Opioid Crisis: Doctor Reveals Shocking Truth Behind the US Tragedy

The US is grappling with a severe opioid crisis, according to Dr. Sarah Wakeman, a senior medical doctor. The crisis, she explains, is rooted in a combination of factors, including a lack of social connection and a significant change in how opioid painkillers were prescribed. "The drivers are largely a lot of what we've talked about: lack of connection, lack of family support, and meaning," Dr. Wakeman states in a recent video interview. Overprescription for relatively minor conditions, coupled with a narrative suggesting the drugs were 'totally safe,' led to a massive rise in non-medical use and subsequent addiction. Dr. Wakeman emphasizes that while there are cases of individuals developing addiction despite proper prescription use, more commonly, people received excessive amounts of medication for minor ailments. This resulted in widespread availability and experimentation, fueling the crisis. The situation worsened in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as the doctor points out. The consequences of this crisis are devastating, but by understanding its root causes, we can work toward effective solutions.