Episode Summary
Our last episode explored addiction from the perspective of loved ones. In this episode, we are looking at the opioid crisis from the point of view of a retired FBI agent, Aaron Weeter, who spent 25 years specializing in drug-related crimes. From his frontline perspective, we learn how the opioid epidemic of the 90s spread to become the fentanyl epidemic we have today.
For the visually-minded who prefer to listen and read or for those who need closed captioning, watch the transcript video here: https://youtu.be/oXq6XJ_z-HI
About Aaron Weeter
Beginning in 1998, Aaron served for over 23 years as a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Washington, D.C. Field Office. He served for twenty years as a case agent and three years as a supervisor investigating matters primarily involving white-collar/financial crimes in the areas of healthcare fraud and prescription drug diversion and distribution. During this time, Aaron also worked on a variety of national/office-wide cases including the 9-11, D.C. Sniper and January 6th investigations among others. Aaron is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Fraud Examiner. He retired from the FBI in late 2021 and recently started a fraud consulting business. Much of Aaron's FBI investigative work focused on the illegal distribution of pharmaceutical narcotics and other controlled substances by physicians, pharmacists and street-level dealers. He opened his first "pill case" in early 1999 in the early stages of what would become the pill epidemic and through dozens of cases thereafter, had a window into the evolution of the pill epidemic and its influence on the current fentanyl epidemic gripping the U.S.
More to Watch and Read
Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict - a documentary made by the FBI & DEA
Dr. Feelgood: Dealer or Healer? - a documentary about Dr. William Hurwitz, a Virginia physician who served nearly five years in prison for drug trafficking
Anonymous Sister - a documentary where director Jamie Boyle explores her family's collision with the opioid epidemic
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed - a documentary about artist and activist Nan Goldin and her personal fight to hold the Sackler family accountable for the opioid overdose crisis
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver - a novel that shows the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on a young boy in Appalachia
Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy - the definitive account of America's opioid epidemic
Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice, and the Future of America’s Overdose Crisis by Beth Macy - a sequel to Dopesick
Dopesick - Hulu limited series remake of Beth Macy's book
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe - a book that describes the Sackler family and their role in the opioid epidemic
The Family That Built an Empire of Pain - article by Patrick Radden Keefe that led to the book
What Can Be Done?
Words Matter - Terms to Use and Avoid When Talking About Addiction
https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html:
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prevention/index.html
Fentanyl Test Strips
Find Narcan Near You
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, SAMHSA's (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. You can also visit https://www.samhsa.gov.
How opioid addiction occurs - Mayo Clinic
List of Treatment Facilities and Support Groups
Drug Takeback Programs
Safe Drug Disposal
Related Episodes
Addiction to Sobriety: A Mother's Journey
Anonymous Sister
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The Wisdom Shared Team
- Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
- Production Assistant and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
