U.S. NewsCrime

Actions

The Drug Epidemic That Ruled The '80s

The opioid epidemic has swept the country, and while it is devastating, it isn't anything new. The drug of choice back in the 1980s? Crack.
Posted at
and last updated

"The Day Ahead" is looking at the lasting impacts the crack epidemic had on the U.S. from the time it was first introduced in the 1980s. The drug was responsible for increasing court caseloads and prison populations — and crushing black communities.