The DOJ and their police state agencies are responsible for the increased drug ODs. Opioid prescriptions are way down from their peak. By focusing on easy convictions against those prescribing opioids for pain, the illicit market has flourished. Illegal drugs are always more dangerous.
https://www.acsh.org/news/2019/10/07/analyzing-opioid-crisis-65-articles-dr-josh-bloom-14308
“In 2019, a total of 70,630 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States; approximately one half involved synthetic opioids. From 2013 to 2019, the age-adjusted synthetic opioid death rate increased sharply by 1,040%, from 1.0 to 11.4. Death rates involving prescription opioids and heroin increased in the presence of synthetic opioids (from 0.3 to 1.8 and from 0.1 to 2.7, respectively), but not in their absence.
Christine L. Mattson, PhD, et. al., MMWR Weekly / February 12, 2021 / 70(6);202–207”
“New data from the CDC shows a 57% increase in drug overdose deaths between 2013-19, the time during which the war on prescription opioids was arguably at its apex. A colossal failure by any measure.”
* Illicit fentanyl - 1040% (11-fold)
* Stimulants (mostly methamphetamine) - 317% (4-fold)
* Cocaine - 2.06% (3-fold)
* Heroin - 63%
* Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone - decreased by 4.2%. Let’s call that unchanged.
Who's easier to take on: the cartels, or doctors and pharmacists? Featherbedding by government Drug Warriors.