Issue Position: On the Opioid Epidemic

Issue Position

With regard to the opioid epidemic, it seems to be strongly related to the overuse of prescription drugs that are misused and over-prescribed. I support stronger control over the distribution of these drugs so that people cannot go from one doctor to another to get additional prescriptions. I think there may need to be more education around the dangers of these drugs. I also think there should be more options available to people who are dealing with addiction. We need to see this not as a character flaw but as a disease and treatment should be available to those imprisoned by addiction. Diminishing the stigma associated with substance abuse is a necessary step in helping us as a society to understand this is a chronic disease. I have great admiration for recovering addicts and their families who have had the courage to speak to this issue.

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