You're reading Part 5 of The War on Recovery, a yearlong investigation into how the U.S. denies lifesaving medications to people with opioid addiction. Catch up on ...

In 12-step groups, addicts must acknowledge the powerlessness, unmanageability, and denial that have impacted them. This is known as the “first step” in the 12 steps. It’s vital for addicts to reach this point of desperation where they can no longer ...