This chapter introduces the central argument of the book: that drug epidemics in the United States have been framed and responded to differently based on race, geography, and media representation. Focusing on the Heroin Epidemic of the 1970s and the Opioid Crisis of the 2010s, it explores how racialized media narratives shaped public perception and policy responses—casting Black and Latino users as criminals while framing White users as victims. Drawing on framing theory and critical race theory, the chapter outlines the methodological approach used in the book, including content and discourse analysis of six major U.S. newspapers. The introduction underscores the real-world consequences of media framing, showing how journalistic choices influence not only public attitudes but also criminal justice and public health policies. Through this comparative lens, the chapter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how race, representation, and policy intersect in America’s response to drug addiction.