[mvpel]

In the days prior to prescription pain medication, people who had herniated disks and constat pain akin to a red-hot poker being twisted around in their backs went down to the local general store and bought some off-the-shelf opium, or laid in bed writhing in pain while their spouse or neighbor got the opium for them.

There were no drug prohibitions until the early 20th century.

[Dane]

In the days prior to prescription pain medication, people who had herniated disks and constat pain akin to a red-hot poker being twisted around in their backs went down to the local general store and bought some off-the-shelf opium, or laid in bed writhing in pain while their spouse or neighbor got the opium for them.

There were no drug prohibitions until the early 20th century

Typical cookie cutter Libertarian answer. Do a google search with the words "the opium wars" and read about the devastation opium did to 19th century China.

But you probably won't. You got that all important Libertarian agenda to promote.

[I still care]

Either that or they just died young.

[A. Pole]

In the days prior to prescription pain medication, people who had herniated disks and constat pain akin to a red-hot poker being twisted around in their backs went down to the local general store and bought some off-the-shelf opium, or laid in bed writhing in pain while their spouse or neighbor got the opium for them. There were no drug prohibitions until the early 20th century.

And some were addicted or using opium as a recreational drug. No big deal.