Reading your comment, it's apparent you have little information about addiction. If opiates are not available they don't "substitute" alcohol or a "readily available solution until something so bad happens to them that they put aside the addictions." If a prescription for opiates can not be obtained then fentanyl or heroin will be bought off the street. Hitting rock bottom for an opiate addict (as well as an alcoholic) can be the grave.

I worked as an RN in detox and rehab for 20+ years and addiction is a life-destroying illness. Once hooked -- particularly on opiates -- it's very difficult to overcome the cravings for the drug.