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Snyder Forms Commission To Fight Painkiller, Opioid Abuse

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder is creating a state commission to tackle the prescription drug and opioid abuse epidemic.

The Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Commission, formed Thursday through an executive order, was recommended by a task force in 2015.

"Prescription drug and opioid abuse is a very serious issue impacting people in communities all across our state," Snyder said in media release out Thursday. "We need to take action to address this epidemic before addiction takes its toll on more innocent people."

Chaired by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, the task force examined recent trends, evaluated strategic options and developed the statewide action plan. The creation of this commission was a recommendation of the task force.

"With prescription drug and opioid addiction on the rise in Michigan, it's essential that we work together to prevent drug-related deaths and protect the health and safety of Michiganders," Calley said.

The 17-member commission — including state and independent health experts — will monitor prescription drug and opioid abuse and make recommendations to the governor.

Opoids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects.  Medications that fall within this class include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), morphine (Kadian, Avinza), codeine and related drugs.

The full text of Executive Order 2016-15 is available here.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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