PAST EFFORTS

Looking at the opioid crisis’ history lends a hand in helping understand how we have gotten into our current situation, and what actions should be taken to remedy the situation. The past provides clues for the future, and through a thorough examination of what actions have improved and worsened the situation, we can understand what steps should be taken forward.
In the past, other major government organizations have made steps to try to handle the crisis. For example, the CDC published a comprehensive report on when health practitioners should be prescribing opioids. Additionally, laws have been put in place to restrict how and when opioids can be prescribed. No longer are opioids allowed to be prescribed over the phone, but must be done in person. Furthermore, physicians must have a DEA given number on any prescription for opioids.  
However, despite these government efforts, the rate of opioid linked deaths is still rising. This can mainly be contributed to the fact that the government is truly not in charge when it comes to prescribing medicine to patients; doctors are. Unfortunately, for multiple reasons doctors are still incentivised to prescribe opioids. The pharmaceutical companies are still encouraging high rates of prescription (as that’s how they make their money). Additionally, doctors in low income areas with a high population density are encouraged to get as many patients through as possible to increase profits. A patient is easy to get rid of if their pain  is treated by an opioid on the first visit; it takes care of almost all pain so there will be no follow up visit or patient complaints. Truly, there is little the government can do if the medical industry is not making steps on its own.