Final answer:
The highest written prescriptions in the US in 2017 were associated with the opioid epidemic, evidenced by the sharp rise in prescriptions that contributed to widespread opioid misuse and addiction, leading to increased overdose deaths.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked about the highest written prescriptions in the US in 2017. It has been documented that the opioid epidemic has manifested across various demographic segments in the US, largely owing to a significant uptick in the medical use of prescription painkillers. In the earlier decades leading up to 2011, there was nearly a threefold increase in opioid prescriptions, from 76 million to 219 million. This surge has closely correlated with the rising rates of opioid addiction and subsequent transition of many individuals to cheaper alternatives like heroin. Additionally, opioid prescriptions like Oxycodone, Vicodin, and methadone were identified as commonly misused, leading to increased drug overdose rates.
It's also noted that during this period, efforts to crack down on pill mills and reformulating drugs like Oxycodone to be less addictive led to a scarcity and price increase of prescription pain pills. This pushed those addicted to opioids to seek out more affordable, yet more dangerous options, including heroin and synthetic opioids like Fentanyl. These changes have dramatically affected overdose rates, which climbed to over 21 per 100,000 by 2017.