We're Overdosed looks at the history of opium and the drug's spread throughout the world. It traces the origin of morphine from opium, the

subsequent synthesis of opioids, and the birth of the global pharmaceutical industry. From Barry I. Gold's point of view as a scientist, he offers thoughts about gaining control of prescription opioids through Federal legislation. With the tragic epidemic of deaths from overdose, chiefly from illicit sources, he shares how the U.S. could lead in eradicating world trade of illicit drugs. The story also looks forward and asks how new treatments offer hope in treating addiction.