DETROIT – Michigan communities are joining together to tackle the nation's opioid epidemic.
In their sights are the companies behind pain pills. History has shown abuse of pain pills has led to abuse of drugs such as heroin.
A federal lawsuit demands pharmaceutical manufacturers be held responsible for such abuse and addiction. The lawsuit alleges racketeering, aggressive over-promotion, fraudulent claims and reckless production.
About 175 Americans die every day from opioid use. About 75 percent of opioid abusers began their addiction through prescription opioids since the 2000s. Those statistics are according to Macomb County officials. The county is part of nine other Michigan municipalities -- including Detroit and Lansing -- backing this lawsuit.
"In addition to the tragic loss of life, counties and cities across Michigan have sustained significant costs for providing additional medical care, rehabilitation and treatment for those suffering addiction, dependence, overdose and death; increased law enforcement and public safety personnel; and treatment, care or foster placement for minors suffering from parental addictions," a statement from the group reads.
Wayne and Oakland counties filed a similar lawsuit going after pharmaceutical companies for marketing practices.