American Pain by John Temple is a captivating and deeply unsettling account of one of the most significant contributors to the opioid epidemic in America—Florida’s pill mills. Temple’s storytelling is sharp and immersive, pulling readers into the chaotic world of Chris George, a 27-year-old convicted felon who turned a small pain clinic into the notorious “American Pain,” a multimillion-dollar operation that fueled the country’s addiction crisis.
Temple brilliantly traces the clinic’s transformation from a business exploiting regulatory loopholes into a criminal empire, all while maintaining a fast-paced, almost cinematic narrative. From muscle-bound security guards to doctors with guns under their lab coats, Temple paints a vivid picture of the wild, lawless atmosphere at American Pain. The scenes feel ripped from a crime novel, with larger-than-life characters and moments of jaw-dropping audacity, like doctors handing out prescriptions for oxycodone by the handful.
Yet, the book is much more than a true-crime story. Temple skillfully weaves in the broader context of how the clinic’s massive distribution of opioids exacerbated the national crisis, leaving devastation in its wake. He explores the lives of addicts and traffickers, the shady business practices that allowed the clinic to thrive, and the relentless federal agents who worked tirelessly to bring it all down. Through Temple’s meticulous research, readers gain insight into the deeper systemic failures that contributed to the opioid epidemic, including the complicity of pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies like the DEA.
American Pain is equal parts fascinating and horrifying, a gripping read that exposes the greed, corruption, and negligence behind the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history. Whether you’re familiar with the opioid crisis or learning about it for the first time, this book is a must-read. Temple has crafted an unflinching look at how an operation like American Pain was allowed to flourish—and how its impact is still felt in communities across the nation today.
I give American Pain 4 out of 5 Sobees.
#QUITLIT Sobees Score: 4 out of 5
TSC LIBRARY: Welcome to The Sober Curator Library! We don’t just read books; we immerse ourselves in literary journeys, tune in on Audible, and craft insightful reviews. Our digital shelves are organized into four genres: #QUITLIT, Addiction Fiction, Self-Help, and NA Recipe Books
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