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Wyden Seeks New Approach To Opioid Fight

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is calling for a new approach to dealing with the growing problem of opioid addiction.  Wyden spoke Tuesday as a hearing on the subject began in the Senate Finance Committee he serves on.  The Oregon Democrat said the current approach falls into two camps:  either tough enforcement to crack down on pill mills, fraudulent billing of Medicaid and Medicare, and doctor shopping, or focusing on social services.  Wyden said opioids are carving a path of destruction through communities all across the country, noting Oregon ranks fourth worst for abuse and misuse of opioids in the country.