The writer Carlyn Zwarenstein discusses her new book On Opium: Pain, Pleasure, and Other Matters of Substance (Goose Lane Editions, 2021), with Joseph Planta.

On Opium: Pain, Pleasure, and Other Matters of Substance by Carlyn Zwarenstein (Goose Lane Editions, 2021). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: On Opium

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

A new book this fall is latest from the writer Carlyn Zwarenstein, On Opium: Pain, Pleasure, and Other Matters of Substance. It’s a highly readable book about opioid use. Whether they’re used to cope with painful chronic conditions, or used recreationally, or depended upon because of addiction, North Americans are the world’s most prolific users of opioid painkillers. Ms. Zwarenstein, who joins me now, looks at figures in history and their own writing and experiences with opioids, like Thomas De Quincey and Frida Kahlo. She also discusses her own use of medicines to cope with a painful disease. Another fascinating and important part of the book is where she looks at the overdose crisis. I’ll ask her all about that and more, especially the way forward. Carlyn Zwarenstein’s writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Toronto Star, and Vice. A previous book is Opium Eater: The New Confessions. Her Twitter handle is @CarlynZwaren. This new book is published by Goose Lane Editions. We taped this interview on 30 August 2021. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Carlyn Zwarenstein; Ms. Zwarenstein, good morning.

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