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From the CDC =>

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Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, and so have sales of these prescription drugs. From 1999 to 2014, more than 165,000 people have died in the U.S. from overdoses related to prescription opioids.

Opioid prescribing continues to fuel the epidemic. Today, at least half of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid. In 2014, more than 14,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioids.

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/index.html

What they do not quantify, primarily because it is impossible to do so, is the number of overdoses that were administered with intent to commit suicide vs. accidental over dosage. It does after all provide a usually reliable, fast and painless way for one to get a rather immediate solution to perceived and real problems. In reality they may just be transferring their problems to a different location.

In addition the method of introduction into the system may cause a person to overdose. If a person is used to taking something orally and decide to inject it straight into their system is yet another cause for overdosing. While taking 3 tablets orally may have not caused a person a problem it may be more than their body can handle when that same quantity is taken intravenously.

If a person normally obtains illegal substances that have been heavily stepped on, get hold of a supply that is purer and thus greater in strength, and are unaware of that fact, their usual quantity taken proves to be a fatal dosage.

I am certainly not advocating illegal usage, I am just arguing where the real problems lie. For someone who requires prescription opioids for pain management and use them strictly as prescribed the issue of over dosage is less likely to arise. When they decide to increase that usage on their own, usually as the result of their bodies becoming more resistant and the effectiveness in controlling their pain becomes diminished, then they increase their chances of overdosing. Instead they need to communicate that to their doctor to see what alternatives may be employed.

The fact is people rely too much on substances to make their life either more tolerable or more enjoyable. The problem is lack of control by those taking both legal or illegal drugs. Should we penalize those who legitimately have a need because of those who imbibe illegally? In many ways it is akin to the gun issue, should law-abiding citizens be penalized because of the actions of law breakers?

The real culprit here has been the replacement of religions that advocated personal responsibility, with increased governmental control. This has been the single most destructive aspect to this country and her people. The problems we are experiencing in every aspect of life are directly related to that fact. Until we come to accept that reality, we will only continue to degenerate into the depths of hell.