We’re only beginning to understand all the ways the opioid epidemic harmed Appalachia

By: Bill Bishop

Outlets: Kentucky Lantern

Published: June 19, 2026

Words: 877

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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Purdue Pharma introduced the painkiller OxyContin in late 1995 – and we are still learning of the harm it has caused.

Purdue marketed Oxy in communities with high percentages of people with chronic pain from cancer. The company particularly targeted Appalachian communities. Oxy proved especially addictive and easy to both obtain and abuse.

When restrictions were placed on Oxy, people turned to heroin and then fentanyl. It was an epidemic of abuse. Since 1999, more …

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