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But recent analysis of CDC data indicates that the increased overdose rate is due to illicit drugs.

From what I’ve seen there’s been a notable rise in people getting opiods initially be prescription, getting hooked, and then using illegally. More people doing it that way, makes more demand, more supply, and more tolerance.

But you’re right, a lot is probably related to suicide (some certainly is). I suspect more is just related to a greater supply-chain making it more available.

Regardless, unless the drug companies are selling off-book, I don’t see that this is their responsibility.

The question of addiction is really up for debate here. The new category is opioid use disorder which is not the same as addiction. Use disorder involves some type of noncompliance and in some cases it could represent under treatment (what was known as pseudo addiction) or use of opiates for a non indicated use such as anxiety. Addiction means that the user gets a high that creates a dysfunctional need to obtain more medication. Typically, we see this develop as a result of genetic predispositon or environmental factors that are manifested in the person by the time they are in their 20s.

So, the people getting hooked are usually less than 30. They are also the ones that have had the greatest increase in overdoses. Middle age overdoses have risen somewhat per the past 10 years, but OD for those over 51 are flat.

Those that say “anyone can become addicted” are not really looking at the data. People generally don’t become addicted at older ages. When people take medications for pain, it gives them some analgesia and sedation in most circumstances, not a high.