Drug overdose deaths rose 14% between 2013 and 2014, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
MDHHS Public Information Officer Jennifer Eisner says a state task force is looking at ways to prevent the problem, as well as increase access to treatment.
"We are looking at ways to reduce doctor shopping and pharmacy shopping," says Eisner, "as well as how to expand access to access to Naloxone (a drug used to treat addicts), increasing access to care and increasing the number of addiction specialists that there are in the state."
Eisner says the state is also trying to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for addiction. She says no geographic area or demographic is unaffected by the trend.
