He Tried to Save a Friend. They Charged Him With Murder.

Warning: This episode contains descriptions of rape, sexual abuse and death.

As an epidemic of fentanyl use continues in America, causing tens of thousands of deaths each year, lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are holding one group increasingly responsible: drug users themselves.

Eli Saslow, a writer for The Times, tells the story of a man whose friendship ended in tragedy and a set of laws that say he is the one to blame.

Guest: Eli Saslow, a writer at large for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Two friends • bought $30 worth of fentanyl before making it into rehab. One overdosed. The other was charged in his death. • Harsh fentanyl laws • ignite a fierce debate. Critics say, the approach could undermine public health goals and advances in addiction treatment.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.