I've heard this story before and it's amazing this doesn't get more press, but I guess that's pharma's money paying to keep it hush.

That's why it's important to seek out news rather than have it fed to you. And places like steemit are a great forum.
Thanks for posting it here, I will upvote and resteem

If you are interested interested this is where I first heard if this issue

http://smartdrugsmarts.com/episodes/episode-180-opiates/

They also mention in this podcast how Parma would basic bully physicians into prescribing , saying they would not be acting in the interest of thier patients if they are not treating their patients pain, and suggesting their licence to practice could be at jeopardy.