- http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/07/26/155424108/meet-the-drug-dealer-who-helps-addicts-quit
- http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/07/31/157665908/episode-391-the-anti-addiction-pill-thats-big-business-for-drug-dealers
Provide names of other journalists involved.
Alex Blumberg, editor and co-host, Planet Money Uri Berliner, deputy national editor, NPR
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
July 26, 2012 (Morning Edition) July 31, 2012 (Planet Money podcast)
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
This report investigated the shortage of certified doctors prescribing the drug buprenorphine (brand name: Suboxone) to treat herion and opiate pain pill addiction in the US. It revealed that one unintended consequence of this shortage is that addicts have taken to self-medicating by buying Suboxone illegally on the street. The Morning Edition report examined the doctor shortage. It focused on New Mexico, which has the highest fatal drug overdose rate in the country and remains one of the most underserved areas. A drug dealer revealed his supply chain and profit model. Local health professionals and law enforcement agents described the benefits and disadvantages of this black market. The Planet Money podcast explained the demand through interviews with opiate addicts who buy Suboxone illegally. It also took an in-depth look at the history of buprenorphine’s development, which was subsidized by taxpayers, and the federal government’s complicated stance on opiate addiction treatment in the decades before and after the drug was brought to market.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
We used data from the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Office of Diversion Control; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration; the Centers for Disease Control; and records from the New Mexico Department of Health.
Explain types of human sources used.
Interviews were conducted with a drug dealer, nurse practitioner and doctor in Albuquerque, New Mexico; heroin and pain pill addicts in Philadelphia both legally treated by a doctor and self-medicating on the black market; and leading researchers, addiction specialists, pharmaceutical historians and the key players responsible for bringing buprenorphine to market.
Results:
N/A
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
When reporting on any black market it is helpful to speak with both a dealer on the street to understand supply and his/her customers to understand demand.