What Will It Take to Fix the Opioid Epidemic?

The opioid epidemic in America is running rampant, claiming thousands of lives each year, while also impacting millions of people. Individuals, families, friends; there are so many people who can be harmed as a result of opioid use.

We know the problem. We know the cause. But do we know the solution?

It’s an unfortunate situation that must be addressed. Part of the problem is determining who is at fault. After all, individuals mostly start taking opioids per doctor’s prescription to help relieve pain. Are individuals forced to take the medications and who can be held accountable?

Some parties who may play a role in the opioid epidemic are pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. These companies are focused on their own profits rather than the effects that their drugs have on the users. As such, they should be held accountable in some capacity.

What Must Be Done

When it comes to opioid addiction and overdose, one key word must be adopted: accountability. This is across the board for a number of reasons. For individuals who are affected by the opioid epidemic, there must be a goal of recovery. Family members can help users with strong support.

Big pharmaceutical companies should also be held accountable. It is their prescription medications that cause problems. It is their drugs that cause addiction. They should be forced to take some accountability in this epidemic. To help fix the opioid epidemic, things must change and standards must be set in big pharmaceutical.

How You Can Help

If you’re someone who has a family member that is addicted to opioids, you can help on an individual scale. You can be the support they need to help overcome addiction. Talk with your loved one, get them into a treatment center, and get them focused on recovery.

For legal professionals, you can help your municipalities take action against big pharmaceutical companies. You can take a step in the right direction and force these companies to be held accountable.

At The Ferraro Law Firm, our Florida opioid attorneys are taking on the epidemic in South Florida. We’re representing Palm Beach County in a lawsuit against 29 big pharmaceutical companies. The objective: improve our communities and protect our people from the opioid epidemic.