It's a very good question. It's an issue affecting first world countries. It does not happen in second or third world countries.
I completely agree with your reflection and comment that it's related to availability. As medications have become more available and physicians have become more comfortable with prescribing medications, specifically opioids, this increased availability has led to some harm. Yes, people with chronic pain have probably benefited, and many other people have, but there have also been some consequences as a result of that increased availability.
As you've seen from the discussion we've had, it's very difficult to draw a line between misuse and abuse. It's difficult to even collect data that might be relevant across the country.
I agree with you. I think the increased availability and access to medications has fuelled some of the trends that we're seeing right now.