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Opioid-limiting law hurts mother, daughter living with daily chronic pain

The new law prevents pharmacies from issuing large prescriptions for pain killers, but while the spirit of the measure is to limit Florida's opioid abuse, chronic sufferers say it makes it harder for them to get the medication they need to live their daily lives.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - One mother and her daughter live with daily chronic pain.

But a new state law removes the easy access they had to pain medication they say is desperately needed.

"They go after bad guys and all they're hurting is good people who are truly suffering from these life changing painful situations," the mother said.

The two women did not want to be identified but say they have nowhere else to turn due to abusers.

Good intentions

State lawmakers, with Gov. Rick Scott's support, passed House Bill 21, which prevents pharmacies from issuing large prescriptions for pain killers.

State Sen. Darryl Rouson (D - Hillsborough) said the bill was designed to implement strict regulations like the prescription data monitoring program.

MORE: Opioid epidemic: New laws restricting prescriptions go into effect in three states

"The legislature is compassionate, and it understands people need to get relief from pain," he said. "The idea was to stop the flow of these pills into the marketplace in the hopes of cutting addiction.”

Nearly half of all nationwide opioid deaths in 2016 were from prescriptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That adds up to more than 46 people a day.

Running out of options

Despite the intent, the mother and daughter say lawmakers could’ve done more.

“I believe the whole government could have found another way just by doing research on people who suffer from chronic pain,” the mother said.

Some pharmacists have questioned, and even refused their prescriptions, even before the new law was enacted, the pair said.

MORE: Why chronic sufferers say new opioid law will do more harm than good

Sen. Rouson says that is wrong.

“Pharmacists don't prescribe, pharmacies should carry out prescriptions of the doctor without question,” he said.

MORE: Seniors choosing cannabis over opioids for pain

Both women say medicinal marijuana is not an option for them and they refuse to even try it. They say if the pain escalates and there is no help, they believe people will turn to illegal drugs.

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