Join Dotty Wellman as she unravels the fascinating yet tragic story of how synthetic opioids transformed from medical miracles to street-level killers. This deep dive explores the 1958 discovery of fentanyl by Belgian chemist Paul Janssen, originally designed as a breakthrough pain medication 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Dotty walks you through the science behind these synthetic compounds, the development of even more powerful variants like carfentanil (designed for sedating elephants!), and how the very properties that made them revolutionary in operating rooms also made them attractive to illicit manufacturers. With her characteristic blend of scientific curiosity and genuine concern, Dotty explains how underground chemists began creating hundreds of fentanyl analogs, how the internet facilitated global distribution of precursor chemicals, and why this crisis is fundamentally different from traditional drug epidemics. She breaks down complex chemistry into kitchen-table conversations while never losing sight of the human cost behind the statistics. This episode sets the foundation for understanding one of the most pressing public health crises of our time, told through the lens of someone who genuinely wants you to grasp both the science and the stakes involved. Ready for more thought-provoking content that makes complex topics accessible? Discover a whole world of engaging podcasts that will expand your understanding at https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ – where curiosity meets clarity in every episode.
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Jun 29 202522 mins