Final answer:
The major issue facing physicians today is not that patients are undermedicated with opioids; rather, it is the over-prescription and resulting addiction crisis that is of concern. The epidemic has resulted from the false belief that opioids were non-addictive, leading to their overuse and higher rates of misuse. This has led to an ongoing public health crisis characterized by addiction, overdoses, and illegal activity related to opioid distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "One of the major issues facing physicians today is that patients are not taking enough prescription opioids to manage their pain" is false. The actual crisis stems from the over-prescription and addiction to opioids that originated in the 1990s. Massive marketing by pharmaceutical companies claimed erroneously that these powerful drugs were non-addictive, which led to widespread misuse and addiction. This addiction could take hold in less than a week, even when the drugs were used as prescribed. As opioid medications became scarce due to regulatory actions the street price rose driving those addicted towards cheaper and more lethal alternatives like heroin and fentanyl.
The opioid epidemic affects diverse demographic groups and is linked to a substantial increase in medical prescriptions for painkillers. By 2011 the number of prescriptions soared to 219 million from 76 million in 1991. Those who became addicted to opioids often transitioned to heroin, with roughly 80% of new users having a history of misusing prescription painkillers. The crisis also fueled illegal activities such as the proliferation of pill mills notably in Florida where a large elderly population with chronic pain obscured the rampant over-prescribing practices catering to drug traffickers. This has led to significant health risks, overdose deaths and a more vigilant approach to prescribing opioids emphasizing the need for careful doctor supervision.