Yes, opiates can ruin lives. That is not the trump card you want it to be, sorry.<p>If anything, the pushback against opiate prescribing has resulted in a lot of dependent patients (and addicted abusers) looking at <i>heroin</i> as a more potent, widely available, cheaper alternative.<p>opiates have been around a long time for a good reason. they can give an unrivaled increase in the quality of life of those suffering.<p>there will <i>ALWAYS</i> be opiate abuse. taking prescription painkillers out of the picture doesn&#x27;t even put a dent into it.<p>do you think it makes more sense to spend time and money demonizing prescription opiates and prosecuting those who prescribe them, or use that time and money to implement programs and services that can help those who have become dependent or addicted?