Killing an average 100 people a day, the opioid overdose crisis in America is out of control. As the tide of deaths continues to rise, lawmakers across the country are demanding drug companies bear the brunt of responsibility for possibly creating the epidemic in the first place.
In an article reported by the Washington Times, new proposed laws in 15 states will make drug manufacturers pay for drug addiction prevention and treatment programs. The bills, all of which are widely supported by both Democrats and Republicans, will attach new taxes and other fees to prescription painkillers.
Most health experts contend the opioid overdose crisis started in the 1990s with the overprescribing of addictive painkillers and the overzealous marketing tactics of companies that make these drugs. Montana Senator Roger Webb believes these new laws will make the manufacturers directly accountable for a widespread health catastrophe that now kills over 40,000 people annually.
“You’re creating the problem,” said Sen. Webb. “You’re going to fix it.”
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