Introduction. By 2019, opioids were killing approximately 50,000 US citizens a year, up from 8,000 in 1999. This is more deaths than firearms (33,000), breast cancer (41,000), HIV (15,000), or motor vehicle accidents (37,000). In 2018-2019, the total fatalities exceeded our combined combat deaths in Iraq, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. Until recently, prescription rather than street opioids caused the most deaths. The per capita fatalities differ in each state, suggesting that local factors such as enforcement, economics, and education may contribute. Street opioids and prescription opioids are chemically identical. This class includes heroin, which is illegal, plus morphine, methadone, Vicodin, fentanyl, and Demerol, which all have recognized medical uses, but are also sought illegally. OxyContin (oxycodone) is another prescription that has the street name of "Oxy.” Purdue Pharma, the patent owner, told the world it was safe. They distributed it widely and made billions of dollars. They marketed it with free samples, the same method the drug cartels use, but the dealers, to their credit, never claimed their product was harmless. LINKS TO LEARN MORE:Listen to another podcast about my whole book Butchered by Healthcare at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1300429/6572743I have an author website RobertYohoAuthor.com. Go to the book’s web page if you want to order it or read the over 50 five-star reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Butchered-Healthcare-Doctors-Corrupt-Government-ebook/dp/B08FVMK5GY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=robert+yoho&qid Please review it here: Amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B08FVMK5GY. I appreciate you for taking the time, and I will read your review. This is a big favor for me—thanks… NEWLY AVAILABLE FOR BETA READING: The Secret Story of Hormones: Miraculous Treatments for Fatigue, Cancer, Heart Disease, Depression, Alzheimer’s, Impotence, and Diabetes—and How They Were Stolen From UsDownload your copy at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/pffhxv9lt6  Please give feedback at yoho.robert@gmail.com. Here is a patient video from the cover: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mWTi-CtTV1ISupport the show