The US Opioid Crisis

[BmorePat87]

(08-09-2017, 10:04 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: What do you see as the "root cause"?  Why are so many people willing to throw away life in search of a high?

Two major root causes I see:

1. first using prescription opioids 

2. Not having any opportunities


The numbers suggest most addicts in the last few decades started off with prescription opioids. Whether it's finding a better solution (medical marijuana) or providing better access to treatment for those who get addicted to the legal stuff, this will require more than just saying "heroin is bad, kids". 

Most people are willing to throw their life away in search of a high when there's not much they're throwing away. Areas with high rates of problems tend to be blue collar or poor areas where education and good paying jobs aren't as accessible.