AL Task Force Launches Drug Campaign

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama has one of the highest rates of prescription drug abuse and a state task force is attempting to do something about it.

The Alabama Drug Abuse Task Force on Monday announced the “Zero Addiction” campaign with a website and radio and television ads.

Gov. Robert Bentley, a dermatologist, says they hope to educate people about the dangers of abusing the painkillers and other medicines.

The television and radio spots will begin airing in the next two weeks. A website lists treatment facilities and options in each Alabama county.

Task Force Chairman Barry Matson says they hope to spark honest conversations in families.

Drug Enforcement Agency data shows Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana were among the top 11 states for prescribing hydrocodone in 2014.