Barry I. Gold, a veteran pharmacologist and former pharmaceutical executive, presents an incisive examination of the opioid crisis in his book “We’re Overdosed,” a timely work that offers a historical and scientific lens on one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. The book traces the global development of opioids, explores their biochemical foundations, and outlines a clear call to action for the healthcare and legislative communities.
With the opioid epidemic continuing to impact communities across the United States and around the world, We’re Overdosed offers a structured breakdown of how opioid dependence evolved into a global health emergency. Gold, whose career spanned medical academia and international
pharmaceutical management, connects the dots from the extraction of morphine from opium to the modern pharmaceutical industry’s development of synthetic opioids. His narrative lays out how these substances interact with human biology, particularly through receptor sites analogous to insulin mechanisms, and why some individuals are more vulnerable due to endorphin deficiencies.
From a scientific standpoint, Gold provides insights that are accessible to general readers, demystifying how addiction forms and how policy gaps allowed for a commercial explosion of powerful drugs. At the same time, he critiques the cultural and economic systems that made the crisis worse. Through a mix of case examples and scientific discussion, Gold also emphasizes the impact of social isolation and the lack of community-based interventions in fueling substance misuse. His policy recommendations focus on strengthening federal legislation and placing the U.S. at the forefront of global drug trade elimination.
Reader reviews on Amazon highlight the book’s broad appeal and clarity. “We're Overdosed by Barry I. Gold is a clear and impactful look at the opioid epidemic by blending past context with present realities,” wrote Ash, one of the readers. “The thoughtful breakdown of policy, health and societal effects makes this an informative and timely read.”
Another reader, Michele, remarked: “What I appreciated most about We’re Overdosed is how it never felt preachy or overly technical. Barry Gold manages to explain the evolution of opioids and the pharmaceutical industry's role without losing the human side of the story... I dealt with this with my ex-husband and only wish I knew some of what is in here then.”
Jacob, another reviewer, shared: “The timeline of opioids unfolds here: a journey from the first uses of opium to the present-day emergency... I felt a surge of hope with the possible treatments suggested; it made me realize that progress is still possible.”
In the final chapters, Gold looks forward. He addresses new treatment possibilities, the potential of therapeutic communities, and structural reforms that could lead to lasting change. He encourages both public and private health systems to view addicts as patients—not criminals—and urges health awareness and a unified national effort akin to pandemic-level mobilization.
About the Author
Barry I. Gold is a retired pharmacologist whose professional path began in academic medicine and culminated in leading drug development teams at a European pharmaceutical firm. His writing has appeared in Woman’s Day, History Magazine, Parent.com, Ducts.org, and Short Story Contest Winners by Warren Adler. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a B.S. in zoology, Gold earned his Ph.D. in pharmacology from Boston University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale School of Medicine.
He resides in northern New Jersey, co-parenting with his teenage son. In addition to writing, he enjoys baking bread and woodworking. His lifelong interest in public health, science, and communication continues through his literary work.
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