The opiod epidemic wouldn't be nearly as bad if addicts could just go down to the pharmacy and get their shit. Almost all of the death, crime, etc. Results from the socioeconomic issues stemming from illegality. Prices are insane so people have to commit crime and sacrifice everything else in their lives to stay well on top of the fact that all the dope now even the pills (tons of fakes) is filled with crazy fent analgoes that can drop a tolerant user dead.
Unlike methamphetamine etc. Opiods are largely non toxic and don't really impair day to day function. People at methadone clinics can hop in their cars after and go about their day. The fatal respiratory depression is easily avoided by tolerant users who would actually seek out these treatments. Opiods are most dangerous to people who have no experience with then and decide to pop a pill when drunk and never wake up