For those interested in this topic and how the opiate epidemic has stretched across the US, read Dreamland by Sam Quinones (https://www.amazon.com/Dreamland-Tru

For those interested in this topic and how the opiate epidemic has stretched across the US, read Dreamland by Sam Quinones (https://www.amazon.com/Dreamland-True-Americas-Opiate-Epidemic/dp/1620402521 https://www.amazon.com/Dreamland-True-Americas-Opiate-Epidem...) There are a multitude of reasons to explain how this happened but to quickly sum up an excellent book: - Purdue created the whole "sell-direct-to-doctor" phenomena that is now the norm in the US medical profession - One bad study that showed opiates for pain relief are NOT addictive and this study kept being cited by sales people - Mexican drug dealers from a very tiny area in Mexico importing black tar heroin - A prevailing idea in the US that people should never be in pain and managing it through lifestyle changes is not acceptable; a quick fix is needed - economic depression in the Midwest and Appalachia regions But really, read the book. It's eye opening and well written.