>That prescription opioids are significantly reduced, yet the death rate continues to climb indicates the focus on the current solution is in the wrong place.

False. There has only been a minor reduction in sales. https://www.fda.gov/media/111695/download

Also, it just means those easy pain pill scripts are drying up, and people are turning to black market alternatives. It's cheaper and easier to import fentanyl from PRC and press it. Also leads to dosing errors (overwhelming cause of deaths).