Over a century before the mis-marketing of OxyContin dominated news outlets, the nation faced its
first widespread opioid epidemic. The emergence, exploitation, and eruption of both epidemics follow
the same arcs in history, yet the de-escalation of the 19th century epidemic has faded into distant
memory and recovery from the most recent has yet to be seen.
During the first epidemic,
pharmaceutical companies and federal regulations laid the groundwork for the stigmatization of
opioid addiction that created an isolating environment for those struggling with opioid dependence
today. Accessible recovery in conjunction with de-stigmatizing what was left by the earlier epidemic
is needed to prevent future devastation and build a system that can prevent history from repeating
itself once again.
Alleviating future escalation of the modern opioid crisis requires
understanding the onset of the first opioid epidemic, sympathizing with the physiology of addiction,
and making proven treatments such as MAT, or Medication-Assisted Treatment, widely available.
In Crisis, Again visualizes each of these factors necessary for the nation’s recovery
and tells the story of opioid’s overwhelming grip on the United States since its inception.
Molly Cook
In Crisis, Again || Masters Thesis :
- Information is Beautiful Awards 2022: Long
List
- The Pudding Cup 2022: Honorable
Mention
- Buried Signals: Featured Data
Viz
What I Used:
- D3.js
- Vue
- CSS
- QGis
- Data Sources: CDC, amfAR, SAMHSA, and The Washington Post Pill Database
Visit GitHub Page & Documentation
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