The stories detail the opioid epidemic plaguing Oregon, which has the highest rate of nonmedical prescription drug use in the country. The problem stemmed from well-intended doctors’ efforts to treat pain. Unfortunately, pills such as Oxycodone are highly addictive and don’t work effectively on chronic pain. Many addicts have switched to heroin, which is cheaper and easier to obtain. The health system, police, medical community and treatment programs are making inroads, but they are a long way from getting on top of the problem. Meanwhile, there are 100 million opioid tabs in circulation and 150 heroin-related deaths a year in Oregon.
