CNN’s “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper” tackles the opioid crisis head-on this Sunday with “Fentanyl in America: A Way Out,” a deep dive into a national tragedy. Correspondent Erica Bolduan has spent over two years on this immersive report, going beyond the headlines to explore the human cost of addiction.
Bolduan’s journey takes her to the front lines of the crisis, riding along with the first emergency medical service to administer buprenorphine, a medication designed to ease fentanyl withdrawal and encourage engagement with long-term addiction treatment. She visits methadone clinics, where patients rely on daily doses to manage their dependence. And, most importantly, she sits down with the people whose lives have been upended by fentanyl: those battling addiction, their families grappling with the fallout, and even the dealers who profit from the despair.
The episode brings home the harsh realities of illicit fentanyl, showing the devastating grip it has on communities across America. But amidst the heartbreak, Bolduan’s reporting also highlights a glimmer of hope, focusing on innovative treatment programs and the individuals fighting to find a way out.
“Fentanyl in America: A Way Out” airs Sunday, March 30th at 8:00 PM ET on CNN.