Final answer:
True, hydrocodone and oxycodone are the most popular prescription opioids, often prescribed for severe pain and have a high potential for abuse, leading to closer regulatory scrutiny.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that hydrocodone and oxycodone are the most popular prescription opioids is true. These medications are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain management. Oxycodone is found in drugs like OxyContin, and hydrocodone is commonly combined with acetaminophen in medications such as Vicodin. Both of these have been under more stringent regulation due to their high abuse potential.
In recent years, challenges associated with the misuse and abuse of these opioids have led to increased street prices and the proliferation of illegal alternatives, like heroin and fentanyl, which have contributed to a significant rise in drug overdose deaths. Consequently, efforts to reformulate these prescription drugs and regulate their distribution have been implemented to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.
The opioid crisis was exacerbated due to aggressive marketing in the 1990s, which led to an increase in prescriptions and subsequent addiction rates, even among patients who initially used the drugs for legitimate pain relief. The physiological risks of opioid addiction can occur in a short timeframe, which has had dire consequences on public health.