In the past 15 years opioid drug use and overdoses has been on the rise. Opioid prescription painkillers such as morphine, fentaynl, and hydrocodone are being abused at alarming rates. Studies show patients that have a condition with chronic pain such as back injuries or herniated discs are very likely to be addicted to opioids. Mostly because its cheaper to prescribe pills than sending these people to physical therapy or doctors.Some states have gone as far as suing the pharmaceutical companies to stop these drugs from being readily available. The overdose numbers keep rising at such high rate that it maybe best to halt production of these drugs because their risks are outweighing the good.

Read more: One chart shows deep link between chronic back pain and opioid … – Business Insider