Behind the Opioid Crisis
June 14, 2019
On June 12, the French-American Foundation hosted Bridget G. Brennan, NYC’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, at its Transatlantic Forum on the opioid crisis. Ms. Brennan spoke about the history of the crisis, her office’s role in efforts to respond, and the current challenges facing the city.
The discussion began with an examination of the root causes in the United States. Ms. Brennan described the phases the city has witnessed in recent years, from the influx of prescription drugs by pharmaceutical companies and their spillover into the black market, to the rise of illegal drugs such as heroin and fentanyl.
Ms. Brennan offered a comprehensive overview of NYC’s connection to the domestic and international drug trade. Forum members learned about its unique urgency in the United States, where usage and death rates reach far greater numbers than in France. Ms. Brennan drew from personal experience and theories from other experts to provide potential reasons why opioid use has affected the United States so greatly.
Participants engaged in a lengthy period of Q&A with questions regarding the legality of usage, the economy behind the drug trade, and next steps in the fight against opioid abuse. The French-American Foundation’s Transatlantic Forum encourages open dialogue about the most pressing topics in transatlantic affairs. Visit our page for more information about the program.
Transatlantic Forum - Opioid Crisis
