Peddling Poison

No community is immune from the destruction of drugs. According to data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the number of heroin-related deaths in Connecticut has been increasing in recent years. As we watch communities around us suffer dire consequences, we must take steps to help stop heroin and other deadly drugs from destroying the lives of our family and friends.

As a member of both the General Assembly’s Public Health and Judiciary Committees, I have been proactive in my approach in addressing this issue. I have consulted with our first responders, hospital staff and administrators, as well as those struggling with addiction in order to formulate solutions.

My first proposal echoes what I’ve been fighting for in Hartford since I was first elected – holding drug dealers responsible for the poison they peddle. We need to hold drug dealers liable for the sale of drugs that result in the death of the person who purchased the drugs. The second proposal will hold those people accountable for knowingly allowing access by another person to prescription drugs that are controlled substances. The third proposal would increase penalties for dealing synthetic drugs. Additionally, I’ve proposed to make warnings on opiates more visible. Too often people with opiate addictions start off taking prescription medication for legitimate uses, but are unaware of their addicting qualities and are unable to break their dependency.

Legislation cannot prevent every tragedy. I believe, however, that these proposals, along with support services for those struggling to recover from their addictions, and enhancements to Connecticut’s prescription monitoring program, will save lives.