A factor that might explain the increase in use was not mentioned in the article is the good efficacy of opioids against depression. A quick google search led to a short summary from last year. I have heard that from a few psychiatrist that found out that some people respond well to a low dose of Buprenorphine (Suboxone).

A quick look for depression map in the U.S. got me to this map from 2006/2008. The correlation is not perfect but I see some similarities to the one reported in the article. Would be interesting to see how an updated map looks like.

Just a thought...

The interesting thing is that if Trump declares the opioid epidemic a "national emergency", this will directly affect healthcare, and emergency funds will be allocated to address the problem...

... which is basically Medicaid, just without a capital "M".... the public, funding nationalized health care, for the poor and indigent who cannot afford it themselves.

I'm not sure how to feel about this. Trump is so far off the rails he's starting to come around the other side...

Weirdoland, people. We live in weirdoland.