EPISODE 091826

EPISODE 091826

Curious about how law and recovery can work together rather than against each other? This episode of Clean and Sober Radio brings that question straight into focus with Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele joining host Gary Hendler and co-host Mark Sigmund. Kevin talks through what his office actually does, explaining that he’s "statutorily called the chief law enforcement officer" and works with 70 prosecutors and a large detective unit.

But this isn’t just courtroom talk; it’s about how addiction shows up behind almost every kind of crime, and what can realistically be done about it. You’ll hear Kevin draw a sharp line between people struggling with substance use and those making money from their pain.

As he puts it, "If you're doing this purely for greed and you know what you're doing to people by selling them poison, we're coming for you." At the same time, he stresses that "we know we can't incarcerate out of this problem," highlighting diversion courts, behavioural health initiatives, veterans’ court, and second-chance programmes for those who genuinely need treatment rather than a prison cell.

The conversation gets very current when they talk about unregulated drugs being sold in gas stations and smoke shops, the rise of designer opioids, and the frightening reality that some of these products respond to naloxone, just like heroin and fentanyl. Kevin outlines how his office is using existing laws to put shops on notice and push for stronger controls, especially where vulnerable people and young people are being targeted.

There’s also practical, everyday advice: clear out old prescriptions, use drug take-back boxes at police stations, and treat medicine cabinets as potential risk zones, not harmless storage. If you’ve ever wondered how justice, compassion, and recovery can share the same table, this conversation might give you a fresh angle to think about – where do you think accountability should end and support begin?