Damn doctors! Everybody knows that for many heroin and opioid abusers, addiction started with opioid prescriptions from doctors.   Everybody, that is, except the actual opioid abusers!

It is true that prescription opioid abuse it a great problem in itself and may lead to heroin use. It is also true that some doctors over prescribe opioids.  However, the majority of opioid abusers do not have a prescription for opioids!  It's not their prescription! It's their fault!

It's quite convenient  to attribute the current opioid crises to "MD's Gone Wild'.  It's even been termed, "opioid epidemic".   

I agree with this terminology if we mean, "Affecting many individuals throughout an area at the same time." or " A rapid spread, growth,  or development".

I do not agree if we term the opioid epidemic as, "A rapidly spreading outbreak of a contagious disease".  To do so alleviates the substance abuser of all responsibility, portraying them as victims and releasing them from total responsibility to confront their actions and enact pro-social changes.

O.K. then, how did this opioid crisis develop? Answer: In the usual way. It's just that now, with the Fentanyl-laced heroin, people are using real "bullets".

In the vast majority of cases of opioid/heroin abuse I've dealt with over the past 25 years,  an individual begins their devolution with alcohol and/or marijuana.  They alter their state,  i.e. change their experience of reality for a variety of reasons.

It isn't long before they are socially seduced to experiment with other substances. Enter the pills, usually diverted Perc  30's.  Note: Their first taste of opioids is not their overprescribed medication. Nor is it the sharing of someone else's legal prescription.

Now, the user is faced with a dilemma. Pills cost real money. Either one steals to maintain one's habit or deal opioids for a discount- anything to avoid dope sickness.

Another option is always on the table - heroin. Cheap and by all accounts, more satisfying.

"Enter the Dragon!" Today's Fentanyl- laced heroin is much more potent and, in many instances, not heroin at all but pure Fentanyl. Real bullets!

The overwhelming number of opioid abusers develop their habit the usual way -  incremental use via social seduction.

Don’t fear the opiate "epidemic". Just realize that opiate misuse is endemic among those who chose to do so.

(P.S) That’s me on the right!