It's a shame that this journalist, trying to make a name for themselves, feels it's perfectly OK to manipulate the numbers so that it sounds like it's worse than it is. When people read this dramatic account, who don't bother examining the numbers get it in their heads that "something must be done!" it's the people who are in chronic pain that suffer.

Also, since this is coal country, I assume black lung plays a big part in the need for these scripts.

As an aside, I have a family member who had a horrific injury who is on a pain killer script. This person isn't allowed to take an extra pill on days when the pain is worse than normal because the DEA is cracking down so hard on this, her doctor is afraid to subscribe over the government imposed "limit." Pretty sad. Her doctor even suggested she go to a pain clinic because he is concerned about getting heat for total subscriptions.

Didn't we learn anything from the immensely stupid and still ongoing drug war? Fk this journalist.