Wayne Stenehjem on Drugs

Warn of dangers of new opioid drugs; but help addicts too

Stenehjem: Addressing this crisis is a key priority for me. Addressing the acute shortage of licensed treatment professionals for substance abuse and mental illness is the core of the plan. A state-wide public awareness campaign is also part of my plan. We need to put a face on the heroin and opioid epidemic. Both school-age children and adults should be warned of the dangers of new powerful drugs invading North Dakota. These drugs are killing people and we must be communicating the hazards. The funding for this program will come from prison reform. We need to reduce corrections spending and reinvest the savings into strategies that reduce recidivism and increase public safety. We still need to lock up the bad guys but we can do a better job helping good people that suffer from addiction problems and mental health issues.

Marijuana has no positives

Stenehjem said he's spoken to attorney generals in other states where marijuana has been legalized and didn't see any positives, vowing to vote against it. "North Dakota will not be healthier or safer," Stenehjem said.

Make drug enforcement a priority

Since taking office Wayne has:
• Made drug enforcement a priority, proposing legislation to developing a drug enforcement initiative which coordinates law enforcement, health and human service agencies, and as well as addiction counseling, youth education, and stronger penalties for offenders.
• Worked to enact and enforce legislation to curb methamphetamine (meth) use and addiction in the state by restricting retail sales of certain products used to manufacture meth, to provide mandatory treatment for drug offenders, and increase criminal penalties for drug offenders.
• Established a sobriety pilot program to keep repeat drunk drivers from drinking and driving. Under the 24/7 Sobriety pilot program, repeat DUI offenders in the program area are ordered to complete breath alcohol testing twice a day as a condition of bond.
• Established, in 2010, the RX TAKE BACK Program, to provide a safe and secure way for residents to dispose of unwanted medications at no cost.