accept that instead of throwing a hissy fit just 'cause somebody introduced race into the conversation. We live in a world where institutions treat different races differently despite commiting crimes in the same field. Ignoring that is narrow sighted and disingenuous in trying to solve the root of the problem. Waste your time and stay mad for something that's occuring even without your acknowledgement of the issue.

[@askannav2094]

The Sacklers - a true family of Philanthropy, i guess its a matter of perception .. My suggestion is all drugs need to be tested on the Sacklers first.

[@deez_nu1s]

Much respect Georg, keep on making stuff like this!

[@_hunu]

Amazing and jaw dropping. Very much looking forward to part 3.

[@mbe102]

I just can't seem to get enough of your videos. Almost like... ...wait a minute. Jokes aside, fantastic stuff.

[@pearcefitzpatrickodonovan480]

Watching these two vids while my bus home didn't show , fascinating stuff fair play on the research 👏

[@tylermacdonald8924]

Fantastic work George. Thank you so much.

[@Periwinkie22]

Georg I love this content

[@Not_that_Brian_Jones]

I really appreciate this. Thanks Georg

[@felixnilsson2440]

Love this Georg! Your research is second to none!

[@zacharypearle2543]

Georg, keep it coming!!

[@KM-nh2uv]

I love your work, Georg.

[@P0cketfull0fsunshine]

phenomenal film. Engaging, enraging and educational all at once

[@deanerhockings-reptilianhu8701]

Great series - bring on part 3!

[@hookedonphoenix3112]

“They’re a family of schemers, Crooks, killers and deceivers, They’re drug addiction weavers, The Sackler Family” *Hava Nagila plays

[@Laotzu.Goldbug]

0y V3y

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

Jesus that’s evil 😬 This is the best explanation of the opioid crisis I’ve seen.

[@BeansOnToast_YT]

Thanks for making this, I find it so interesting and there seem to be parallels with current behaviours. Of course, before this there were other 'safe and effective' drugs, the thalidomide story is another interesting one.

[@Sir_Gerald_Nosehairs.]

So, Arthur Sackler was a business genius with some hints of a moral code and a wish to give back to society after his death, whilst his brothers and their children had no great ideas, ambition and lacked even Arthur's dubious morals?

[@jayme3181]

Watch part one.

[@mtlewis973]

lol you’re almost right, apart from the bit about a “moral code”. every one of these vipers would sell their own mothers

[@Sir_Gerald_Nosehairs.]

@@jayme3181 I did. Arthur Sackler wasn't nice under any stretch of the imagination, but he had a few positive qualities about him, which his brothers seem to entirely lack.

[@jayme3181]

@@Sir_Gerald_Nosehairs. Sorry, I misunderstood you. To me the first video seemed to suggest he was more interested in white-washing his reputation than giving back to society but I suppose that is open to interpretation. I wouldn't say Bill Gates has morals either - even dubious ones. Either way, two great videos.

[@Sir_Gerald_Nosehairs.]

@@jayme3181 No probs, good chance you're entirely right. But I'd say wanting your reputation whitewashed is an indication of a conscience to a degree, you're aware you did something wrong, and you don't want to be remembered for that alone.

[@kelownatechkid]

Thank you for your work, Georg. I and many others appreciate it greatly!

[@horacelidenbrock3905]

A timely documentary.

[@gallendugall8913]

Corruption is not that they lose their ethics gradually along the way, but that they build a better understanding of what they can get away with and form ever more elaborate excuses for their actions. Most sociopaths think they are normal and that people lie about having empathy, seeing empathy as an artificial social constraint. Some sociopaths think they they are superior for not having empathy. Sociopaths always do what they think they can get away with, and so their crimes grow with experience. With socialism being the politics custom made for sociopaths you do get them clumped together in businesses or other organizations, and exclude normal people.

[@burner9147]

Man you deserve more views your videos are brilliant.

[@gepflegtePCSpieleKultur]

Thank you very kindly, another Docu that raised my Blood Presure... Cheers Mate... be well...

[@Boreas74]

Great detailed work. I hope it gets more exposure. I find it hard to understand how people who make money from harming others, and they must know on some level, convince themselves they’re doing nothing wrong.

[@itsthesoup11]

Tremendous series. Absolutely insane.

[@DeusExHarald]

Chilling yet fantastic work Georg!

[@soviut303]

Ooof, that "Moneywatch: Oxycontin Approved for Children" headline at 26:54

[@colinready-evoy6014]

Well done Georg! Fascinating stuff…. Looking forward to part 3!

[@karlish8799]

And this, ladies and gentlemen is why regulation is a good thing.

[@Seldonlair]

Some regulation is a good and necessary thing. Most regulation is useless.

[@iidoyila]

i think education could be just as effective . regulation means i often can't get things which i know improve my life . so enjoy your "can fit on a red cap" slogan . i don't think you'll make a good politician though .

[@mtlewis973]

it’s really far less about regulation and more about the existence of a profit motive.

[@jtb6737]

True, but those of us with chronic injuries (mine from the US military), should not be lumped with those with acute injuries and get hooked. My only issue was getting a drug combo that at the time was not known as potential deadly.

[@ReaperCH90]

All I see is that regulation totally failed and insted gave a sense of false security.

[@MagSpud12]

I am really, really enjoying this series. Looking forward to the third episode!

[@aperson9556]

Watched succession just before this, very thematic.

[@trickyd499]

Superb storytelling and investigation, thank you George

[@TheArtofAustenMengler]

Incredible documentary series. Keep up the great work!

[@wildmanfisher]

Best use of Willie The Pimp I heard in a while!

[@GregDaniel78]

Interesting advert for Disney's Dopesick just before this video played.

[@BoogieBoogsForever]

Excellent work, as usual. Tip: SUNY='SOONIE'

[@novelezra]

Woah there! They aren't addicted. They just need MORE of the drug. Which you should give them. Thanks for bring this to our attention. Your feedback is importa-

[@Robert_K_Wolf]

Man, how much time did you spend editing? Hats off to you sir. Despite me not being interested in the subject I was glued to the screen.

[@enginelol]

This is amazing. Keep them coming please. Thank you sir.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Oh boy, I can't wait for the finale, when Walker: Texas Ranger roundhouse kicks the Sacklers into jail!

[@BenoJ3000]

I like the low tones and the moody theme in the background. Very fitting.

[@andrearibeiro5528]

Absolutely awesome 👏

[@bingus9360]

I’m sorry but this series is too well made and researched to be getting as little attention as it has

[@iansmith8783]

i seem to remember hearing Oxycontin being referred to as "hillbilly heroin" as early as 2000 or 2001.

[@wkgurr]

This is a very well-researched and detailed report. And it shows nicely how closely producers/dealers/distributors of legal drugs resemble those who produce/distribute/peddle illegal substances. No clear distinction between the two exists and it is justified to say that the difference between a dealer of illegal and one of legal drugs only depends on the current definition of what constitutes a legal and what constitutes an illegal drug.

[@StellaAsh]

Brandy Vaughan who worked for Merk as a saleswoman and became a whistleblower ...RIP to a wonderful woman who did what she could to expose the filthy business practices of the company - found dead by her nine year old son