Question

How did the opioid crisis begin?
Responses

By an increase in the use of illegal street drugs
By an increase in the use of illegal street drugs

By an increase of drug diversion
By an increase of drug diversion

Improved knowledge about opioids from the health departments
Improved knowledge about opioids from the health departments

Pharmaceutical companies said that people would not become addicted to opioids

Answer 1

The opioid crisis began significantly due to the actions of pharmaceutical companies that promoted opioids as safe and non-addictive for pain management. This led to widespread prescribing of opioid medications, which contributed to increased rates of addiction and overdose as many individuals developed dependence on these drugs. While illegal street drugs and drug diversion also play a role in the crisis, the initial push by pharmaceutical companies claiming that people would not become addicted to opioids is often cited as a primary factor in the epidemic's onset.