[noahdesu]

It would seem to be the case, but I certainly don't have any numbers. I've only started reading the book Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari, but it starts out by describing the scene in the US and around the world in the early 20th century when drugs were legal to buy, and even after initial prohibition, when doctors would prescribe opiates to addicts. The picture that is painted by the book seems to suggest that addicts were allowed access and it was athen small minority of this group that couldn't hold down jobs and raise families.