Prescription opioid epidemic continues to affect Americans

 Posted on January 03, 2017 in Criminal Defense

It seems that every time you read the news, there is yet another story about the epidemic level of opioid addiction that is currently plaguing the nation. A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control revealed that in 2015, over 52,000 people died of drug overdoses. While many of these deaths were attributed to synthetic opioids and heroin, it was prescription painkillers that caused the bulk of the damage.

But what is behind this seemingly unstoppable trend of opioid abuse and addiction? Well, experts offer opinions that implicate a variety of contributing factors, among which are the pharmaceutical companies who market the drugs. According to one former assistant U.S. attorney, members of big pharma may claim in their mission statements to be acting to promote world health, but their actions betray a greater interest in profits.

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of prescriptions written for patients, and as a result, the drugs have become more readily available. But it is not just prescription drugs that are the problem. A toxicology specialist says the prescription opioid boom has led to more people using heroin as well.

Under the right set of circumstances, anyone can succumb to drug addiction. And unless there is a drastic change in the way pharmaceutical opioids are marketed and prescribed, it is a sure bet that this problem will continue.

If you are struggling with an addiction and have been arrested for possession of illegal drugs, be they prescription or otherwise, you need help, not prison time. An experienced criminal defense attorney can act as your representative in an effort to get you treatment for your problem rather than incarceration.