Opinion: Drug prevention, treatment, accountability

As a candidate for District Attorney General, I believe our community deserves a justice system that protects public safety while addressing the root causes of crime. Too many families have seen the devastating effects of drug addiction through broken homes, lost opportunities, crimes that threaten neighborhood safety, and deaths from drug abuse. We cannot arrest and prosecute our way out of addiction, but we also cannot ignore the harm it causes, that is why I support a balanced approach built on prevention, treatment, and accountability.

Prevention begins long before someone enters the criminal justice system. The choices children and young adults make are heavily influenced by what they see, hear, and experience in their homes, schools and communities. Prevention means supporting schools, families, and community organizations that educate young people about the dangers of drug use while providing positive opportunities, mentorship, and healthy outlets.

As District Attorney for 16 years, I regularly visited schools and spoke with students about the consequences of drug use. Those conversations reinforced an important lesson: people often live what they learn. When young people grow up in environments that promote healthy habits, accountability, and strong support systems, they are more likely to make positive decisions.

Drug abuse prevention and a healthy environment go hand in hand. Prevention means fostering communities where young people are surrounded by positive influences, mental health support, mentoring programs, and adults who lead by example. Early intervention, family involvement, and collaboration among schools, community leaders, and law enforcement are essential to stop substance abuse before it starts. For young people exposed to drug use at home, a trusted teacher, coach, counselor, faith leader, or other caring adult can provide the guidance and support needed to help them make different choices.

Prevention also requires leadership beyond the local level. During my tenure as District Attorney, I worked with state leaders to help remove dangerous, unregulated “gas station drugs,” such as ZaZa products, from our communities. Effective prevention demands active involvement in supporting legislation that addresses emerging drug threats before they take a deeper hold.

Treatment is equally important. Many families have witnessed the impact of addiction firsthand. Repeat offenses are often driven by untreated addiction, which is why treatment is essential to breaking the cycle. Nonviolent individuals who are ready to get help need access to treatment programs and recovery resources that address the root causes of addiction and provide a path toward restoring their lives.

Programs such as the Adult Recovery Court play an important role by holding individuals accountable while giving them the tools to rebuild their lives. For 16 years, I was involved in the Adult Recovery Court as a prosecutor and witnessed people overcome addiction, reunite with their families, find employment, and restore their sense of purpose.

Recovery is rarely accomplished alone. Counseling services, faith-based programs, recovery groups, mentors, and support from family and friends help individuals stay on the path to sobriety. When people receive the treatment and encouragement they need, families are strengthened, lives are restored, and the entire community becomes safer.

While prevention and treatment are important, accountability remains critical. When help is available and individuals choose to reject those opportunities, deal dangerous drugs, and profit from the addiction and suffering of others, they must face serious consequences.

Dangerous drug dealers who are poisoning our neighborhoods, and contributing to overdose deaths, should expect to go to prison. During my tenure as District Attorney, my office aggressively prosecuted violent criminals and major drug traffickers while working to ensure fair and consistent sentences. Prevention and treatment help save lives, but for those who choose to profit from addiction and repeatedly endanger others, accountability remains a necessary part of keeping our community safe.

Public safety and compassion are not competing values; they are both essential to building a stronger community. During my 16 years as District Attorney General, I worked to educate, prevent, and prosecute drug-related offenses because I understand the toll addiction and crime take on families and neighborhoods. I remain committed to an approach that combines prevention, treatment, and accountability. By confronting drug abuse, supporting recovery, and holding offenders responsible for their actions, we can reduce crime, strengthen our community, and keep our families safe.

Please vote for Lisa Zavogiannis for District Attorney General on Aug. 6, 2026.

Paid for by the committee to elect Lisa Zavogiannis for District Attorney, Jana Wilson Rinngeman Treasurer.