I don't see how this is a middle class failure issue. We should prescribe less opiates, full stop. Without over prescription this issue would not exist.
People with long term pain need rapid access to pain management clinics. They often need to detox off the not-working opioids they were previously prescribed. Then they need to start running through the other alternative.
> What's better than opioids?
That depends on the condition. An answer was already given here:https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10285321
In general people with chronic pain need access to pain management clinics; physical rehab; and a range of medication - including if needed opioids.