This article in the HBR is worth a read. It argues that doctors, companies, and socioeconomic forces have all played a role in promoting the opioid epidemic.

Source: To Combat the Opioid Epidemic, We Must Be Honest About All Its Causes

Whilst, other countries have problems with opioids, the scale of the US opioid epidemic dwarfs their impact in other countries.

American politics is very divisive, supporting societies winners but the social nets for the less advantaged have been ineffective, especially compared to other advanced countries.

Clearly, opioids are destroying large parts of US society. Sadly, conservative politicians are often more focused on destroying Obamacare, rather than supporting an effective strategy for dealing with the opioid epidemic.

The HBR is right to say that doctors, companies, and socioeconomic forces have all played a role in promoting the opioid epidemic. But the major roadblock is now with the political classes.

Thoughts?