Brian Merlen: Fighting Big Pharma and Political Corruption
You know, originally I ran for office Years Ago advocating on the issue for the municipal and the state level. I was not in the pharmacist, I'm just a strong advocate. And so you know it's difficult to intertwine their criminality- from their aggressive practices that were technically legal, because all of it combined is this: you know this horrible thing that's had such a terrible impact on the country, and I think I mean we're the only country that allows direct to consumer advertising for medication for pharmaceuticals.
What happens when an activist takes on both Big Pharma and political corruption? Brian Merlen, who ran for Congress in Connecticut's 4th district, shares his eye-opening experiences with hosts Joe Schrank and Amy Dresner. In this episode of 'Rehab Confidential', Merlen doesn't hold back. He exposes the murky dealings of Purdue Pharma, the company at the heart of the opioid crisis, and the political pressure he faced to drop out of the race to protect sitting Congressman Jim Himes.
This isn't just a story about one man's campaign; it's a revealing look at the broader issues of addiction, recovery, and the influence of money in politics. Merlen also discusses the importance of education, safe supply, and overdose prevention sites. His call for civil disobedience and accountability rings loud and clear, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about social justice and addiction recovery.
The conversation also touches on the dangers of laced substances, the hierarchy among people with substance use disorder, and how media often ignores political corruption. Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo.