Edly-Allen Legislation Aims to Reduce Risk of Opioid Addiction, Increase Awareness of Prescription Drug Risks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To increase awareness of the dangers of opioid addiction and drug dependency, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, introduced legislation to require addiction and overdose warning labels to be placed on prescription opioid medications.

“Many drug addictions start as a legitimate prescription for painkillers like oxycodone or codeine,” said Edly-Allen. “What starts out as a routine remedy for an injury or illness can quickly morph into an addiction to prescription medication or other opioids like heroin. Increased public awareness on addiction is helping people to understand the risks associated with prescription painkillers, but we need to do more to prevent addiction before it starts.”

Edly-Allen introduced House Bill 4785 to require warning labels on opioid medication. Edly-Allen’s legislation also ensures that patients with these prescriptions receive a pamphlet with additional guidance on associated risks of opioid use and ways to mitigate them.

“Opioid dependency and drug use is on the rise, and there is always more we can do to help people struggling with addiction or at risk of becoming addicted,” Edly-Allen added. “That’s why I’m committed to working on commonsense legislation like that, and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to invest resources into mental health, addition prevention and treatment to help the many families watching a loved one struggle with addiction.”