Is it possible to actually feel physically weighed down by guilt—even if it is guilt by association?

On Friday, TheWallStreetJournal reported that Hildene Capital Management’s hedge fund manager Brett Jefferson expelled the Sackler family money from the fund. The Sackler family is the owner of Purdue Pharma—the maker of OxyContin and accused of being largely responsible for the U.S. opioid epidemic. The New Yorker described the Sackler dynasty as ruthlessly marketing painkillers which generated billions of dollars—and millions of addicts.

Jefferson said that “an opioid-related tragedy affected someone with a personal relationship to me and other members of Hildene,” and that “the weight on my conscience led me to terminate the relationship.” Kudos to both Jefferson and Hildene! The opioid epidemic is real. Read Dopesick by Beth Macy, Author or Pain Killer by Barry Meier. 

And YES, guilt can weigh you down. I’m sure Jefferson feels a lot lighter now that he is no longer associated with the Sackler family. Check out the research below.

With Gratitude,
Beth