A multi-front approach is needed.
On the supply front: pressure Mexico, China, and other countries to curtail the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S.; establish better detection at our border; stop drug companies from promoting opioids to physicians; make it easier for law enforcement to shut down “drug mills” that fill obviously false prescriptions; and establish a federal database to identify multiple prescribers and abusers across state lines.
On the demand front: provide counseling and treatment for those who want to escape drug addictions; and assure that first responders are equipped with necessary medications to prevent overdose deaths.