The Daily – He Tried to Save a Friend. They Charged Him With Murder.

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily,” the devastating impact of fentanyl use in America is explored through the case of Josh Askins, who is currently in prison for the death of his friend due to fentanyl overdose. The episode sheds light on the personal struggles of addicts, the challenges they face, and the controversial legal consequences they encounter.

Main Takeaways

The Devastating Impact of Fentanyl

• Fentanyl use in America is causing tens of thousands of deaths per year, making it a massive public health crisis.
• Fentanyl has taken over the drug market in Oklahoma City and is up to 40 times more addictive than heroin.
• Fentanyl addicts use the drug constantly, up to 10 times a day, and are enslaved to finding and using it.
• Fentanyl is more addictive than heroin, and withdrawal symptoms are brutal and painful.

The Tragic Story of Josh Askins

• Josh had a difficult childhood and turned to drugs to cope, including smoking and drinking.
• Josh became addicted to opioid painkillers after being prescribed them for a knee injury, leading to his involvement with fentanyl.
• Josh lost control of his usage and was unable to regain it.
• Josh’s grandfather’s death was a turning point in his addiction.

The Friendship and Tragic Outcome

• Meeting Chris Drake changed the course of Josh’s life.
• Josh and Chris bonded over their shared faith and traumas.
• Both Josh and Chris wanted to get clean and were making plans to go to rehab.
• Sadly, their plans were cut short when Josh passed away in April.

The Legal Consequences

• Josh was arrested for murder in the first degree after trying to save his friend Chris from a fentanyl overdose.
• Lawmakers have turned the pressure into legislation, creating harsher punishment for fentanyl dealers in more than 30 states.
• Small-time dealers or users are often the ones caught and charged with murder, not the big suppliers.
• Punishing drug dealers does not always bring closure to the families of victims.

Addressing the Addiction Crisis

• Solving the addiction crisis requires addressing a range of issues, including access to rehab, long-term care, mental health care, and societal problems such as wealth inequality and loneliness.
• Going after small-time drug dealers or users does not solve the problem.

Summary

The Devastating Impact of Fentanyl

Fentanyl, a highly addictive synthetic opioid, is causing tens of thousands of deaths in America each year. It has taken over the drug market in Oklahoma City, and its addictive properties make it incredibly difficult for users to break free from its grip. The withdrawal symptoms are brutal and the constant need for the drug enslaves users to a life of seeking and using fentanyl.

The Tragic Story of Josh Askins

Josh Askins, who had a difficult childhood, turned to drugs as a coping mechanism. After being prescribed opioid painkillers for a knee injury, he became addicted and eventually found himself involved with fentanyl. Despite his efforts to regain control, Josh’s addiction only worsened. The death of his grandfather further deepened his struggle with substance abuse.

The Friendship and Tragic Outcome

Josh’s life took a turn when he met Chris Drake. They bonded over their shared faith and experiences of molestation and sexual abuse. Both Josh and Chris wanted to get clean and were making plans to go to rehab. However, their plans were tragically cut short when Josh passed away in April, leaving Chris devastated.

The Legal Consequences

In an effort to hold someone accountable for the fentanyl epidemic, lawmakers have created harsher punishments for fentanyl dealers. However, it is often small-time dealers or users who are caught and charged with murder, while the big suppliers evade justice. Punishing drug dealers does not always bring closure to the families of victims, and the focus should be on addressing the underlying issues contributing to the addiction crisis.

Addressing the Addiction Crisis

Solving the addiction crisis requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond punishing drug dealers or users. Access to rehabilitation, long-term care, mental health support, and addressing societal problems such as wealth inequality and loneliness are crucial in tackling the root causes of addiction. It is essential to provide resources and support to those struggling with addiction rather than solely relying on punitive measures.

Conclusion

The case of Josh Askins highlights the devastating impact of fentanyl and the complex issues surrounding addiction. While the legal consequences for small-time dealers or users may provide a sense of justice, they do not address the underlying problems contributing to the addiction crisis. It is essential to prioritize rehabilitation, long-term care, and mental health support to help individuals overcome addiction and prevent further tragedies.