Sussman Kaplan does thorough work investigating multiple threads associated with the opioid crisis. She offers a in-depth analysis of the history of this problem and draws from the communication tradition to offer a unique perspective. This book is relevant to practitioners, scholars, and anyone attempting to understand addiction and the nature of the opioid crisis.

Tiffany Petricini, Penn State Shenango

“RachelSussman Kaplan provides a thoughtful reminder that modernity still attempts to market various forms of fool's gold. Such temptation comes from hope tied to unreflective progress. The opioid crisis is yet another exemplar of cheap grace. We want much for little. Kaplan reminds us that whenever the possibility of a life without pain, excellence without demand, comes before us, we should not only run from it but also warn as many people as possible of such danger. The opioid crisis is a reminder that we still seek transformation from desperate lives into spheres of unimagined hope. As Sartre indicated, bad faith is lying to ourselves, and we continue to do so with tenacious energy. I recommend this book for its content and its inspiration.”

Ronald C. Arnett, Duquesne University