• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Crime / Courts / Schimel proud of progress in fighting opiate abuse

Schimel proud of progress in fighting opiate abuse

December 21, 2016 By Andrew Beckett

Attorney General Brad Schimel

Halfway through his first term in office, Wisconsin’s top cop says he’s proud of the progress made so far in the state’s fight against prescription drug abuse.

In an interview with WRN, Attorney General Brad Schimel said efforts to raise public awareness about opiate abuse are paying off, as shown by the turnout at prescription drug collection events held since he took office. During the four collection events, the state has collected more than 207,000 pounds of unused medications, putting it just behind California and Texas for the amount of drugs taken in for disposal.

“That tells me that every household in Wisconsin, or at least the majority…are getting it,” Schimel said. “They understand this message we’re delivering that 70 percent of the time when people begin abusing opiates, they didn’t get them from a doctor or a traditional drug dealer…they got them from a family member or a friend.”

Schimel credits the state’s “Dose of Reality” campaign for helping to raise public awareness. The campaign, through a strong online presence and advertising, has worked to spread the message about the dangers of opiate abuse, and how prescription drugs can be a gateway to heroin. About 80 percent of heroin abusers moved to the drug after becoming addicted to prescription painkillers.

Schimel said the issue is something he plans to continue to focus on over the next two years, as he prepares to seek reelection.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Crime / Courts, News



Featured Stories

House passed gun purchase background check bills last year with no support from Wisconsin Republicans

Future of abortion in Wisconsin hinges on SCOTUS ‘Roe’ decision

Juvenile arrested in connection with death of Lily Peters

Missing Chippewa Falls girl found dead, police seek suspect

Medical marijuana legislation gets public hearing at Capitol

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC

 

Loading Comments...