The US faces an increasing opioid epidemic -- has Obamacare been a contributing factor?

"Snowfall" is the latest FX series set in 1983 Los Angeles that sheds light on the beginning of the opioid epidemic currently plaguing the U.S. Opioids include heroin, morphine, and prescription painkillers, and according to the US government, “between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States…”

Los Angeles is the birthplace of the crack and cocaine epidemic that has gripped American families for decades.

A national conversation is being had concerning what policies should be put forth to fight the opioid epidemic and whether cuts in Obamacare will help raise or lower the number of lives lost each year to substance abuse. Republican Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.) and Rob Portman (Ohio) argue that $2 billion allocated toward the opioid epidemic is simply not enough. They believe a $45 billion budget is needed for combating this widespread disease.

This morning on “Pat & Stu,” the guys examine the racial implications "Snowfall" exhibits in the current political climate in the U.S. in regards to health care and whether increased access to prescription drug coverage, thanks in part to Obamacare, is perpetuating the opioid epidemic.

To see more from Pat & Stu, visit their channel onTheBlaze and listen live to “Pat & Stu” with Pat Gray, Stu Burguiere and Jeffy Fisher weekdays 5–7 p.m. ET, only on TheBlaze Radio Network.