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🏥 Examining the Opioid Crisis

SUNDAY 8P ET/PT

This week on The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, CNN Anchor Kate Bolduan takes viewers to the frontlines of America's fentanyl crisis. As the epidemic enters its third wave, Kate shares powerful firsthand accounts from those directly affected. Medical professionals, first responders and treatment-center experts provide insight into the ongoing battle against opioid addiction and the efforts to support those recovering.

We spoke with Kate about CNN's two-year documentation of the crisis and the heartbreaking impact it is having — even on the youngest victims.

This hour of "The Whole Story" is a culmination of two years' worth of work. What drew you to this topic, and what did you hope to explore?

When you hear fentanyl, you think of fatal overdoses. But when we first started documenting this crisis, we quickly realized that there are a growing number of fentanyl survivors. These people who have survived fentanyl overdoses are either a) still using or b) in recovery. Each group is facing very unique and complex challenges ahead. This is a growing population that, as we learned, often needs lifelong support. So, are they getting it? We wanted to explore.

The episode provides real and raw accounts of individuals battling opioid addictions. Did you encounter any challenges in encouraging those you interviewed to open up and share so candidly?

I want to acknowledge the immense amount of bravery it takes for people to talk about their struggles with addiction. It's not easy. You face an incredible amount of stigma and misunderstanding. I can't speak to why they decided to open up to me. But my hope is that they never felt judged. My family is no stranger to addiction. I know what it's like to love someone who struggles with substance use. My goal was just to try and understand their pain and suffering, just like I would with my own family.

You have been covering and documenting this epidemic for nearly two years. From the beginning stages to now, what developments have occurred?

For one, overdose death rates have decreased. This does not automatically mean fewer people are addicted to fentanyl, it just means that users are surviving the overdose. So, what happens now? Is that enough? Two, overdose death rates are not decreasing for every demographic. In fact, in 2025, research projects that for Black men in their 30's and 40's overdose death rates will increase by 11 percent.

At one point, you open up about addiction within your own family. As you spoke with those struggling with addiction, did you find yourself relating to their experiences?

You know, this is a very hard topic for me to talk about. And because I know how hard it is to talk about, I found myself in awe of their bravery to do so. They inspired me. They were all so courageous in talking about addiction. So, it was less about me relating to them, and more about me having an overwhelming sense of respect and admiration for them.

As this crisis enters its "third wave" and begins impacting younger patients, are we any closer to finding a solution to help those affected?

Yes, there is. In terms of treatment, medications for opioid use disorder are proving successful. That includes medications such as buprenorphine and methadone. But that solution path and those medications themselves bring with them a lot of stigmas and are subject to strict federal regulations. It is unknown when or if that will ever change.

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