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

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

A 2025 report, “The cost of addiction: Opioid use disorder in the United States,” shows Kentucky still has one of the highest rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States. (Screenshot)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 Appa…