You have it backwards. The opioid epidemic promotes heroin usage, because some people find it difficult to get access to prescription opioids, especially after

You have it backwards. The opioid epidemic promotes heroin usage, because some people find it difficult to get access to prescription opioids, especially after the addiction ruins their access to normal jobs. The path is prescription opioids > addiction > any source of opioid. At least amongst the addicts I've met. A streetwalker once told me that her dream job was selling cosmetics in a mall. She fantasized about that life. Another was a former RN, until a car accident got her addicted to opioids; she owned a mattress and a change of clothes and a crack pipe.