Actually, most of the opioid epidemic is perfectly legal, as they are pharmaceutically-manufactured substitutes for the Opiates found in street drugs like heroi

Actually, most of the opioid epidemic is perfectly legal, as they are pharmaceutically-manufactured substitutes for the Opiates found in street drugs like heroin. Which brings up my secondary point, doctors don't prescribe tobacco nor alcohol. Nor do doctors receive incentives from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing tobacco and alcohol, but they do receive incentives for prescribing opioids. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/10/doj-billionaire-pharma-owner-fueled-the-opioid-epidemic-with-bribery-scheme/ https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/10/doj-billionaire-... That said, are you asserting that society's answer for someone out of control on Opiates is for the state to mandate Opioid use? The addicts I work with all tell me on no uncertain terms that kicking opioids is much harder than kicking opiates.