US medical groups join to fight prescription painkiller abuse

Led by the American Medical Association, a group of 27 major U.S. medical organizations are banding together to tackle the continuing epidemic of narcotic painkiller abuse. "We have joined together as part of this special Task Force because we collectively believe that it is our responsibility to work together to provide a clear road map that will help bring an end to this public health epidemic," AMA Board Chair-Elect Dr. Patrice Harris said in an AMA news release released Wednesday. The AMA notes that the abuse of powerful narcotic painkillers -- drugs such as Oxycontin and Vicodin -- has become a public health crisis in the United States, with 44 people dying each day from overdoses and many more becoming addicted.