Doctors did fine prescribing opioids in the 70s and 80s. They're not the cause of this epidemic.
Americans are misserable on so many levels. I believe most people who really liked opiates, are also very depressed.
Life in America, since the 80'-90's has been not great for many of us.
I'm not suprised people liked a drug that lifted the depression, and completely took away the anxiety.