On our debut pilot, reporter Aaron Glantz uncovered how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been prescribing highly addictive pain medications at an alarming rate – even to patients who are known addicts.

Data we obtained shows how opiate prescriptions by the VA have skyrocketed between 2001 and 2012 – a 270 percent increase.

Since that report aired, we’ve already seen results. Glantz returns to the show to discuss congressional hearings held in the wake of our investigation and how lawmakers might address the spike in opiate prescriptions.

Dig Deeper

Are you a veteran with experience with prescription medication from the VA? We want to hear your story. Take a few minutes to share your experience with our reporters here.

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Jaena Rae Cabrera worked at The Center for Investigative Reporting until February, 2017. Jaena Rae Cabrera is a Web producer for Reveal. Prior to joining Reveal, Cabrera was Web producer for Renaissance Journalism, a San Francisco-based nonprofit specializing in training, technical assistance, consultation and grants to journalists for media innovations that strengthen communities. Cabrera received a master’s degree in library and information science from Syracuse University. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a bachelor's in journalism. Cabrera is based in Reveal's Emeryville, California, office.