15. Fueling a Black Market
The massive influx of prescription opioids into communities created a surplus that fueled diversion and illicit sales. Pills intended for legitimate use were frequently resold or stolen, feeding a growing black market. As access to prescription opioids tightened, many users turned to heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. According to the CDC, this shift dramatically increased overdose deaths and intensified the nation’s opioid crisis.
