In 2018, a wave of modern opioid litigation emerged as major lawsuits were filed against pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid crisis. These legal actions exposed unethical marketing practices and the devastating impact of addiction on communities. This cultural reckoning has sparked a broader conversation about public health, corporate responsibility, and the need for comprehensive solutions to address substance abuse.

Modern opioid litigation and cultural reckoning in 2018 inspired documentary-style poetry and essays addressing corporate greed and public health. Poets like Ocean Vuong have used their platforms to shed light on the personal and societal impacts of addiction, fostering empathy and awareness.