CHARLOTTE -- Researchers in North Carolina are conducting a groundbreaking medical study to end the country's dependence on opioids.

OrthoCarolina and OrthoCarolina Research Institute is focusing on combining existing drugs and techniques already used for pain reduction to ultimately create 100% opioid-free, and addiction-free, pain management regimens.

Officials say the project is not meant to lead to any new drugs being developed, and should reduce healthcare costs.

“It's just a differing in culture and a differing in mentality that, there may not necessarily be a pill that has to be taken all the time,” Dr. Nady Hamid of OrthoCarolina said.

The study is expected to last about two years, and include more than 600 patients in medical facilities through Uptown Charlotte.