Dall’Homo Sapiens all’Homo Chemicus | Achille Saletti Boccali | TEDxViaCavour

Drug Addiction History and Evolution - The industry has shifted from focusing on a single drug (heroin) to a multitude of substances, including both illegal drugs and legal pharmaceuticals [1][3][5] - Initial approaches to drug addiction treatment were severe and punitive, but proved ineffective [2][3] - Criminal organizations adapted to the HIV/AIDS crisis and immigration trends in the 1990s by using migrants as drug dealers, replacing addicts who were more likely to inform on the organization [7][8][9] - Cocaine emerged as a more elite drug, leading to a complete overlap of markets with heroin [10][11][12] Pharmaceutical Strategies and the Opioid Crisis - Pharmaceutical companies in America aggressively promoted opioids like Fentanyl as non-addictive alternatives to morphine [14] - The Fentanyl epidemic in the US has resulted in 40000% deaths annually, with peaks reaching 70000% [18] - The lack of adequate healthcare and insurance coverage contributed to the opioid crisis, as exemplified by the case of Robert who was prescribed Fentanyl for a knee injury [15][16][17] Current Trends and Future Concerns - The industry does not anticipate a Fentanyl epidemic in Europe, particularly in Italy, due to stricter medical practices and a robust public health service [19][20] - There is a growing concern about the misuse of legal substances like Viagra, which are being used by young people to address performance anxiety [22][23] - Society is increasingly reliant on pills to address anxieties and insecurities, leading to potential problems and a sense of loneliness [23][24] - The industry emphasizes the importance of community and social connections as a form of resistance against the increasing reliance on chemical solutions [26][27]